Every union free school district is governed by a Board of Education made up of a president, vice president and trustees. This year, Uniondale voters re-elected Board President Mary Bediako, 75 and Trustee Yvette Janniere to office after both ran unopposed. Here’s a closer look at what board members serving the district did this school year.
Mary Bediako has been a Uniondale resident for nearly four decades and has served as president of the Uniondale Board of Education since July 2020. A retired educator with more than 40 years of experience, she previously served as Uniondale’s first director of personnel and as assistant superintendent for personnel in Freeport. As board president, Bediako has worked closely with Uniondale Superintendent Monique Darrisaw-Akil to approve motions at Board of Education meetings as the district worked on various initiatives. One initiative was a health and welfare service agreements with neighboring school districts, helping ensure eligible students who live in Uniondale receive required health services. Looking ahead to the new school year, she said “Before Labor Day, we’ll be ready.”
Re-elected trustee Yvette Janniere has long been committed to giving back to the community through volunteering and mentoring. She previously served on the Uniondale Board Oversight Committee, helping oversee the district’s $158 million bond project to improve school facilities. During her tenure as a trustee, Janniere has worked with fellow board members to oversee district operations, approve budgets and contracts, and support initiatives recommended by the superintendent. During her tenure, Janniere has helped oversee capital improvement planning, including a board-approved proposition to fund playground replacements and tennis court upgrades. “As you attend each level of graduation to see the growth that these children are receiving under our leadership meant a whole lot more,” she said.
The Uniondale district has a long-standing tradition of bringing students onto the Board of Education as student trustees. Although they cannot make decisions, they provide educators and board members with insight into student needs, giving the board a different perspective this year, rising senior Randdy Acosta was selected. He took five Advanced Placement courses while also taking courses at Hofstra University to earn college credits before graduation. During high school, he completed eight AP courses. He also participated in the district’s summer arts program, serving as a counselor and mentoring younger students in music. “I want to give a big thanks for everyone who supported me and the people I ran against because it’s not easy to run as a student board member and put your face out there,” he said.
