The Members of the Board of Education
Dominick Vulpis, BOE President
516-650-9644
Dominick Vulpis was first elected to the Board of Education in 2018. He holds a certificate in education administration from the College of Staten Island, a Master of Science degree in physiology of exercise from Queens College and a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education from Brooklyn College.
Mr. Vulpis is assistant executive director for Section VIII Athletics servicing all Nassau County school districts. Prior to retaining that position, he was as an educator for 39 years, including serving as the East Rockaway School District athletic director for 22 years. In his role as a Board member, Mr. Vulpis looks forward to continuing to increase opportunities that foster academic, social and emotional achievement for all students. He realizes the importance of the continued use of technology inside and outside the classroom to propel student learning. He is also committed to working with community stakeholders in a transparent environment that will foster family and community engagement and promote social and emotional learning.
Mr. Vulpis is very active in the East Rockaway community. He’s a member of East Rockaway Recreation, Kiwanis Club and Knights of Columbus. In addition, he is a parishioner at St. Raymond’s Church and serves as a eucharistic minister. He also participates in the district’s Prevention Task Force, Health & Safety Committee and helped author its NARCAN policy.
Mr. Vuplis and his wife Kathleen have lived in East Rockaway since 2002. The pair has been married for 36 years. They have three children, Dominick, Kerrianne and Marykate, all of whom graduated from the East Rockaway School District.
Peter McNally, BOE Vice President
Peter McNally was first elected to the Board of Education in 2019. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education, a Master of Science degree in educational technology and a professional certificate in educational leadership and administration, all from LIU Post. Mr. McNally has been a technology education teacher for the past 18 years. He currently works in the Lynbrook School District, where he is the head track and field coach as well as the cross-country coach. Mr. McNally feels that a school board member should be a good listener and put the needs of the students above everything. He wholeheartedly feels that every stakeholder needs to be treated with kindness and respect and show the same towards others. When that happens, true positive change that benefits our children can take place. Mr. McNally is an avid runner, golfer and tennis player. He resides in East Rockaway with his wife and two children, who attend East Rockaway schools.
Dineen Cilluffo, BOE Trustee
Dineen Cilluffo was elected as a Board member in May 2023 for a three-year term beginning July 11, 2023.
A graduate of Forest Hills High School, she and her family have been East Rockaway residents since 1997. Her children are all East Rockaway graduates: Gianna, Class of 2013; Alexandra, Class of 2015 and Stefano, Class of 2019.
With three children attending East Rockaway schools, Ms. Cilluffo was always willing to lend support, dedicating her time as a class parent and serving as president of the East Rockaway booster club for five years. She has also volunteered her time as a Girl Scout leader and religion teacher and devoted countless hours supporting school fundraisers and community events. In 2005, looking for new opportunities to support East Rockaway schools, she began working at Centre Avenue School in the cafeteria, a job that she enjoyed for seven years.
In 2012 Ms. Cilluffo embarked on a career in the not-for-profit sector. She recently changed careers, but her passion for community service is stronger than ever, inspiring her to run for a seat on the Board. She feels teaching children to give back to the community is one of life’s most important lessons and plans to lead by example in her new role and to serve as a tireless advocate for our students.
Ms. Cilluffo believes her ability to see things from all perspectives and motivation to find solutions will guide her in making important and impactful decisions as a Board member. Her goal is to put students first and to create an atmosphere where all community members can be heard.
Aspasia "Ozzie" Lonergan, BOE Trustee
Aspasia Lonergan, better known as Ozzie, was elected to the Board of Education in May 2023.
Ms.
Lonergan and her husband Ricky are both graduates of East Rockaway
Jr./Sr. High School, Class of 1988. While a student, she attended BOCES
programming earning her a degree in medical assisting. After high
school, Ms. Lonergan continued her education at Nassau Community College
and, upon graduation, began a career in nursing.
Having
cherished the pride and opportunities presented to her in East
Rockaway, Ms. Lonergan wanted her children to experience the traditions
she had. She and Ricky raised their four children, Tyler, Demi, Malena
and Shane, in East Rockaway, with the last graduating in 2023.
During
her time as a “school mom”, Ms. Lonergan dedicated countless hours
volunteering and supporting fundraisers and events that benefitting both
the school and the community. It was through this experience that she
has gathered a passion for the system and developed ideas to strengthen
it for the benefit of our students and for all East Rockaway residents.
Ms.
Lonergan is extremely passionate about advocating for mental health and
the students in our school system. She is hopeful to be a positive
voice for the community by listening and championing for them.
Joseph Kilgus, BOE Trustee
At the December 12, 2023 meeting, Joseph Kilgus was appointed to fill the trustee vacancy on the Board of Education. Mr. Kilgus previously served a three-year term as a board trustee from 2020-2023.
Mr. Kilgus is an East Rockaway Jr./Sr. High School Class of 2001 alumnus and holds an associate degree from SUNY Empire State College, graduating in 2006. Within the same year, he also completed his apprentice training from the Harry Van Arsdale Jr. School for Labor Studies. Mr. Kilgus has been a member of the Local Union No. 3 for 19 years, where he works as a superintendent. His day-to-day leadership responsibilities, along with his mindset in creative thinking, teamwork and problem-solving are all skills that make him a good asset as a Board member. His goals include helping lower the tax burden by doing more with less and to assist in the continuation of a safe and secure environment for the schools.
As a lifelong East Rockaway resident and a volunteer coach for the East Rockaway Raiders Football program, Mr. Kilgus is proud to be part of the community and considers serving on the Board as a way of giving back.
Mr. Kilgus and his wife live in East Rockaway with their three children who attend East Rockaway schools.
Nereyda Amaya-Moran, District Clerk
887-8300 ext. 433