Dillon’s higher education experience spans 17 years

Jessica Dillon joins North Shore School District's Board of Education

Replaces Rich Galati as trustee until May

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The North Shore School District Board of Education has appointed Jess Dillon as interim trustee, following the November resignation of Rich Galati. Dillon, a resident of the district since 2013, will serve until the board election in May, when she intends to run for the open seat.

Dillon, 41, lives in the district with her husband, Tim, and their two children, a fourth grader and a first grader at the Glenwood Landing Elementary School. With a robust background in education, she brings nearly 17 years of experience as an administrator in higher education, including her current role as assistant director of the college registrar at Suffolk County Community College.

“I feel a sense of stewardship,” Dillon said. “As somebody who has kids that are getting older, you want to give back to your community and make sure that you’re giving what you get out of it.”

Dillon holds a doctorate in instructional leadership from St. John’s University, a master’s in experimental psychology from LIU Brookville, and a bachelor’s in psychology from SUNY Old Westbury.

Board of Education President Andrea Macari praised Dillon’s qualifications and commitment to the district.

“After three hours and forty-five minutes of discussion, Jess emerged as our choice, and we are very excited to bring her on board to finish out Rich’s term,” Macari said. “Her background in higher education administration has given her a lot of experience that translates to public education at the K-12 level.”

The board considered several options for filling the vacancy, including leaving the seat empty or holding a special election. However, these alternatives were dismissed due to concerns about quorum and the financial and logistical burden of a special election.

“We did not want our taxpayers expending additional funds when the district is experiencing such fiscal pressures,” Macari explained. “So that led us to come to the consensus publicly that appointing a community member would be the most efficient path forward.”

Dillon’s journey in community service began before her children entered the district. While working at Nassau Community College, she was actively involved in the Parent Advisory Committee for the college-sponsored childcare program, serving as president from 2019 to 2023.

“When my son transitioned from preschool to the district, I wanted to find a way to continue that type of volunteerism,” Dillon said. “The Legislative Action Committee offered me the opportunity to advocate for the district’s needs.”

Dillon steps into her role as interim trustee during a critical time for the district. The board is still navigating the financial challenges posed by the Long Island Power Authority tax settlement, which will reduce revenues and continue to impact the district for years to come.

“As a member of the Legislative Action Committee, I learned about the unique challenges the North Shore School District faces with our journey ahead, particularly with the tax changes that are coming because of the LIPA settlement,” Dillon said. “I wanted to do my part to help guide the district through these challenging times.”

The board is also gearing up for budget season, a pivotal period that will determine funding priorities and shape the district’s future. Dillon expressed both enthusiasm and readiness for the task ahead.

“I’ve always followed the board’s work closely, reading minutes and budget information,” she said. “Now I’m looking forward to being able to actively participate in the process.”

Dillon’s onboarding process began immediately after her appointment on Jan. 9. She was sworn in during a Board of Education meeting and has since started orientation sessions to familiarize herself with district policies and procedures.

“Everyone’s been incredibly supportive,” Dillon said. “They’ve shared their time, knowledge, and experiences to help me integrate quickly and effectively.”

Macari confirmed that Dillon would also join board committees and receive training to ensure a smooth transition.

While her appointment is temporary, Dillon is already planning for the future. She intends to run for the open seat in May, aiming to continue her service to the district and its families.

“Life is unpredictable, but I’m hopeful the community will support me in May,” Dillon said. “I’ve always been the kind of person that kind of jumps in and get right in the mix and start working on things, so when we get to election season, hopefully I’ll be able to continue serving this community.”

Macari added that she believes Dillon’s appointment reflects the district’s strength and the community’s dedication to its schools.

“This process reminded us of the immense talent and commitment within our community,” Macari said. “Jess is one of many residents capable of serving effectively, and we’re fortunate to have her on board.”

Dillon emphasized the importance of working together to address the district’s challenges and opportunities.

“Our district is filled with talented individuals, and collaboration is key,” she said. “I’m excited to work alongside the board, administrators, and the community to ensure we continue providing the best education for our students.”