Yorktown board appoints Jacqueline Guarino to fill vacancy after five-candidate interviews
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Summary
After interviewing five candidates for an open seat, the Yorktown Central School District board voted to appoint Jacqueline Guarino to serve the interim term through May 19, 2026; the board conducted roll-call voting following nominations.
The Yorktown Central School District Board of Education voted on Nov. 17 to appoint Jacqueline Guarino to an open board seat, following a public round of interviews with five candidates.
Board members heard answers from Robert Lina, Evan Boucher, Ken Wong, Jacqueline Guarino and Adam McDonald on district strengths and challenges, budget priorities and how they would handle conflicts between personal beliefs and board majorities. After brief board discussion, the board held nominations and a roll-call vote; the president announced the motion to appoint Guarino carried with the necessary four affirmative votes.
The interviews gave each candidate two minutes per question, and candidates emphasized similar themes: the district’s strong community support and teacher quality, concerns about keeping services consistent for students with special needs, and protecting student-facing staff and safety during tight budgets. Robert Lina, a classroom teacher, highlighted expanding career and technical education; Evan Boucher and other candidates emphasized character and community engagement; Ken Wong emphasized cybersecurity and technology literacy; Adam McDonald described his coaching and community roots.
Following the vote, the appointee took the official oath of office. In her oath, Jacqueline Guarino stated, “I do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New York,” and affirmed she would “faithfully discharge the duties of office…beginning 11/17/2025 and ending 05/19/2026.” The president offered the new board member the option to take the oath at the meeting or sign within 30 days; Guarino was sworn in and joined the dais immediately.
Board members offered congratulations and encouraged other candidates to remain engaged; the board president reminded the public that two seats will be on the ballot in May and that petition deadlines will be announced in the spring.
The vote followed the board’s stated appointment process: nominations, roll-call votes, and a need for four affirmative votes to carry an appointment at this meeting.
The board did not produce a written vote-by-name record in the discussion segments captured by the transcript; the president announced the motion carried after confirming four affirmative votes during roll call. The appointee’s interim term will run through the May 19, 2026 election cycle, at which point elected winners will serve the full terms available.
