Monday, June 16, 2025
Though running unopposed, incumbent Trustees Debbi Sheinin and Chani Jeter are putting their best foot forward to gain another three-year term to serve on the Hewlett-Woodmere Board of Education.
Sheinin, 50, is one of the longest tenured board members, being elected in 2018, with five of her seven years of service as board president.
Before being elected a trustee, she held several roles in the school district, including two years as co-president of the Parent Teacher Association’s Central Council, two years as co-president of the Franklin Early Childhood Center PTA and leadership positions with the Ogden Elementary School PTA and the Special Education PTA.
She said she takes pride in what the board accomplished during the Covid-19 pandemic, as Hewlett-Woodmere was the first district on Long Island to offer three learning options: virtual, hybrid and in-person.
Sheinin said that she is a strong advocate for fiscal responsibility, but more importantly, she is proud to support the outcomes and well being of every student.
“The Hewlett-Woodmere school district is incredibly important to me, not only because my family are students here, but because I care deeply about this community,” Sheinin said. “Being an engaged resident means staying involved and, for me, that has always been a non-negotiable.”
Jeter, 40, is running for her second term. previously she was a member of the PTA committees in the Hewlett-Woodmere district and for the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway, where she was named Volunteer of the Year in 2021.
She has maintained that work ethic serving on several board committees during her first term, including the Communications, Health and Safety and the Legislative Matters committees.
Jeter said she values the opportunity to advocate for both public and private schools as a board member and wants to ensure that every community voice is heard.
“I look forward to continuing the work I’ve begun and serving this amazing community alongside my dedicated Board of Education colleagues,” Jeter said. “I feel truly blessed to be in a position where I can help make a difference and collaborate to create the best possible future for our district.”
Board of Education Vice President Cheryl May — the current longest serving trustee — highlighted the candidates’ qualifications and emphasized that, despite running unopposed; the board should still recognize their importance.
“Debbi has devoted countless hours to our students, consistently demonstrating a deep commitment to academic excellence, fiscal responsibility and the overall well-being of our students,” said May, a trustee since 2011. “Chani has brought an invaluable perspective to the board as both a pubic and a private school parent. This unique dual lens allows her to understand and advocate for all families across the district.”
Voting for the school district budget, trustees and three propositions, takes place at the Woodmere Education Center, 1 Johnson Ave., Woodmere from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on May 20.
