Community Corner

Board of Education President Honored For Commitment to District

MaryJo Masciello was honored at Thursday night's meeting for her years of service and dedication to Commack by the New York State School Boards Association.

MaryJo Masciello received a standing ovation at Thursday night's Board of Education meeting for her receipt of two awards from the New York State School Boards Association, presented by Area 12 Director, Fred Langstaff.

Masciello received the Master of Boardsmanship Award and the Leadership in Governance Award, which honors her for the "extensive time, effort, and commitment required of board members who strive continually to expand their knowledge of education and their skill in school district governance," according to a statement from the district.

Dr. Michael J. Mensch, chief operating officer and deputy superintendent for Western Suffolk BOCES, said Masciello is a model for the office of board president and that he can attest to her work ethic after working with her and the rest of the board last year in the search for Dr. Donald James, superintendent.

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Masciello has served on the board since 1998 and has been president since 2000. Joseph Pennacchio, vice president, said the board is very thankful of Masciello's commitment.

Masciello said, upon receiving her award, that it is so "easy to give in this community where everyone wants to do their part." Masciello also said she is so proud of the community after her work as a PTA member while her four children were in the district schools, which is what prompted her to run for the board initially.

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"Sometimes it is hard costly, but the teachers and administrators and parents all work together to make our school successful," she said.

In order to qualify for the awards, Masciello spent over 175 hours in the New York State School Board Association developmental activities and events, including federal and state legislative networks, attendance at regional school law conferences, workshops and seminars, work as a task force representative and participation in the annual convention. 


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