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Two candidates outline priorities at East Islip school board forum
Summary
At a Suffolk Region PTA–moderated forum, Dr. Michelle Rivers and incumbent Timothy Sasson presented contrasting approaches on equity, curricular oversight, school security and fiscal stewardship ahead of the East Islip Board of Education election.
Dr. Michelle Rivers and incumbent Timothy Sasson spoke to community members at a Suffolk Region PTA–moderated “Meet the Candidate” forum for the East Islip Union Free School District, outlining their priorities in the race for seats on the Board of Education.
Rivers said she is running on “Students First, Arts and Innovation, Future Ready Education, Accessibility, and Inclusion,” and described her 27 years in public education and current role as Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources at Eastern/Western (Eastern Southern) BOCES. Sasson described himself as a parent, coach and incumbent trustee who said his platform centers on “children and absolutely nothing else,” stressing fiscal responsibility and academic rigor.
The candidates answered audience-submitted questions about the district’s diversity, curriculum, mental health services, testing policy, school security, budget and board responsibilities. Rivers emphasized listening, transparency and support for inclusive policies; Sasson emphasized fiscal oversight, athletics’ community role and skepticism about some policies he described as politically motivated.
The forum, organized by Wendy Natalon of Suffolk Region PTA, followed a structured format: three-minute opening statements, timed one-minute answers to written questions, and two-minute closing remarks. Both candidates urged voters to participate in the May 20 vote and described their records and priorities.
The event did not include board actions or votes; it served as an information forum for voters. The candidates’ remarks and the audience questions provide a snapshot of the topics likely to shape debates in the district this election season.
