The South Country, Patchogue-Medford, Bayport-Blue Point and William Floyd school district board of education and budget votes will take place on Tuesday, May 19.

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 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.

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.

The No. 1 issue facing the district, according to Muglia, is financial stability and a lack of trust. “These challenges are closely connected, as long term stability depends on transparent and responsible financial practices.”

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