Wantagh Community Meets New School District Leaders

The Wantagh community had a chance to meet two new school district leaders Monday night during an informal gathering at

A meet and greet with Wantagh’s Interim Superintendent of Schools , and Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Dr. Maureen Appiarius was hosted by the Board of Education inside the south cafeteria. Dr. Marsh, who has served more than 40 years in public education including as superintendent in the Bethpage School District, began his duties in Wantagh on Monday. Dr. Appiarius officially becomes Wantagh’s new curriculum chief on Oct. 3.

Dr. Marsh, who is filling in for Dr. Lydia Begley after she resigned for an with Nassau BOCES, said during Monday evening’s meet and greet that he is excited about entering a district as solidly positioned as Wantagh with its strong academics and extracurricular offerings.

“It is an excellent school district to begin so I just want to make sure it continues to grow,” said Dr. Marsh, who met with Dr. Begley twice last week as part of his transition to taking over the superintendent duties.

Dr. Marsh retired as Bethpage superintendent in June 2009. He recently completed a six-month stint as interim superintendent with the Valley Stream Central High School District.

Dr. Appiarius was previously Assistant Principal at Jericho High School and served as the district's kindergarten through 12th grade coordinator. She replaces Patricia Krizan, who in early August to take a position with Rockland County BOCES as supervisor of instructional Services.

“My first goal is to listen intently to the needs of the children, faculty and community,” said Dr. Appiarius at Monday’s meet and greet session. “The people here care so deeply about quality education.”