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Friday, May 13, 2022
Vol. 10, No. 19
SCHOOLS & EDUCATION
EX-LACROSSE COACH MORAN DIES
BLAKEMAN NAMES ACTING ASSESSOR
PAGES 25-32
PAGE 2
PAGE 9
Four candidates running for two board of ed seats
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Manhasset $104.8 million district budget proposal also on May 17 ballot BY R OB E RT PE L A E Z Manhasset Board of Education Trustee Christine Monterosso is the lone incumbent seeking re-election to the board against three challengers for two seats. Voters will also decide on the district’s $104.8 million budget for the 2022-23 school year. The budget is a 2.46 percent increase from the 202122 budget, and the tax levy is just above $94.3 million, a 2.38 percent increase from 2021-22. Monterosso, who was first elected to the board in 2016, is running to retain her seat on the board in an atlarge election against challengers Nadia Giannopoulos, Steven Panzik and Allison O’Brien Silva, officials said. The four candidates are running to fill two seats on the board, with incumbent Trustee Regina Rule not running for re-election. Monterosso said the main reason she is seeking re-election is because she believes in the Manhasset community and that the district can do even more to improve the education it provides its students. “We’re all very fortunate to live in a phenomenal, award-winning school district,” Monterosso said in a statement. “I want to get back to celebrating what makes us great, focusing on the education and well-being of our
terrific kids. I will continue to work tirelessly to assure that Manhasset is a place where all kids can thrive academically and emotionally.” Silva, who has worked as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company, said her “personal style, skillset and business experience” is the right one to serve the school district. “We must refocus on delivering a comprehensive, challenging academic program; offer a wide variety of sports, arts, community service, and extra-curricular activities to encourPHOTO COURTESY OF THE MANHASSET SCHOOL DISTRICT age growth outside the classroom; and a full spectrum of support needed for Manhasset’s Alisha Zhou was one of three student artists to win awards in the Long Island’s Best every child to succeed along the way,” Silva said in a statement. competition at the Heckscher Museum. Giannopoulos said she has dedicated her entire life to education and is a leader in various community groups. Additionally, Giannopoulos has served as an administrator to a statewide educational program which, she said, has allowed her to engage with a diverse group of parents and stakeholders and learn more about what makes a quality education. “It is through these experiences I have gained the skill set of empathy, B Y B R A N D O N D U F F Y highway superintendent six years af- tionale or explanation was given as resilience, dedication and engaging in ter he resigned following probes into to how, when, where, and why, Mr. civil discourse, all of which are skills Tiernan was chosen,” DeSena said in North Hempstead Supervisor his overtime compensation. necessary to be a representative of our “It’s extremely clear for anyone to front of Town Hall at a news conferdistrict,” she said during a virtual fo- Jennifer DeSena has called on Demorum hosted by the League of Women cratic Councilwoman Veronica Lur- see that Mr. Tiernan was handpicked ence Monday afternoon. Tiernan had worked with the Continued on Page 38 vey to withdraw a resolution to ap- in a backroom deal by CouncilwomContinued on Page 38 point Thomas Tiernan the town’s new an Lurvey as no prior discussion, ra-
DeSena bashes Dems for Tiernan highway chief choice
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