Above, the new West Islip School Board poses for a group shot, left to right, Standing, Michael Zotto, George Smith, Robert Ulrich, Scott Brady. Seated Ann Marie LaRosa, Steve Gellar and Sharon Bieselin. The West Islip School Board swore in members, both new and old at its reorganizational meeting two weeks ago, and also gave a formal welcome to the district's new superintendent. Rich Simon of Cold Spring Harbor is scheduled to assume the post of Superintendent Beth Blau who retires this week.

The board welcomed newly elected trustee Scott Brady while trustees Steve Geller and Annmarie LaRosa were unanimously reelected as president and vice president, respectfully.

Simon has been working in the district as acting superintendent. He's been meeting with students, staff and residents and announced that he is looking for input and ideas from the community. He is holding open offices hours Mon., Aug. 2 from 3 to 5 p.m.; Tues., Aug. 3 from 10 a.m. to noon and Wed., Aug. 4 from 7 to 9 p.m.

Superintendent of Schools Richard Simon, right is sworn in. "I am honored to have been selected as your new superintendent and to be joining a great school system and community," he told residents in a letter. " Over the next few weeks I intend to listen and learn a lot about West Islip. With your help, I hope to develop a comprehensive picture of where West Islip has been, is, and, most importantly, hopes to go...By reaching out to all constituents and interest groups and by working collaboratively, I believe we can continue to make school a positive experience for every child."

The board of education made a good decision to build in some overlap, said Simon. "Dr. Blau has been here for for many years and I can learn many things from her."

Newcomer Brady, who graduated from the district and is a father of four, unseated trustee Eliot Bloom for his seat in May, 1,550 to 1,029 votes. The retired New York City Police Sergeant, just beginning his three-year term acknowledges the learning curve.

"As a new board member I know there will be some things I will have to learn," he said. "Hopefully there will be things I can get involved with right away."

Rounding out the seven-member school board are members Sharon Bieselin, George Smith, Robert Ulrich and Michael Zotto who got down to business appointing members to different board committees and making up the 2010/2011 schedules.

At that same meeting, the new superintendent was in attendance.

"I think the board of education made a good decision to build in some overlap," said Simon who came from the Cold Spring Harbor School District. "Dr. Blau has been here for for many years and I can learn many things from her."

Upcoming meetings will be held at 8 p.m. on Tues., Aug. 12 and Tues., Sept. 16 at the West Islip High School.