Video: BOE Bids Farewell to Trustee Bouza

After six years on the Glen Cove Board of Education, trustee Frank Bouza is retiring.

Bouza – who formerly worked as district director of buildings and grants for over 20 years – said goodbye during his final meeting at Monday night.

"He is very well respected in the community," said board trustee Gail Nedbor-Gross. "His daughter teaches in the district; his grandchildren are here in the district. He's just very dedicated to the district in a fair and honest way."

Thirteen-year resident Barrie Dratch – who was elected to the board on May 17– will succeed Bouza.

Ida McQuair – whose term as board president expired Monday night – teared up as she spoke of Bouza's impact on the district.

"Frankie represents everything great about being a board member," said McQuair. "He loved this district and he loved the community."

Superintendent Dr. Joseph Laria said that while he only knew Bouza for one year, he believed the board member to be one of the most "sincere, devoted trustees" he's worked with in his 33-year career in education.

Bouza spoke briefly to the community: "You backed me up for six years," he said.