As the Uniondale school board election approaches on May 19, there are a few things to know.
The ballot will include the Uniondale school district’s proposed $296 million 2026-27 spending plan. Also, two Uniondale Board of Education trustees. Mary Bediako, president and Yvette Janniere are running unopposed. To vote for them, visit any of the district’s elementary schools from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. For voting information call (516) 560-8945.
Voters will also see a proposition on the ballot. The proposal includes upgrades to playgrounds at Walnut, California Avenue, Cornelius Court, Grand Avenue, Smith Street and Northern Parkway elementary schools, as well as improvements to the tennis courts at Lawrence Road Middle School.
Mary Bediako
Mary Bediako is president of the Uniondale Board of Education and has served on the board since July 2020. A longtime Uniondale resident and retired educator, Bediako has more than 40 years of experience in education, including work as a mathematics teacher and school administrator.
Bediako earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Ghana and later continued her education in the United States. Before joining the Uniondale board, she worked for many years as an assistant superintendent of schools in Freeport.
Bediako has helped lead the district through discussions on student achievement, curriculum expansion, facilities, budgeting and community engagement.
Her work on the board reflects a focus on educational opportunity, student support and the continued growth of Uniondale schools.
Yvette Janniere
Yvette Janniere is a trustee on the Uniondale Board of Education. She was appointed to the board in November 2025. She served on the bond oversight committee, where she helped oversee a $158 million bond for the distric. These funds helped with upgrades and expansions.
Janniere is chief executive of Rigor Management, a consulting firm that specializes in information technology program management, strategic planning and organizational development. She has also served on the Uniondale Bond Oversight Committee, giving her experience with district facilities planning and community accountability.
Janniere’s background includes leadership roles with the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials, as well as involvement with professional organizations including the Women Transportation Seminar, the Project Management Institute and the National Association of Professional Women.
As a trustee, Janniere helps oversee district policy, budgeting and long-term planning for Uniondale schools.
