Mineola board approves interim business coverage, names new assistant superintendent and OKs vehicle financing

The Mineola Union Free School District Board of Education on Thursday approved a package of personnel and financing measures during a special meeting.

The board authorized an agreement dated 07/16/2026 with an interim assistant superintendent for business and operations named in the resolution as John Waters and discussed in remarks as “Jack Waters” to provide short-term coverage after the departure of the district’s current business officer. President Cheryl Ann Pasona publicly thanked the interim and trustees noted the interim’s role is intended to prevent delays in purchase orders and operations until the newly hired assistant superintendent starts on Aug. 24, 2026. Interim Superintendent Catherine Fishman said the district expects the interim to work roughly two days a week during that gap.

The board also approved a salary-and-benefits agreement with Diane Kastengay to serve as assistant superintendent for business and operations effective Aug. 24, 2026, with a probationary period running through Aug. 23, 2029. "She was found by far to be the most appropriate person for the job both as a person, as a human being, and in terms of her vast knowledge," Interim Superintendent Catherine Fishman said, praising Kastengay after trustees confirmed she was present for the interview process.

In a separate action, the board authorized financing for the purchase of six vehicles through M&T Bank (or its wholly owned subsidiary) for a purchase price not to exceed $1,000,000 and authorized district executives to sign the related documents when provided. Assistant Superintendent Will Harmon explained the bank requested language naming the bank's subsidiary and address be included in the lease documents to finalize the paperwork.

Trustees approved a slate of board-appointed officers for the 2026–27 school year and the consent agenda, which included personnel items such as the appointment of Melissa Fusco as assistant principal at the middle school. Fishman explained that the duties Fusco will perform are the same as those previously done by Mr. Benner and that the title 'assistant principal' carries no salary differential compared with the prior role.

The board called for and approved a motion to enter executive session to discuss hiring of personnel and entered executive session at 05:46. The public meeting then closed.

Votes at a glance • Resolution 10 — Agreement with John (referred to in discussion as Jack) Waters for interim assistant superintendent for business and operations (agreement dated 07/16/2026): approved by voice vote (ayes recorded; roll-call tallies not provided). • Resolution 11 — Salary and benefits agreement with Diane Kastengay, assistant superintendent for business and operations, effective 08/24/2026 (probation through 08/23/2029): approved by voice vote. • Resolution 12 — Appointments to designated officer positions for the 2026–27 school year (including interim/temporary assignments): approved by voice vote. • Resolution 13 — Financing for six vehicles through M&T Bank, total purchase price not to exceed $1,000,000: approved by voice vote. • Resolution 14 — Approval of consensus agenda items J1A through J3C2, including personnel appointments such as Melissa Fusco as assistant principal: approved by voice vote.

Documents and next steps The board noted financing documents were expected to be provided to the district in July 2026. The new assistant superintendent’s start date was stated as Aug. 24, 2026; the interim coverage was described as the period between approval and that start date. The board adjourned the public session to enter executive session on personnel matters.