South Huntington school board candidates outline priorities at American Legion forum

At a forum moderated by American Legion Post 1244, three candidates for the South Huntington Union Free School District Board of Education presented priorities that included universal prekindergarten, building repairs and upgrades, the district's current elementary-school configuration and concerns about the cost of zero-emission school buses.

The event, which featured incumbent board members and challengers answering prepared and audience questions, focused on practical district issues ahead of an upcoming school board election. Candidates traded specific proposals and described both accomplishments and challenges facing the district.

Incumbent William Bingasso, running for re-election, emphasized his classroom background and said he supports keeping the district's existing configuration of K-2, grades 3-5 and a sixth-grade center. "I 100% support keeping the current model we have in place here at South Huntington," he said, adding that the model's value became clearer after watching his daughter and other students move through it. Bingasso listed facilities work, fiscal responsibility and teacher recruitment and retention among his top priorities.

Board President Nicholas Ciappetta, who said he has served since February 2004 and as president since July 2017, highlighted academic achievements and called universal prekindergarten a "game changer." He said the district plans a stand-alone universal pre-K with before- and after-care and that a pre-K focus group would present recommendations to the board on May 7. "The universal pre-K is going to be a game changer for us across many levels," Ciappetta said, adding that early identification of learning needs and support for students with limited English proficiency were key benefits.

Candidate Geraldine Westman Clark, a retired educator and lifelong district resident, stressed transparency, fiscal oversight and community engagement. She told attendees she would "work to ensure that every dollar is spent wisely" and that decisions be explained clearly to families and taxpayers.

On redistricting: multiple candidates reflected on the district's recent reimagining effort, saying the process and communication could have been handled differently. Ciappetta described a prior superintendent recommendation to retain the current K-2/3-5/6 model and said the board voted to accept that recommendation. Several candidates said the community favors the current configuration and urged greater early community involvement if major changes are proposed again.

On transportation and bus fleet costs, candidates raised concern about an anticipated zero-emission vehicle requirement scheduled to begin in 2027. One candidate warned those buses "cost three times more than your standard yellow bus," and said the mandate could significantly raise district transportation costs if not changed or delayed. Candidates discussed the district's strategy of bringing more bus routes in-house to control costs and improve service.

Curriculum and student opportunity were recurring themes. Ciappetta and others highlighted the district's Advanced Placement offerings and awards received for expanding access to AP courses. Candidates supported expanding financial literacy and civics coursework, with several saying hands-on experiences (for example, trips to government bodies and role-play activities) complement classroom instruction.

Facilities items mentioned included plans in the current budget for two outdoor learning spaces at elementary schools and a turf field; candidates said more targeted upgrades are needed at aging buildings, with Stimson Middle School specifically called out for interior improvements. Candidates acknowledged playground equipment at Silas Wood for the pre-K program had been missing and said playground installation is part of the pre-K planning work.

The forum was primarily a policy discussion and did not produce any formal board actions. Candidates closed by asking for voter support and stressing continued community outreach.

The transcript of the forum shows candidates debated implementation details and trade-offs but did not present new board votes during the event. Topics raised at the forum that will require board follow-up include the pre-K location and program specifics, transportation fleet planning in response to zero-emission requirements, and ongoing facilities prioritization.