When I tell people I’m running for reelection to the Manhasset Board of Education, I generally get sideways glances and a one-word question: “Why?” Not every “Why” is the same, of course. Some ask because they can’t understand why anyone would want to put themselves through the process and become a target. Others ask because they want to understand my motivation for choosing to do this.
Whatever the reason, my answer is the same: I want to serve on the board because I believe in this community. It’s that simple. I’ve been on the board for six years. I’ve witnessed what happens when Manhasset comes together. We’ve accomplished so much and can still do more—much more—to improve the education of our children.
I’m enormously proud of the achievements during my tenure on the board. We’ve enacted major curriculum enhancements at the elementary and secondary levels. A budget referendum passed, adding new Munsey Park classrooms, a broadcast journalism suite, student wellness center, and a Shelter Rock protective security vestibule. We’ve added counselors and social workers to help students with emotional needs—something that’s critically important right now. We’ve increased transparency, including continued remote participation in board meetings even after the state lifted that requirement.
We can do more. We can revisit foreign language instruction in the elementary schools. We must get more girls engaged in technology, including more high school girls in computer science classes. And I want to add robotics teams and a STEM lab for our budding scientists.
Manhasset traditionally sends students to great colleges. But the landscape is changing. I know first-hand from my son’s process last year. I want to work with our Guidance Department to get kids thinking about “passion projects” to enrich their experiences and help with college applications.
We’re all very fortunate to live in a phenomenal, award-winning school district. I want to get back to celebrating what makes us great, focusing on the education and well-being of our terrific kids. I will continue to work tirelessly to assure that Manhasset is a place where ALL kids can thrive academically and emotionally.
—Christine Monterosso
Monterosso is the vice president of the Manhasset School District Board of Education.
