Lynbrook school board names interim superintendent

The Lynbrook board of education has unanimously appointed Assistant Superintendent for Business Melissa Burak as interim superintendent.

The board convened a special meeting this past Wednesday to make the immediate appointment. Burak replaced Santo J. Barbarino, who died on Aug. 27.

“There are no words to adequately describe the tremendous loss and deep sadness we have all felt over the sudden loss of our beloved Superintendent of Schools Dr. Santo Barbarino,” board president Catherine Papandrew said in a statement.

“Dr. Barbarino was a visionary educational leader whose No. 1 priority was always what was best for our students.”

Barbarino, 67,  had previously expressed his intention to retire in June 2013, but his passing accelerated the search for his replacement, officials said.

“Please know that it is our intention to have the community involved in this search process,” Papandrew said in the statement. “We will keep you informed about the ways in which you can express your opinions and participate in this search process.”

Over the next several weeks, the board will consider recommendations for short- and long-term plans to honor Barbarino. For more information, contact district clerk Elizabeth Mueller at emueller@lynbrook.k12.ny.us.

Photo: Lynbrook High School