As East Rockaway voters prepare for the May 19 Board of Education election, candidate Elizabeth Curtis said her campaign is centered on supporting students and strengthening the district.
Aspasia Lonergan, who is also running for a seat, did not respond to requests for comment.
A lifelong East Rockaway resident, Curtis has raised her children in the district and remained actively involved in the school community. She previously served on the Centre Avenue PTA Executive Board and has participated in various district committees. She also brings more than 25 years of experience as a high school English teacher, including over two decades at Farmingdale High School.
Curtis said in an email that her decision to run comes from a desire to further support students at a critical time.
“Students are my ‘why,’” she wrote, emphasizing the importance of ensuring every child feels a sense of belonging, safety and confidence in school.
She identified balancing elementary school enrollment and maintaining effective class sizes as one of the district’s biggest challenges, noting the need to fairly distribute students and staff while meeting state guidelines. She added that maintaining manageable class sizes is essential, ensuring each student has the opportunity to be engaged and supported in the classroom.
If elected, Curtis said her priorities would include supporting students beyond academics and retaining strong teachers and staff across the district.
“The teachers and teaching staff make the difference,” she wrote, stressing the importance of keeping dedicated educators who recognize students’ potential.
Curtis added that she would approach budget decisions collaboratively, focusing on both immediate and long-term impacts while keeping student needs at the center.
She also emphasized accessibility, saying she plans to remain approachable and open to parents and community members, while respecting a range of viewpoints and building trust within the district.
Drawing from her experiences as both a parent and educator, Curtis said she brings a well-rounded perspective to the role.
“I will always lead with what is best for our students,” she wrote.
Voters will head to the polls on May 19 to decide the outcome of the race.
