At the district's reorganization meeting July 1, re-elected board members Richard C. Mallow, Thomas Dick and Ralph Raymond were sworn into office for their second terms. Loretta Giardina, who was elected to serve a one-year unexpired portion of a term held by a board member who resigned, took office in May.

Mallow has been a resident of Plainedge for 16 years and his wife was born and raised in the community. Their daughter attends Schwarting elementary school, and a son attends Packard Middle School. Mallow served on the Plainedge Budget Advisory team in 1995 and 1996. He has a Bachelor's degree from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh.

Dick and his wife Mary are both graduates of Plainedge High School, and currently have two children in the school system. Dick has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and received his MBA from Adelphi University. He is an Information Technology professional with 18 years of experience in financial services, insurance, manufacturing and distribution services.

Raymond, who previously served the unexpired portion of a term of office, was re-elected to a three-year term. A 21-year resident of Plainedge, he has three children attending Plainedge schools. He is a self-employed Long Island business owner for the past 23 years. Active in the community, Raymond is the former chief of the North Massapequa Fire Department, and currently serves as a member of the board of fire commissioners.

Giardina and her husband, who was raised in the community, have lived in Plainedge for 13 years. Their four children all attend Eastplain School. Giardina is a certified medical assistant who has worked for the same surgeon for the past 17 years. This year, she is first vice president of the Eastplain PTA.

During the Reorganization meeting, the board elected Mallow to serve as president, and MaryAnn Karageorges as vice president. Karageorges previously served as president of the board for two years.

The board invites residents to attend its monthly meetings. Business meetings often highlight student and staff achievements and the various educational programs and services provided by the district. Two opportunities are provided to ask questions or make comments. The board also meets in Work Sessions, generally on the Tuesday preceding the business meeting, at which the board discusses important issues and concerns. Residents are invited to attend, although there is no public participation.

Board meeting dates are listed on the Calendar and on the district's web page, Board of Education section, www.plainedgeschools.org.