Jenna Rizzo, a former elementary school teacher and current Munsey Park School SCA president, is set to become the newest member of the Manhasset Board of Education after emerging as theonly candidate to filefor the seat being vacated by board President Ted Post.

Rizzo, 40, grew up in Commack and moved to Manhasset in 2017 with her husband, whom she has known since high school, to raise their family. The couple have three daughters in the district — one in middle school and two attending Munsey Park Elementary School.

Before becoming a stay-at-home mother, Rizzo worked as an elementary school teacher in the Great Neck and Herricks school districts, teaching second and fifth grades. She also earned a master’s degree in special education.

Rizzo said her two years leading the Munsey Park SCA helped inspire her decision to run for the board.

“I had such a positive experience being the SCA president and getting to know the faculty and so many of the moms and dads in the community,” Rizzo said. “I’m grateful for the time I had in that role, and I’m happy to take on a different role now.”

She described the school board as a collaborative body and said she does not plan to pursue a personal agenda if elected. Instead, Rizzo said she hopes to continue supporting the district’s existing work while bringing the perspective of a former classroom teacher and parent.

“My master’s is in special education, so I’m hoping I can use my teacher’s knowledge to have a different lens of what we can do for the schools and what is needed,” she said.

Rizzo also said she wants the district to continue evolving academically and avoid becoming complacent by studying what neighboring districts are doing well and expanding successful programs, including in special education.

On May 19, voters will also decide on adistrict budget exceeding $100 million. While Jenna Rizzo is the only candidate on the ballot, write-in options remain available to residents. District officials clarified that Rizzo will not automatically assume the role of president; instead the trustees will hold an internal election at a later date to select the board’s next leader.

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Source: LI Press