Plainview-Old Bethpage board elects leadership, approves teacher contracts and tax levy

The Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District Board of Education on July 1 completed organizational business, installed new board leadership, approved multiple personnel appointments and contract actions, and adopted the district’s 2026–27 tax levy.

At the organizational portion of the meeting Dr. Mary O’Meara was elected temporary chair to open the session. The board then nominated and elected Seth Greenberg as board president; Greenberg recited the oath of office and assumed the position. The board also appointed Gary Bittan as vice president, Jean Eiler as district clerk and Michael Kearns as district treasurer for the 2026–27 school year.

The board approved appointments to standing committees and trusteeships: Jared Gerke, Seth Greenberg and Ginger Lieberman were named trustees for the welfare fund, and the audit committee will include Gary Bittan, Jared Gerke and Tara Rock, with community members Mark Hamarin and Barbara Goldstein. The firm H2M Architects & Engineers was appointed district architect for 2026–27.

Under new business the board approved several memoranda of agreement with the Plainview Congress of Teachers and its affiliated units for the term July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2031. Debbie Riviezzo, president of the Plainview Congress of Teachers, told the board she appreciated the district’s negotiating team and said the contract completion allows teachers to begin the year knowing their contract is settled: "Although negotiations is not always an easy process, we appreciate the board's willingness and the willingness of central administration to work with the PCT so that we were able to achieve this contract," she said.

The board also approved a consultant agreement for James Murray, additional hours for an EMT certification course facilitator, and a summer literacy program that authorizes up to 24 hours of summer work for teacher staff from July 2 through Aug. 31, 2026.

The board accepted a corrective action plan related to an updated risk assessment and internal audit report, and it approved the 2026–27 tax levy for the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District and the Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library by voice vote.

The meeting closed after routine business and staff introductions; the board adjourned and wished the community a good summer.

Next steps: several appointments are effective for the 2026–27 school year; bargaining agreements run July 1, 2026–June 30, 2031; the district will post the safety plan for comment and return to the board for final approval in August.