Great Neck Public School Board President Berkowitz honored

Barbara Berkowitz, president of the Great Neck Board of Education, has been honored by Senator Anna M. Kaplan as a recipient of the 2020 New York State Senate Commendation Award.

Senator Kaplan hosted a virtual reception for award recipients and their guests via Zoom on Oct. 13, where she recognized “exceptional individuals who have shown extraordinary dedication and made lasting contributions to the community.”

“The New York State Senate Commendation Award is one of the highest honors that I as Senator can present, and it is reserved for a select few individuals each year whose exceptional work to support the community merits this level of recognition,” said Senator Anna M. Kaplan. “This year’s recipients from the 7th District represent the best and brightest of our community, and it’s my absolute privilege to give them the recognition they deserve.”

Ms. Berkowitz was first appointed to the Great Neck Board of Education in 1992, and she is currently serving her ninth term on the Board. Ms. Berkowitz is the longest consecutively serving president of the Board of Education, a position she has held since 2006. She also served as vice president of the Board from 2000-2003.

Prior to volunteering her time as a Board trustee, Ms. Berkowitz contributed to the GNPS community through other various school associations and committees. She served as a member and executive board officer for the E.M. Baker School Parent Teacher Association (PTA); a member and budget chairperson for United Parent-Teacher Council (UPTC); and a member of Shared Decision-Making Committees at both Baker School and North Middle School.