At a candidates forum hosted by American Legion Post 1244, three people seeking seats on the South Huntington Union Free School District Board of Education set out priorities that centered on fiscal responsibility, facilities upgrades and expanded early-childhood services.

Incumbent William B. Ngasso said he is running for reelection to “give back to the community” and to continue work on safety, community engagement and curriculum expansion. “I like to think that I’ve done that and I understand that the accomplishments … I serve with people that have been doing this a lot longer than I have,” Ngasso said, describing his experience as a teacher and board member.

Longtime board member Nicholas Ciappetta described his tenure on the board and leadership roles, citing academic gains and grant awards. “We’ve been able to do all of that by having some of the lowest tax cap levy increases in the town of Huntington,” Ciappetta said, pointing to fiscal planning and grant-funded projects as evidence of district progress.

Challenger Geraldine Westman Clark, a retired educator and lifelong resident, said she would emphasize transparency, community involvement and fiscal stewardship. “I will work to ensure that every dollar is spent wisely,” Westman Clark said, adding that she would push for clearer communication about budget and curriculum choices.

All three candidates discussed specific initiatives several times during the forum: keeping the district’s current elementary-grade organization (the “Princeton plan” was discussed historically and the district’s current K–2/3–5/6 configuration was affirmed), advancing a stand‑alone universal prekindergarten program, and targeted facility improvements such as outdoor learning spaces and playgrounds. They also debated curricular priorities including civics and financial literacy and measures to expand access to Advanced Placement courses.

The forum was moderated by Carlo Giordano of American Legion Post 1244 and featured a sequence of questions from prepared cards. Candidates answered in turn and closed with two-minute statements.

No formal board action or vote took place at the forum; the event was a public candidate appearance ahead of upcoming elections.

The American Legion hosted the event and the district allowed the forum to proceed at the post.

The forum included both policy-specific remarks (for example, references to the district’s record on the tax cap) and personal descriptions of experience and goals. Candidates frequently tied educational priorities to fiscal constraints and local community expectations.

The forum’s information-gathering items — notably the prekindergarten focus group and facility planning — were described as ongoing; speakers said recommendations and budget items will go before the board at scheduled meetings. The candidates urged voters to attend board meetings and to follow forthcoming recommendations from the district’s advisory groups.