Two candidates for one Bay Shore school board seat spar over attendance, family engagement and curriculum

Two candidates for one open seat on the Bay Shore Union Free School District board spoke to voters at a public forum that highlighted differences on family engagement, curriculum priorities and each candidate’s record of attendance and community involvement.

The forum, moderated by Mitch Schuman and convened by District Clerk Caitlin Castelli, opened with three‑minute statements from each candidate. Sarah Hoglund, an educator and parent active in the Gardner Manor PFA, said family engagement and clearer communication about curriculum progression are her top priorities. “Family engagement is at the forefront of my priorities,” Hoglund said, adding she wants to “challenge the status quo” and bring innovations and stronger literacy instruction to district classrooms.

Incumbent Andrew Arcuri, a 20‑year board member and private‑practice attorney, emphasized continuity and advocacy for existing district programs. Arcuri said he has missed five board meetings in 20 years and pledged continued attendance if re‑elected: “I will show up for your students,” he said. He also cited partnerships the district has built with Northwell and Suffolk County Community College and praised hands‑on programs such as the high school Anatomage tables.

The candidates answered four community‑submitted questions and an extensive list from the moderator. Topics included a past private‑school project some residents raised, candidate meeting attendance, support for banning cell phones in classrooms, and priorities for teacher training and social‑emotional learning. On cell phones, both Hoglund and Arcuri said they support limits; Hoglund invoked Governor Kathy Hochul’s recent initiatives and said she had “not seen one positive thing” from classroom phone use aside from parent contact.

On attendance and civic participation, Hoglund said she has watched many board meetings online and has one recent in‑person attendance in the last four years; she also said she has three young children and has been actively involved in school parent groups. Arcuri challenged Hoglund’s voting history, saying the candidate “hasn’t voted in 10 years,” and told voters that being an effective board member requires regular in‑person participation.

Both candidates discussed curriculum and student supports. Hoglund said she favors stronger literacy curriculum and professional development for teachers; Arcuri said the district must protect and sustain successful programs while managing budget impacts. On board structure, both candidates said they would consider expansion only if allowed by statute and if the community supported a change, noting the long local history of a five‑member elected board.

The forum concluded with closing statements urging turnout in the May 20 election. Arcuri asked residents not to assume any outcome and to vote; Hoglund asked voters to become more engaged and urged parents to build relationships with educators.

No formal action or vote on district policy took place at the forum. The forum was followed by a scheduled budget hearing later the same evening.