Why Board Reform Matters
The Mineola Union Free School District faced serious governance challenges in 2025 that raised important questions about transparency, ethical oversight, and accountability. While some community members recognize that the current Board has made efforts in good faith to address concerns and stabilize the district. For many, the response has felt slow and uneven, especially in engaging parents and the broader community in shaping and implementing meaningful reforms. For many residents, the central issue is not only what happened, but what allowed it to happen. A lack of proactive oversight, clearer safeguards, and stronger transparency practices has become the key concerns.
Board reform is ultimately about rebuilding trust, improving governance, and ensuring that future decisions affecting students and families are made with greater accountability and community involvement.
The Mineola Union Free School District Board of Trustees
Vote: May 19, 2026
New Board Candidates
trustee cANDIDATE
Bob Citro
Candidate: May 2026
A dad and second-generation Mineola graduate with family across the district, Bob understands the responsibility of serving his community. His professional experience brings a commitment to transparency, responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, and open communication.
trustee cANDIDATE
Stacey Tyson-Tracy
Candidate: May 2026
A Mineola mom of five with deep roots in our schools through PTA and SEPTA leadership, Stacey believes strong schools are built on trust, connection, and community. Her legal background in public contracting and ethics gives her the experience to lead with integrity.
Stay Informed
Support Bob Citro & Stacey Tyson-Tracy as they run for the two open Mineola Board of Education seats
2025-2026 Board
trustee
Margaret Ballantyne-Mannion, Ph.D.
Up for Re-election: May 2026
Dr. Margaret Ballantyne-Mannion serves as a trustee on the Mineola Union Free School District Board of Education. Dr. Ballantyne-Mannion has previously held leadership roles on the Board and served as Board President prior to the current leadership.
trustee
Patrick Talty
Up for Re-election: May 2026
Patrick Talty serves as a trustee on the Mineola Union Free School District Board of Education and brings professional experience in technology and systems design to his work on the Board. Mr. Talty is an Applications Architect at Brookhaven National Laboratory.
Vice President
Stacey DeCillis
Up for Re-election: May 2027
Stacey DeCillis is Vice President of the Mineola Union Free School District Board of Education with multiple years of service as a trustee. She works as a middle school teacher in the Garden City School District. Mrs. DeCillis is a parent of children in the district.
trustee
Brian Widman
Up for Re-election: May 2027
Brian Widman serves as a trustee on the Mineola Union Free School District Board of Education. Outside of his volunteer Board service, he works as a Senior Audit Data Analyst at Ridgewood Savings Bank.
Board President
Cheryl Lampasona
Up for Re-election: May 2028
Cheryl Lampasona currently serves as President of the Mineola Union Free School District Board of Education, having served on the Board for more than a decade. She previously held the position of vice president and was recently re-elected unopposed. Mrs. Lampasona is also an elementary school teacher in New York City public schools. Mrs Lampasona is a parent of children in the district.