Introducing the two Hewlett-Woodmere trustee candidates

The Hewlett-Woodmere school district election is less than two weeks away and two candidates are running for re-election on the Board of Education.

Cheryl May, who serves as vice president, and Trustee Shari Amitrano are running unopposed. The terms are for three years, from July 1 to June 30, 2026. The vote is on May 16.

May, on the board since 2011, is currently the longest-serving Hewlett-Woodmere board member. She is seeking her fifth term.

“I have had the privilege of working alongside fellow board members, educators, parents, and community members to ensure that our schools provide the best education possible for our students,” she wrote in an email. “I have gained valuable experience and knowledge that will allow me to continue to be an effective member of the board.”

May, is the mother of three children, all educated in the school district. She emphasized that she advocates for all children and hopes to continue if re-elected.

“As a district, we should always be looking for ways to improve student achievement,” she said. “This includes setting the district direction towards high standards for academic performance, supporting effective teaching strategies, and providing resources to help students succeed.”

May is also a member of multiple committee units, including the Special Education Committee.

“It is also important that the district continues to provide exemplary Special Education services and I always look to continue my advocacy and education within the Special Education world,” she added.

Amitrano has been on the board since 2021. She is a Hewlett High School Class of 1990 graduate and has two children attending district schools. She said that if re-elected, she would continue maintaining the quality of education for children in the district and be transparent within the community.

“My top priority will always be to maintain the excellent quality of education while continuing to be fiscally responsible to the community,” she wrote in an email. “Another priority is my continued focus on accountability, transparency and enhancing our communications with the community.”

Amitrano is a 40-plus-year resident and understands the importance of being heard in a community that strives for the best education possible for children.

“I want voters to feel confident that their voice will be heard,” she said. “I’m readily available and always open to a conversation. I’m passionate about the work that we are collectively doing, and I want only the best for our community.”

The proposed school district budget and propositions are also on the May 16 ballot. The proposed 2023-2024 budget is $135.17 million, a $4.4 million increase from the current budget.

District voters will  also be asked to approve a $17.2 million in renovations at the high school and Woodmere Middle School. The proposed capital project would reconstruct the middle school’s science lab, the high school’s science lab, the high school auditorium and the athletic fields.

“With our capital project proposition, I’m hoping the community will realize all will benefit from enhancing our grounds and creating a safer learning environment,” Amitrano said. “By utilizing reserves that have been set aside for this project, it will have zero impact on the zero-tax levy we have brought forth, nor will it affect the budget.”

Voting is on May 16 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., at the Woodmere Education Center, 1 Johnson Place, in Woodmere.