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Students and parents urge Wantagh Board to allow Long Island High School for the Arts attendance; board says application process underway
Summary
Multiple students and parents addressed the Wantagh Board seeking district approval to attend the Long Island High School for the Arts (LISA) for juniors and seniors. Current LISA students described the program's impact; the superintendent said the application process is in progress and guidance will update families.
Parents and students urged the Wantagh Board of Education on Feb. 6 to allow several Wantagh High School students to attend the Long Island High School for the Arts (LISA) for their junior and senior years, describing the program as specialized training that supports college and career preparation in the performing and technical arts.
During the public-comment portion, Donna Allen spoke on behalf of her son, Nicholas, outlining his extensive theater experience and asking the board to consider permitting him to attend LISA for the 2025–26 and 2026–27 school years. Nicholas and other students, including Avery Ferrara, described a sustained commitment to theater and arts activities and said that LISA provides daily, industry-focused instruction they do not receive in a traditional high school setting.
Current Wantagh students who also attend LISA gave detailed testimonials about the program. Jamie Lynn Caracci told the board, “Since attending Lisa, I wake up every morning ecstatic about going to school,” and described improved attendance, increased confidence and professional opportunities such as performing at Radio City Music Hall and workshops with casting directors. Riley Smith said LISA’s teachers “treat us like professionals, preparing us for our future careers,” and recounted participation in full musicals, workshops and industry collaborations. Parent speakers emphasized their children’s academic standing, extracurricular commitments and the specialized support a CTE-style program offers for auditions and industry exposure.
Leandra Navetta and her daughter, Angelusine Navetta, requested admission to LISA’s film program; Angelusine described hands-on experience editing and working with equipment she said is not available in a regular high school film class. Several speakers described following the application steps with Wantagh guidance staff.
Superintendent John McNamara responded to the speakers and said the LISA application and approval process is “in process,” and that district guidance staff and the relevant administrator will keep families updated as applications progress. “I had a chance to speak to some of you,” McNamara said. “It’s in process … Mr. Museo and the guidance folks will certainly keep you updated as we progress through the process.” (Quote as spoken.)
No formal board vote or directive about LISA admissions was recorded at the meeting. The comments were entered during the public-comment portion and will be part of the public record; district staff and families will continue with the application procedures through the guidance office.
The board thanked students and parents for attending and hearing their experiences; the superintendent and guidance office were identified as the staff points of contact for follow-up.
