Board recognizes Nassau County legislator after $200,000 grant for vaping prevention

The Great Neck Union Free School District Board of Education formally recognized Nassau County Legislator Pillop during its meeting, thanking her for a grant the district will use to help address vaping and related substance-use concerns among students.

"One of the things, that legislator Pillop was able to secure for our district, was grant funding totaling 200,000," Superintendent Dr. Bossert told the board and audience, noting the funds will support equipment and programs at the high school level and across the region.

Board members repeatedly thanked Legislator Pillop for her partnership and quick responses to district requests—one trustee cited the legislator’s role in addressing a request for a “no turn on red” sign near a crossing guard post at JFK.

Legislator Pillop spoke to the audience about working with parents and educators, and stressed a collaborative approach to preventing youth vaping. "Vaping is is really a bad thing and it's not a secret...our kids is our priorities, and the only way we can fight of any type of vaping is really by working together," she said.

The board presented a certificate of appreciation and invited the Great Neck South High School Choir to perform an additional selection; administrators presented a certificate intended to hang in the choir classroom. Board members and administrators praised the students’ performances and acknowledged the role of staff and parents in supporting student events.

The recognition and grant announcement were part of a broader set of routine agenda items the board approved later in the meeting.