Meet the candidates: Shoreham‑Wading River school board contenders lay out priorities ahead of May 19 vote

Six people seeking seats on the Shoreham‑Wading River Board of Education introduced themselves and outlined competing priorities at a Meet the Candidate night moderated by the Suffolk Region PTA. The hour‑long event included opening statements, a one‑minute response period for audience‑submitted questions and closing remarks in which several candidates asked for the community’s vote on May 19.

The forum opened with moderator Melinda Monahan explaining the rules and timing. Incumbent trustee Katie Anderson said she would focus on completing the district’s multi‑year strategic plan, protecting class sizes and supporting teachers; "when our administrators, teachers, and staff come together with the community, we make meaningful changes for our students," she said.

Candidate Dan Maguire framed his pitch around fiscal stewardship and said he would "start a budget advisory committee" to address rising overhead and a budget deficit. "We must carefully review district overhead and unnecessary spending so that resources are directed where they matter most," Maguire said.

Incumbent Henry Perez pointed to nine years of board service and experience on facilities and legislative committees, and highlighted work on energy and capital projects. Perez told attendees the district is about to begin a "$9 million energy performance contract" intended to pay for itself through savings.

Erin Saunders Morano and Jesse Sadowitz emphasized hands‑on involvement in district committees and classroom experience. Morano described long service on the bond committee and PTA leadership; Sadowitz, a longtime classroom teacher, said class size matters and said he would prioritize instructional engagement and professional development.

Candidates responded to audience questions on subjects ranging from AI in schools and teacher retention to athletics scheduling and conflicts of interest. On the final round of statements, several candidates asked for community accountability and for voters to consider their records and plans when casting ballots on May 19.

The forum closed with thanks from the Suffolk Region PTA and the district. No formal questions, votes or district actions were taken at the event.