School Board President Receives Award

Outgoing Garden City School District School Board President Kenneth J. Monaghan holding his SCOPE Award with Superintendant Robert Feirsen.

Kenneth J. Monaghan, outgoing president of the Garden City Union Free School District Board of Education, is winner of the SCOPE Education Services 2008 Award for Excellence. Mr. Monaghan is retiring from the Board of Education after eight years of distinguished service.

Mr. Monaghan joined the Garden City School Board of Education in July 1999 and was elected president of that body by fellow board members in July 2001. During that time, he served the District with great distinction. During his tenure, transitions to two Superintendants were accomplished smoothly, five new Board trustees took their seats, an extensive bond project involving alterations and additions at each of the District's seven schools was completed, and key administrators were hired for central office, building, and curriculum leadership positions. Mr. Monaghan's tenure on the Board also witnessed the introduction of full day kindergarten, the revitalization of the science research program, the implementation of innovative, inclusive programs for students with learning differences, the addition of numerous Advanced Placement courses and the installation of an artificial turf field that expands athletic opportunities for district students and the community.

"In many organizations, changes of such magnitude might slow the pace of progress," Superintendant Robert Feirsen, Ed.D,. said. "Under Mr. Monaghan's leadership, however, the District has remained true to its mission statement and unwavering in its commitment first and foremost to promoting student growth in its many dimensions." Dr. Feirsen also praised Mr. Monaghan's expertise in financial matters, which, he said, "ensured that the district remained on firm financial footing and exercised the fiscal prudence and sound practices expected by the community."

Prior to serving on the Board of Education, Mr. Monahgan was a member of the Ad Hoc Citizen's Advisory Committee to the School Board, which revamped the plans and budget for a $38 million school construction bond later approved by voters. In 1999, the Garden City Chamber of Commerce honored the Ad Hoc Committee members as Citizens of the Year for their work. In 1994, Mr. Monaghan served as the School District's ad hoc demographics committee, which analyzed future space needs of the school system. The Hemlock School was reopened and planning began for school reconstruction and space additions as a result of the committee's work.

"Mr. Monaghan has been an outstanding ambassador for the school district," Dr. Feirsen said. "His statesmanlike presence and his extraordinary problem solving abilities have been great assets to Garden City, and his presence on the Board will be greatly missed."