Manhasset Board installs leaders, swears in interim superintendent at annual organization meeting

The Manhasset Union Free School District Board of Education held its annual organization meeting on July 13, 2026, where trustees swore in a newly elected member and elected board leadership for the 2026–27 year.

Trustee Jenna Rizzo was sworn in for a term running July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. Rizzo recited the oath of office as part of a ceremonial swearing-in.

The board then nominated and approved Nadia Giannopoulis to serve as board president for July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027, and Maria Pescatore to serve as vice president for the same term. Giannopoulis took the oath and then called the meeting to order, saying the board had a quorum and would proceed with organizational business.

The board also administered an oath to Dr. Christopher J. Pelletieri, who will serve as interim superintendent for the 2026–27 school year. "I'm looking forward to working with the board and your leadership, madam president," Dr. Pelletieri said after being sworn in.

During the session the board announced committee assignments and liaison appointments for standing groups including audit, finance, athletics (MAC), the School Community Association (SCA), Tower Foundation, PACE (special education), the Economic Opportunity Center (EOC), the policy committee and the safety committee. The board voted to approve the liaison slate by voice vote.

Several routine district policies were reaffirmed at the annual meeting, and the board authorized district officers and financial signatories for the coming school year. The meeting adjourned to the regular session after completing the organization agenda.

The board scheduled its next meetings for Aug. 18 and Sept. 24; the Sept. 24 meeting will include a presentation on district priorities and goals from Dr. Pelletieri and the referenced curriculum lead.