Thursday, October 1, 2026
While incumbent Trustees Cheryl May and Shari Amitrano are running unopposed this month, they’re doing so with the goal of continuing their commitment to the Hewlett-Woodmere School District.
May, the board’s vice president and longest-serving trustee, has served on the Board of Education for 15 years. Her district résumé includes work on the curriculum, extracurricular and policy committees, as well as the Central Council PTA.
Before joining the board, she served as president of the Central Council PTA, Hewlett Elementary School’s PTA and Franklin Early Childhood Center’s PTA.
As she seeks a sixth term, May said she is most proud of helping pass fiscally responsible budgets and complete capital projects, including improvements to the middle school and high school athletic fields. She also pointed to the board’s vote to appoint District Superintendent Dina Anzalone, who she said has worked closely with trustees since arriving last year.
With a family of educators and children who are graduates of the district, May said those connections — along with students — continue to motivate her.
“I’ve always had a passion for education,” May said. “I’ve always felt that giving back to the community is important. It’s just something that I’ve always done.”
In a statement to the Herald, board President Debi Sheinin said May’s long tenure has made her an important part of district leadership.
“Her years of service and deep knowledge of the district continue to make her a valuable asset to the board,” she said.
Amitrano, who is seeking a third term, has over 30 years of experience as an award-winning Managing Sales Director, and comes from a family who frequented the district as teachers, students and coaches.
Amitrano said she has worked to strengthen communication between the district and community members while supporting academic and extracurricular opportunities with fellow trustees.
As chair of the Endowment Fund, Amitrano helps organize Arts Below Sunrise. She also said she helped expand middle school athletic offerings by dividing sports into seventh-and eight-grade teams, and advocated for construction of the soon-to-be high school concession stand.
“I’m not doing this for a pat on the back,” Amitrano said. “I want to continue to help elevate our education and community.”
Sheinin wrote Amitrano’s ties to the district and continued service have helped shape her work on the board.
“Not only is Shari a district alumna and current parent, but she also brings a strong personal connection and thoughtful perspective through her continued service.”
In addition to voting for the two trustee seats, Hewlett-Woodmere residents will cast ballots on the school budget and three propositions at the Woodmere Education Center, 1 Johnson Ave., Woodmere, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. May 19.
