Steven Panzik and Nadia Giannopoulos were elected to serve as trustees on the Manhasset School District’s Board of Education on Tuesday, defeating incumbent Christine Monterosso and newcomer Allison O’Brien Silva.
Panzik and Giannopoulos received 1,869 and 1,702 votes, respectively. Christine Monterosso received 1,419 votes and Allison O’Brien Silva received 1,478 votes. Incumbent Trustee Regina Rule did not run for re-election, leaving the second seat open.
The district’s adopted $104.8 million budget for the 2022-23 school year was approved 2,334-912. The budget is a 2.46 percent increase from the 2021-22 budget, and the tax levy is just above $94.3 million, a 2.38 percent increase from 2021-22.
The district’s capital projects proposition also passed 2,227-676. The proposition allows the district to utilize more than $3 million in existing funds for a kindergarten playground installation at Shelter Rock, along with asphalt, water main, turf field and sidewalk replacement at the Secondary School.
Giannopoulos said she has dedicated her entire life to education and is a leader in various community groups.
Additionally, Giannopoulos has served as an administrator to a statewide educational program which, she said, has allowed her to engage with a diverse group of parents and stakeholders and learn more about what makes a quality education.
“It is through these experiences I have gained the skill set of empathy, resilience, dedication and engaging in civil discourse, all of which are skills necessary to be a representative of our district,” she said during a virtual forum hosted by the League of Women Voters Port Washington-Manhasset last week.
Panzik, a crew coach at Manhasset Secondary School for two decades, said the three superintendents he has worked under provide him with insight on various district matters.
Panzik, a physical therapist and entrepreneur, said he has worked as a liaison between the district and parents to work for the benefit of the student body.
“I cannot promise to have all the answers but I can promise to work tirelessly to find them,” Panzik said during the forum. “We have an amazing, diverse community and a strong school district with passionate faculty and driven administration.”
Panzik and Giannopoulos will serve three-year terms on the board.