Milynn Augulis (Incumbent)

I have been a Sayville resident for over 18 years. I have been married almost 29 years and I have three amazing children and three grandsons who light up my life and stole my heart. 

After working in commercial real estate for several years, I decided to redirect my time and energy into what I believe is most important, raising my children. Staying home with my children was the most rewarding experience, and it allowed me the opportunity to get more involved in the schools and the community.

I am currently a tax accountant and truly enjoy what I do. I have also chaired and volunteered for many committees, events, and served on the Bosti PTA and OBMS Board over the years. I am currently the Connetquot vice president of the BOE, president of the Greater Islip Association (Stop the Zone Change), and VP of the Bohemia Civic. 

In the nine years that I have been serving on the BOE, I have advocated for mental health, safety, curriculum and the latest technology for the students and the staff. Every year I research areas of interest and set goals. I look at the data and reports sent to the BOE and try to make the best decisions when I promote programs and services.

In order for any plan to exist, the budget must be examined and monies made available to support any initiative. The board of education’s priority is to promote and sustain a fiscally responsible budget. Curriculum/programs, mental health, facilities, staff, safety, and every day-to-day cost has to factor into every decision while putting our students first. The objective is to provide our students with every resource fiscally and reasonably possible to promote success. Every budget cycle, I spend countless hours reviewing the budget to decrease budget lines where necessary while keeping student programs and resources intact.

In recent years, our mental health department has seen an influx of students needing services. As a result, we have increased staff in our mental health department because the needs of our students are paramount. In a recent article I read for 2023, statistics and data, 7 out of 10 teens in the U.S. have mentioned anxiety or depression as a major problem among their classmates. (https://research.com/education/student-stress-statistics) I want students to have the availability to feel comfortable to use these resources. No child should feel alone or deal with mental health alone.   

While our students’ success will always be the focus of our attention, it is important to emphasize that the connection between home and school is vital.  Studies show that a strong connection between home and school benefits children tremendously. Students whose parents stay actively involved in their education do better in school and demonstrate a higher attendance rate, better social skills, and an increased graduation rate. Together we can create an environment that is a welcoming and fulfilling experience for all of our students.

Jacquelyn Dilorenzo (Challenger)

I am a lifelong Connetquot resident and graduate from 1998.  I have three children who are currently enrolled in Connetquot Schools.  After high school, I pursued an undergraduate education from Stony Brook University, where I received my Bachelor’s of Science for applied mathematics and statistics.  I then furthered my education at St. John’s University, where I obtained a master’s in library and information science.  I have been working at the Connetquot Public Library for over 20 years and I have been a children’s librarian for the last 15 years.  My focus is on children from preschool through fifth grade, where I teach STEM and Makerspace classes.  I am also currently the secretary for the Bohemia Civic Association.  I also take an active part in four PTAs in Connetquot Schools.  I am an active member of the Connetquot Mental Health Advisory Council, the Connetquot Curriculum Committee, and the Connetquot T-Bird Project.

I am running for Connetquot School Board trustee because I believe in finding ways to set our students on the path towards the most success, whether they choose college, a trade, the military, or the workforce.  Education should remain academic and focused on the subjects we send our children to learn.  I believe parents should remain involved in their children’s education, and curriculum transparency will aid parents in this task.  Since a school district can serve children of all ages, we must be mindful of the materials and course content offered to ensure that it is age appropriate.  A tremendous part of my career as a children’s librarian is the ability to choose age-appropriate materials for patrons, whether they are inquiring during a reference interview or materials are being selected for a class.  I intend to bring my experience and knowledge in this area when programs and initiatives are on the table.  I also intend to utilize my background in statistics to aid the district in determining the most effective initiatives to help our students reach their goals while remaining fiscally responsible to our taxpayers.  In the past, I was a member of the Armed Guards Committee and I still stand strong in support of our security team.  I firmly believe that a collaboration between the board of education, the parents, administration, and the teachers is vital to keeping our students first.  I believe my experience in education, passion for working with children, and dedication to the future of our district would make me an asset to the Connetquot School District as a school board trustee.

Melissa Torregrossa (Challenger)

As a 2010 graduate, when I reflect on my experience in Connetquot I am flooded with memories of unwavering support from dedicated educators, staff, and faculty, who empowered me to be my authentic self and pursue my dreams without hesitation. That experience fuels my passion for ensuring that every student has the same opportunities and freedom to dream big and unapologetically be themselves. As a social worker and CASAC-T, I possess the experience and commitment to advocating for policies that support all learners. I will bring a unique perspective to the board, building on each trustee’s individual strengths to create a cohesive and communicative team. I believe in balancing the voices of those who feel heard with those who feel ignored, creating a shared vision that benefits all students. Although there are two available seats this year, there should only be one winner—our students.

My indisputable commitment to providing high-quality education for every student in our district is driven by my deep passion for nurturing each individual student’s potential to the fullest. To achieve this, my platforms, positions, and plans prioritize creating a student-centered environment that fosters academic excellence, holistic growth, and a voice for all. I believe that personalized learning is crucial for meeting the unique needs of every student, and I will work towards creating flexible and dynamic learning environments that engage and challenge students to reach their full potential. I will advocate for evidence-based, innovative approaches to education that encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. I respect the value of every dollar earned by members of our community. Therefore, I believe in thoroughly and rationally reviewing all options and associated research before making decisions that will have fiscal impact on our taxpayers.

It is important to me that every student feels valued, seen, and heard, regardless of their background or identity. I am committed to building a culture of respect, empathy, and understanding within our district, with the board of education setting the primary example. I recognize the importance of fostering open and clear communication between the school district and the community it serves.  I plan to prioritize engagement with parents, teachers, students, and other stakeholders to create a shared vision for the future of our schools. Collaboration and input from all voices is crucial for creating a districtwide environment that genuinely values input from everyone, which creates an atmosphere of trust and confidence between the board and community at large.

My personal experience with the transformative power of education has motivated me to run for this position. I believe that our district is strongest when we work together to establish solutions rather than focus on problems. I also recognize that true growth can only come when we allow different perspectives to meet, while being mindful of personal biases and always remaining grounded strictly in fact when making decisions that impact our community and students.

Craig Amarando (Challenger)

Did not provide a biography and platform statement by time of print.

April Iannitelli (Challenger)

Did not provide a biography and platform statement by time of print. n