The South Country School District board of education election has four candidates running for two open trustee seats that will be vacated by BOE president E. Anne Hayes and Cheryl A. Felice. The election will be decided at large, i.e., the two candidates with the most votes will be elected to the board.

Augustin is a South Country parent and community member with five sons who attend Brookhaven Elementary, Frank P. Long Intermediate, Bellport Middle School, and Bellport High School. She currently serves on the PTA Board at Frank P. Long and Bellport Middle School — two years at Frank P. Long and one year at Bellport Middle School. She is also a PTA member at nearly every school in the district.Augustin said, “My background as a real estate agent gives me practical experience with facilities, property value, and budgets — skills the Board of Education needs to oversee district resources and building maintenance. Beyond PTA, I’ve spent 12 years at football, basketball, lacrosse, track and cross country meets, and school events across South Country. I’ve raised money for classrooms and school events, and I’ve talked with seniors on fixed incomes, parents who work two jobs, and support staff who live right here in our district.”In addition, Augustin said, “Uniquely, I bridge groups that don’t always hear each other: students, parents, teachers, taxpayers, and support staff. I’ll bring the perspective of someone who’s been in the Board of Education audience, at school volunteering, and at the sidelines listening.”The No. 1 issue facing the South Country school board is trust, according to Augustin. “Too many residents feel decisions are made before they walk in the room, and too many feel the district talks at the community instead of with it. That impacts budgets, contracts, and student outcomes.”Augustin believes her election win to the board would result in efforts to rebuild that trust through accountability and involvement.

“I will push for plain-language summaries of budgets and contracts released earlier, so taxpayers and staff can understand them. I will push for stronger two-way communication with all parts of our community so no one feels left out,” said Augustin. “Trust and accountability go both ways. I’ll explain my votes clearly, and I’ll ask our community to stay involved — to come to meetings, ask questions, and hold us to the work. I’ve done that for 12 years as a PTA leader and neighbor. I’m asking for your vote to do it on the Board of Education.”

Linda Brown has over15 years of professional experience in administration, benefits management, and fiduciary responsibility. Brown said that these previous roles required strong financial oversight, budgeting discipline, compliance, and long-term planning.

“I’ve also completed the NCPERS Administrator Master Program and pursued finance coursework through Wharton to strengthen my understanding of financial governance,” said Brown.

“I have deep roots in this community. I am a graduate of the South Country Central School District, my children attended these schools, and my grandchildren are currently enrolled. I have also worked within the district and founded Bellport Youth Cheerleading, giving me a strong connection to students, families, and staff. This combination allows me to understand both the financial responsibilities of the board and the real-life impact of its decisions,” said Brown.The No. 1 issue facing the school board, according to Brown, “…is financial instability driven by a lack of transparency and long-term planning. The current situation has created uncertainty for families, staff, and taxpayers.”

Upon election, Brown said she would prioritize clear, consistent financial reporting, realistic budgeting, and stronger oversight to ensure problems are identified early—not after they become crises.

“I will also work to improve communication so the community fully understands both challenges and solutions,” said Brown. “This election is about more than a budget vote—it’s about restoring trust, protecting our classrooms, and putting the district on a stable, sustainable path forward.”

Kellerman did not submit responses to the interview questions by time of print.

John Muglia is an alumnus and lifelong resident of the community. “As a parent of three children who have attended and/or are currently enrolled in South Country CSD, I have a deep personal connection to our schools. I’ve spent my career in public service roles that demanded thoughtful leadership, ethical decision making, and the ability to bring people together under pressure. Those experiences shaped my commitment to collaboration and creating safe, supportive environments where communities can thrive. Combined with my experience as a parent and longtime resident, these qualities prepare me to serve effectively, with a student-focused approach rooted in accountability and transparency.”

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