Coonan Resigns From Malverne School Board

Nearly one year after he won a on the Malverne school board, Trustee Dr. Patrick Coonan has decided to resign.

Board President Danielle Hopkins announced in a press release Monday that District Clerk Lisa Ridley has received Coonan's resignation, effective April 6, 2012. 

"I have enjoyed my time on the board, but have decided that I will no longer be able to devote the necessary time," Coonan told Patch Monday. "My professional obligations have changed, requiring much more commitment to them."

In addition to serving as the dean of the School of Nursing at Adelphi University, Coonan explained that he'll be taking on another role, acting director of the Center for Health Innovation. 

Hopkins stated that the Board of Education will hold a special meeting on April 11, at which time she will request that the board move into executive session for the purpose of obtaining legal counsel regarding the board’s options. They will discuss whether this new vacancy can be placed on the ballot for the May 15 annual district election.

In the event that this option is legally permissible and the board chooses to take this route, community residents interested in running for the vacant seat would have until 5 p.m. on April 16 to submit nominating petitions to the District Clerk’s office. All nominating petitions must contain a minimum of 29 signatures of qualified voters of the Malverne school district.

Coonan, a lifelong resident and graduate of the Malverne school district, served on the board for almost nine years. He was first elected in 1997, then again in 2007 and May 2011.

Following his re-election to the board last spring, Coonan reflected on his time thus far on the board in In it, he also apologized for, at times, coming off as "demeaning," admitting that his "passion sometimes gets in the way of patience," but promised to be a "better listener" going forward. He then announced that this would be his final term on the board, saying, "It’s time for others who are younger and have that vested interest of their children in our schools to take over."

He added, "My children are done and 30 years of parenting and involvement in public schools are over. The next generation needs to step up."

Come June, another long-time trustee, will also be stepping down from the board. Aker announced in March that she would not be running for re-election in May, retiring when her term ends in June. 

So far, the only person who has announced they will be running in the May election is Coach .