_______ Malverne/West HeMpstead ______
HERALD Also serving Lakeview
Arbor Day remembrance
Protecting at-risk children
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Vol. 33 No. 18
APRIl 30 - MAY 6, 2026
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Board of Ed candidates run for open seats school board. … I will always care about the success of our schools, and wish the district Ahead of the May 19 school continued growth and achievebudget votes and Board of Edu- ment.” Ronquillo, a resident of cation elections, new candidates in both Malver ne and North Lynbrook for 18 years, has been a specialWe s t H e m p s t e a d education teacher announced that of both Englishthey were running and Spanish-speakfor school board. S a n dy Ro n q u i l l o ing elementary and announced her canmiddle-school studidacy in Malverne dents, as well as an on April 15, and individualized eduGeorge Damanis cation program announced on April coordinator, in the 20 that he was a Malverne district, candidate in West She has also served Hempstead. on a number of district PTAs. Malverne “I’ve served in Ronquillo is run- GEoRGE DAMANIs the roles of Vice ning unopposed for School Board President for Davithe seat left open by candidate, son Avenue PTA as L a u r a B e l l a m y - West Hempstead well as Central Av v i n t i , wh o i s Council Dele gate leaving the Board for Maurice W of Education after eight years. Downing PTA and Howard T “My children have graduat- Herber PTA,” she said. “I am ed from the school district, and currently serving as the MalI feel this is the perfect time for verne Central Council of PTAs me to step aside and focus on President.” my family and professional Ronquillo said has a deep commitments,” Bellamy-Avvin- connection with the district ti wrote in a statement. “I am and her community, which she deeply appreciative of the expe- cites as her motivation for runriences and relationships that I ning for the school board. “The built during my time on the Continued on page 2
By NoAH PERETZ
nperetz@liherald.com
A
Tim Baker/Herald
Honoring civic service Knight of Columbus chapter 2228 recognized first responders and other community members on Sunday. Ex-Chief John V. Obanheim, left, Woman of the Year winner Joan Hylan, Det. Michael J. Herbert, and Man of the Year winner Fr. Jim Stachacz. Story, more photos, Page 10.
Lakeview Library historical designation project continues By NoAH PERETZ nperetz@liherald.com
An effort by Davison Avenue Intermediate School social worker Martine Laventure and the Davison Avenue Ambassadors to have Lakeview Public Library designated as a state historical landmark has made significant progress in recent weeks. The Library, the for mer Woodfield Road School, will mark the 61st anniversary of its role in civil rights history next month: On May 12, 1965, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led a march from Rockville Centre to Lakeview, organized by the Lakeview chapter of the NAACP,
which ended at the school. Laventure and the Ambassadors, a children’s civic learning and advocacy group, have interviewed a number of children of significant figures in the New York civil rights movement in the 1960s. One of those they talked with was Michele Reed, the daughter of Rener Reed, a key figure in the campaign to integrate the Malverne school district and a member of the Lakeview NAACP. “[Reed] was involved in getting Martin Luther King here, fighting for busing equality,” Laventure said, “and was part of the reason why the Princeton Plan was instituted in the Malverne Continued on page 20
leader doesn’t attempt to apply influence or leverage just because they can.