Compiled by Sam Desmond

BAYPORT-BLUE POINT

Two seats are open on the Bayport-Blue Point school board. Each candidate is running unopposed.

Mallory Dougherty (unopposed)

Mallory Dougherty, a “proud resident of Blue Point” since 2020, had made it her mission to raise her young family in this “charming community” after being introduced to the area in 2009 after meeting her future husband.

She quickly fell in love with its “tranquil atmosphere and close-knit vibe.”
Dougherty lives with her husband, a lifelong resident of Blue Point, her two daughters, Reese and Brynn, and her beagle, Sydney.

Dougherty is a fifth-grade teacher and has been teaching for over 10 years. She is also in the process of obtaining a post-master’s Advanced Certificate in Educational Leadership at Stony Brook University.

Dougherty enjoys cheering Reese on at her soccer games, walking in her neighborhood with her family, and doing DIY projects around the house. 

“I am extremely proud of the diligent efforts of the current board of education trustees and am excited to become a part of this amazing team of community members,” said Dougherty of her candidacy, “As a trustee, I would like to highlight the importance of transitioning to a new reading and writing curriculum at the elementary level that aligns with research-based practices. While the current curriculum may be effective for some students, in my experience, it does not consistently meet the needs of all students. As a trustee, I will be committed to ensuring the success of all students in Bayport-Blue Point. Implementing this change can have a profoundly positive impact on our students, and its effects will extend into secondary education (and beyond). Of course, a transition like this should be approached with careful consideration and include stakeholder input.
Overall, I seek to continue the incredible work of the board and am excited to give back to this amazing community.”

Paul Wright (unopposed)

Paul Wright has been a Blue Point resident since 2009. He is the father of a ninth-grade daughter who is a student currently studying at Bayport High School. Wright is retired, and is married to Barbara, who teaches fourth grade in South Huntington School District. Wright’s background is in financial services, having spent his working life in the industry. Wright has two older children, who are now grown up and live in England. Previously, Wright has served as a school governor, various BBP PTA board posts, and chairman of a local Christian School. Wright was also a director of the Princes Trust charity, Caring for Carers.

Wright’s hobbies and interests include gardening, travel, family pursuits and playing piano.

“I have always taken a keen interest in my children’s education and believe that if you truly want to make any impact, you have to be involved.

I believe in the delivery and improvement of an excellent academic education in the Bayport-Blue Point District, in tandem with prudent fiscal accountability,” said Wright.

CONNETQUOT

The Connetquot School District holds school board elections at large, i.e., the candidates with the most number of votes wins. For the 2024 election, there are two open seats on the board, therefore the two candidates who receive the greatest number of votes will be elected.

Brian Burger

For the last decade, Brian Burger has called Oakdale his home.

While attending Briarcliffe College, Burger began his career in information technology and financial services, where he has remained for over twenty years.

Burger’s wife is a teacher’s aide, his daughter is a Connetquot graduate; and his son is an elementary T-Bird.

“Having a son who has special needs, I am very familiar with students with individual education plans (IEPs). I have been a strong advocate for my children. I hope to be the same for yours. I love being part of a team, managing budgets, negotiating contractual agreements, and working through complex issues to find solutions. I believe that my experience as an executive can only aid me in being a successful board member,” said Burger of his experience with in the school district with a special needs child.

Burger is actively involved in multiple PTA’s and local Civic Associations.

“I am devoted to serving you, our children, schools, and community in a professional manner,” said Burger.

“When elected as a trustee for the Connetquot Board of Education, I will foster a positive school climate, promote academic achievement, and build strong relationships with the community. Bringing forth much needed professionalism, I intend to uphold ethical principles and prioritize the needs of students while balancing the responsibilities of the taxpayers,” said Burger.

Burger said he believed schools “should be centers of learning where students are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for a brighter future” and that he was “dedicated to fostering an educational environment that prioritizes college preparedness, career readiness, and that provides support for our special-needs students.”

“Public education should remain academic and focused on the subjects needed for each student’s path in life. I truly believe parents should be involved in their children’s education. A greater emphasis is needed on the programs Connetquot offers for students to learn a trade. The limited amount of space and lack of awareness of the programs have resulted in fewer graduates entering trades than those who are retiring from them. I also support the comprehensive athletic and arts programs that our district offers. Without them, many students would feel displaced,” said Burger.

“When students feel supported, they are more likely to engage in activities and develop positive relationships with their peers and teachers. By combining physical security measures and mental health resources, our schools can create environments where all students can thrive and reach their full potential. To achieve this, my plans prioritize creating an environment that offers every student a successful path forward,” said Burger.

“Lastly, but most importantly, I believe in a responsible budget. Times are becoming more

difficult with high inflation and the cost of living rising faster than wages. This situation is

coupled with decreased aid from the state, which only adds more weight to taxpayers’ backs. This is why I believe fiscal responsibility is so important. I will do everything that I can to ensure the needs of the students are met without expecting Connetquot taxpayers to continue to pay more and more,” said Burger.

Marissol Mallon

Current Board of Education trustee, Marissol Mallon, has been a Bohemia resident for 17 years and has three children, the oldest of which graduated from Connetquot two years ago. Mallon currently has a middle-schooler and high-schooler in the district.

Born and raised in Brentwood, Mallon attended Hofstra University where she received a bachelors degree of science in biochemistry. 

“I have always been actively involved in my children’s education and the various PTAs of the schools they attended,” said Mallon.

Characterizing her first term as BOE member as “challenging, rewarding, and a huge learning experience,” Mallon said then being elected to BOE president, made her take the board member ethics credo “to heart and refer to it frequently when presented with difficult questions, issues and/or decisions.”

“ I am proud to represent our amazing community and be the voice for all our

children,” said Mallon. “The 2024-2025 school budget proposal maintains the superior academic programs and services that Connetquot is known for. Unfortunately, due to the lack of increase in foundation aid from NYS, the district has been faced with the devastating reality of reducing staffing. This is a challenge that our administration, faculty and staff will face head-on in order to preserve the academic successes of our students.  As for class sizes, we need to establish something that is practical. While small class sizes would be ideal, in our current fiscal climate, they may not be feasible. I believe that clubs/cultural arts/athletics is also an important part of a child’s educational experience. We are extremely fortunate to have one of the best cultural arts programs on Long Island as well as a strong athletic program. I believe that every unit (unions, admin, BOE) should be a collaborative team with their main goal being to provide education to the whole child.”

Salvatore Napolitano

Salvatore Napolitano holds bachelor’s in business administration degree in finance and an masters of business administration degree in money and banking, both from Adelphi University.

Before retiring, Napolitano worked for 37 years at Citibank.

A 46-year resident of Connetquot with three daughters and four grandchildren who are graduates or currently attending school, Napolitano said, “They received a quality education and I want every student to have the same opportunity.”

For over 40 years, Napolitano has been with St Joseph’s CYO sports as a coach, volunteer, executive board trustee and for 16 years, was vice chairman of the organization.

Napolitano was a coach for a number of years for Lakeland Softball and Connetquot Youth Association.

For every school Napolitano’s children have attended, he has been a member of the requisite PTA. Currently, he is a member of CHS-PTA, RMS-PTA, SEPTA, Bohemia and Oakdale Civic Associations and the Oakdale Historical Society.

Napolitano is the founding member and President of the Greater Ronkonkoma Civic Association.

“Connetquot is having the same issues many other school districts are having—declining enrollment (6,251 students in 2012-2013 down to 5,196 as projected by BOCES). This is a loss of 1000-plus students from 10 years ago). State school aid is not able to keep up with inflation. Locally, companies are building rental apartments that receive tax breaks, but still use services like local fire department, police, streets and lighting and they are sending their children to Connetquot Schools. This is unsustainable. We have to work on this in a multi-layer approach,” said Napolitano.

Napolitano gave a five-step outline of what he would address as a BOE member:

First step: “’Learn to make better use of our limited tax dollars.”

Second step: “Figure out how to get the town to stop granting long tax abatements for rental apartment complexes. PILOT (Payments in Lieu of Taxes) must be curtailed. This is not even what you could call affordable housing.”

Third step: “A top-to-bottom audit of the number of staff and administration to compare what we had 10 years ago to the number we have now. We need to learn what additional services we are required to perform by NYS and how we can manage those additional services in order to maximize the support we give to students.”

Fourth step:  “We have to understand the family dynamic of our community. For single-parent households, where can these students go after school? How do we provide services for afterschool? Is there a way to grant honor students community service to be part of an after-school tutoring program. Do this while keeping the parents in the loop and in control.”

Fifth step: “We have to consider the taxpayers, including our senior citizens with children long gone from Connetquot schools. We have to maintain a budget increase under the cap to keep them financially secure. We will see some LI schools putting budgets up with tax increases above the CAP. We should get a reasonable read on how the public feels about absorbing those tax increases above the cap.” 

Melissa Torregrossa

Melissa Torregrossa is an emphatic “proud 2010 graduate of Connetquot.” Drawing on her first-hand experienced, she cited the “transformative power and influence that a Connetquot education has on shaping a student’s future” as part of her impetus to run for school board.

An active participant in the district’s Curriculum Committee and Drug and Alcohol Task Force, Torregrossa said she is “committed to holistic student and community development and well-being.”

“I am running for our board to give back to the community that has given me so much.   I am living proof of the way a Connetquot education can mold our students into capable, confident, and accomplished adults.  Unfortunately, in recent times I feel we have lost sight of this goal. While we have significant strengths to leverage, there’s also ample room for growth,” said Torregrossa.

“If elected, I aim to prioritize the enhancement of education quality without imposing personal or political agendas. My focus is on ensuring that every student has access to excellent education opportunities like I personally experienced in Connetquot, all while maintaining fiscal responsibility. As a Social Worker and a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor, I bring unique strengths that can greatly benefit our board, particularly in areas that require improvement. I will leverage my skillset to promote effective communication and proactive problem-solving rather than reactive measures. I will advocate for the expansion of existing programs that pave the way for students’ successful futures, such as the Beacon program, which allows students to earn college credit while in high school,” said Torregrossa.

Currently, Torregrossa works as a community liaison for a multi-state mental health care organization which she said, “grant me invaluable insights into the needs of both the adults and children of our communities. This role has further allowed me the opportunity to connect with many types of organizations that offer a variety of services that could help our community thrive further, often at little to no cost to those who use them.”

“I’m deeply invested in Connetquot’s future because I know our potential. I’m prepared to collaborate with all stakeholders for a brighter, promising tomorrow for our students and community, but we can only achieve it if we work together,” said Torregrossa.

SAYVILLE

There are three open Board of Education trustee seats open this year for Sayville. Katherine Van Dorn is running unopposed for the seat vacated by Carl Cangelosi. Kelly Sack is running for reelection against challenger, Teal Rizzo.

Desmond Megna and Kyle Valentine will be facing off for the seat previously vacated by John Verdone.

Katherine Van Dorn (unopposed)

Katherine Van Dorn is “proud to say I am a lifelong resident of the lovely community of Sayville.” 

Following Sayville High School, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and education from St. Joseph’s College and a master’s degree in literacy from Dowling College.

“My hardworking and compassionate son and daughter continue to benefit from the

outstanding education they received in the Sayville School District, as well as my eight nieces and nephews,” said Van Dorn.

“As a proud Sayville High School alumna, I was thrilled at the opportunity to return as a teacher of English. For the past 33 years, Sayville High School has been my home; working with and building lasting relationships with wonderful Sayville students has been a blessing in my life. For the past two years, I have also been the director of the Intercounty Teacher Resource Center, a consortium of 10 public school districts and four private schools. I enjoy family time, walks, the beach and Islanders games,” said Van Dorn.

As a Board member, Van Dorn said she “will welcome the honor to serve as a board of education trustee and represent neighbors and community members of Sayville School District. I will take the responsibility seriously and work in earnest to assure Sayville’s children receive the best education, greatest opportunities and caring support. Also important to me is the following: I will work to make certain the Sayville school community is one in which we are all accountable to each other for our best effort. Whether we be an administrator, teacher, or support staff, every decision must be guided by what is in the best interest of Sayville’s children. Next for me is fiscal responsibility and prudent use of all school district resources. It is important the board of education and administration work closely to make sure the community’s money is utilized to the greatest benefit of our students. Important, too, is clear and transparent communication regarding matters of community concern. Lastly, I want to make sure the caring, dedicated and hardworking professionals of the Sayville School District are appreciated and feel valued,” said Van Dorn.

Teal Rizzo (challenger, running against Kelly Sack)

A resident of Sayville for decades, candidate Teal Rizzo said, “My husband and I have been contributing residents and business owners in the Sayville School District community for 32 years.”

The parents of two Sayville graduates, Rizzo said she and her husband were “proud parents” of children who had gone on to be successful business owners in Sayville and Patchogue.

“We are anticipating the blessing of grandchildren in Sayville and in an immediate neighboring district.  We consider Cherry Avenue Elementary and the high school neighbors on our block, literally.  With excitement, we enjoy the sounds and traffic, as staff and students arrive to school, at dismissal and during district events.  Our district is in our hearts.  We are giving yet humble, and whether it be something extreme, such as the call of duty, as a 9/11 first responder, local volunteerism, community advocacy, or anonymous donations, we always support the community and people we love.  We have brought up our children in the same manner,” said Rizzo.

“My purpose in running for the Sayville Board of Education is to bring a new and different perspective to the board.  During the last 29 years and currently, I actively participate at board of education meetings, pertaining to all topics of education, funding and the budget process as well.  I have obtained a vast wealth of knowledge of our school district by reviewing meeting agendas, attending meetings, sitting on committees and researching, as a parent, resident and PTA member.   As a research analyst, with a background in law, finance, management and negotiations, I will promote a culture of excellence for all of our students, while researching ways to seek additional funding for our schools,” said Rizzo.

“I believe in creating a five-year plan, so that our community is aware of the academic and financial goals of our district.  I will be a strong advocate, working with all partners, state and local, to secure additional funding, so that community members, young and old, will have the ability to stay and afford to live here, while meeting expectations of excellent academic education and other paths our children choose, geared to the unique nature of each child,” said Rizzo.

As a board trustee, Rizzo said she would serve as “voice for all parents and community members.” 

“I will work tirelessly and collaboratively with all of our staff to foster a culture of excellence, where all students achieve the very best of their abilities. I hope to create an atmosphere where all are welcome at board meetings and where all points of view are valued.  Transparency is key to engaging discussion and making this possible.

We are in challenging times. I will work toward creating a safe and comfortable learning environment for our students and staff, which will incorporate both integrity and compassion, when making critical decisions, which affect the lives of our children, amazing staff and our incredible community,” said Rizzo.

“As a trustee. I will ask questions and encourage feedback.  I have the knowledge an courage to do what’s right, when difficult choices need to be made,” said Rizzo.

Kelly Sack (incumbent, running against Teal Rizzo)

Kelly Sack has been a resident of the Sayville School District for 21 years. She and her husband John are proud parents of two children, who currently attend Sayville Schools.

Sack earned a Bachelor of Health Sciences degree as well as a master’s degree in physical therapy from the University of Scranton. She has been a pediatric physical therapist for 24 years, working with children with special needs from birth to 18 years of age. Her career has been dedicated to “listening to parents’ hopes and dreams, as well as their needs and fears for their children.” She has “helped countless children to learn, grow and thrive over the past 24 years.”

In 2021 she joined the Sayville Board of Education to “continue helping parents and children in the same fashion.”

In her three years on the school board, including serving as the board vice president for the past year, Sack has learned how to “address the growing needs of the district” while also “being fiscally responsible to the community.” Sack said she “learned that it takes heart and courage to do what’s right for all students and that it takes a listening ear, the ability to communicate collaboratively, and the desire to see a bright future for the students of Sayville.”

Sack said she is “proud of the work” she has done to “advocate for students, teachers and her fellow parents.”

Going forward, Sack said she is “committed to continuing to serve the community of Sayville with integrity.”

“As a parent of children in the Sayville School District, who each day works directly with children and parents in my job, I understand how the decisions of the school board can impact every family in Sayville. This perspective, along with my experience on the board, and my willingness to work collaboratively and respectfully with my fellow trustees, has positioned me to best represent the people of Sayville and meet any challenges the school board may face head-on with an open mind,” said Sack.

Desmond Megna (running against Kyle Valentine)

Desmond Megna has been in the education field for close to two decades.

“I pride myself on being a teacher, coach, and mentor that the young people in the William Floyd School District can count on to lead and guide them through their time at Floyd and well beyond,” said Megna.

Megna currently serves at head coach of varsity lacrosse and assistant coach of soccer at William Floyd school district.

Megna said that despite the sports credentials, “It’s in the classroom where I am most at home.”

Currently, Megna teaches fifth grade at Moriches Elementary School, where he “believes my passion for both learning and teaching can bring a breath of fresh air to Sayville’s Board of Education. We live in a great town, with an amazing district that I want to see be the best it can be for my child as well as the entire student body both present and future.”

As a candidate for the board of education, Megna said he “firmly believes in empowering our educators to do what they do best: teach. Letting teachers teach means providing them with the support and resources they need to inspire and guide our students effectively. Additionally, I advocate for the importance of parental involvement and support in their children’s education. Parents play a crucial role in shaping their child’s academic journey, and they deserve to be partners in the educational process. Furthermore, I champion the idea of letting kids be kids, allowing them the space to explore, learn, and grow in a nurturing environment. As we strive to elevate Sayville’s educational standards, I am committed to implementing new programs that showcase the strengths of both our teachers and students, paving the way for innovative learning experiences. Transparency is key to fostering trust and collaboration within our community, and I am dedicated to improving communication and openness between the district and its residents. Together, we can propel Sayville to new heights educationally while ensuring that every child receives the support and opportunities they deserve.”

Kyle Valentine (running against Desmond Megna)

A Sayville resident for over 10 years and father of a six and two year old, Valentine said he is “proud” of his town.

Currently, Valentine serves as an assistant principal at a special education school in Suffolk County and previously worked as a special education teacher in secondary settings.

“One of my proudest professional accomplishments was launching a life-skills program, which enabled students with disabilities to return to their home district and interact with typically developing peers,” said Valentine.

“I would be proud to serve on the school board and give back to my community. My desire to give back to my community stems from working at and later managing my family’s small business, which relied on our neighbors’ patronage,” said Valentine.

While in college, Valentine described himself as an “active” student leader who served for five years on the alumni council.

Most recently, Valentine has served as a member of the board of directors for a special education preschool in Sayville.

“As a school board member, I believe that a shared vision is the cornerstone of any truly engaging and effective program,” said Valentine.

Valentine said that he will “promote success by facilitating the development, articulation, implementation, and stewardship of programs that are appealing to all stakeholders” as a board of education trustee. 

“My experience as a member of the board of directors for a local non for provide special education preschool and observation over the past six years from attending many school board meetings on a regular basis have proven to me that members of a board can make tremendous contributions to the success of educational programs,” said Valentine.

Another characteristic that Valentine said is “essential and equally important” is the ability to engage all stakeholders.

“My work history demonstrates established rapport with all types of stakeholders; which I believe speaks to my own ability to engage others in valuable conversation. It was during these conversations I had with people lead me to the reason why I am running today. Most important is the hard work it’s going to take to sustain our award-winning schools with wise and responsible use of district funds while adapting to the evolving needs of students during an era of a permanent tax cap and unfair cuts to state aid. While we can’t project exactly how enrollment, funding, and additional mandates might create challenges for our schools in the future, we do know there are some things that our already great district can do to help ensure the continued success of our students. If elected, I plan to, work to ensure that we are investing in successful programs that provide value to our community, seek out new programs that may be self-sustaining or even income generating, work to provide an even safer and secure campus for all students and staff and encourage increased communication between
the Board and Community,” said Valentine.