April 24, 2026

Dear Garden City School Community,

I am pleased to share several important updates following our April 22 Board of Education meeting, along with a broader update on our schools and ongoing work across the district.

At its meeting, the Board of Education appointed Ms. Jacqueline Rehak as Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance, Ms. Lauren Quezada as Principal of Homestead School, and Ms. Lindsay Ward as Principal of Hemlock School.

Ms. Rehak joins Garden City with extensive experience in school finance and operations, having served as Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations in the Rockville Centre School District and previously as Assistant Superintendent for Business in the North Bellmore School District. Across both roles, she oversaw all district business affairs, including budget development, financial analysis, and the supervision of business office functions, as well as facilities, transportation, and food services. She also brings valuable experience in bond planning and capital project oversight.

Ms. Quezada returns to Garden City after serving as principal of Floral Park-Bellerose School, where she led a pre-K through grade 6 building with a strong focus on school operations, safety, and instructional systems. She strengthened MTSS structures, supported staff leadership, and built strong partnerships with families and the PTA. Many in our community will also remember her from her time as assistant principal at Stratford Avenue School.

Ms. Ward has taught at Stratford Avenue School for the past six years, including four years in second grade and two years in fourth grade.   During this time, she has led key instructional initiatives, including literacy curriculum development, professional learning, and job embedded coaching.  Her experience, combined with her commitment to students and colleagues, will serve her well in this new leadership role.

We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Rehak, Ms. Quezada, and Ms. Ward into their new roles. Each brings a strong record of leadership, deep experience, and a clear commitment to our students and staff.

As we move further into the spring, I would also like to provide an update on the proposed 2026–2027 school budget, which was adopted by the Board of Education this week. The proposed budget totals $142,385,117, representing a 3.36% increase, with a projected tax levy increase of 2.98%, which is at the allowable cap. 

This budget reflects a continued focus on maintaining strong academic programs and supporting the needs of our students.  Information on the budget can be found here:  Garden City Public Schools - Budget Information Home

A few additional updates:

• Schools will be open on May 22. 
• Our athletic fields, including our newly completed fields, are open and in full use. It has been wonderful to see our students and coaches utilizing these spaces, and their feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. 
• Construction on the high school fitness center is progressing nicely, and we look forward to sharing further updates as the work advances. 
• Spring concerts begin next week with the middle and high school.

This time of year is always special in our schools. There is a sense of momentum, pride, and excitement as we see the growth of our students reflected in classrooms, on our fields, and throughout the community. Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Have a wonderful weekend.

Sincerely,

Kusum

Kusum Sinha, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools