A Message from the Superintendent and Board of Education | 2026-27 School Year

Dear Central Islip Students, Parents and Guardians,

Welcome back!

We hope you had a wonderful summer filled with rest, laughter, family, friends and time to enjoy the things that make you happy. As we begin the 2026-2027 school year, we want each of you to know how excited we are to welcome you back to our classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, playgrounds, fields, stages and school community.

A new school year is a fresh start. It is a chance to learn something new, meet new friends, set new goals, and discover more about who you are and who you are becoming. Whether you are entering prekindergarten, kindergarten, moving up to a new building, beginning middle school, starting high school or preparing for your senior year, this year belongs to you.

As we begin this new year, we are also excited to welcome several members of our administrative team into new leadership roles. 

Mr. Matthew Matera will serve as deputy superintendent. Ms. Christina Guastella will serve as executive director for grants and funded programs, and Mr. Anthony Coggiano will serve as executive director of special education and pupil personnel services. Ms. Carmen Vazquez will serve as the director of central registration, and Dr. Andrew Canlé has been appointed director of humanities.

At the building level, Ms. Jasmin Dengeles has been appointed principal of Alfano Elementary School, Dr. Nicole Lefferts has been appointed principal of Mulligan Elementary School, Mr. Brett MacMonigle will serve as principal of Reed Middle School, and Mr. Timothy Lynam will serve as principal of Mulvey Elementary School.

Ms. Yvette Rivera has been appointed to Cordello Elementary School as assistant principal, Ms. Janelle Lugo-Elmore has been appointed assistant principal of Alfano Elementary School, Ms. Emilia Diasparra has been appointed assistant principal at O’Neill Elementary School, Ms. Elizabeth Gibbons has been appointed assistant principal of Reed Middle School, and Ms. Ivette Cortes has joined the High School administrative team as assistant principal. Mr. Steven Giacolone will continue supporting our students and staff as assistant principal at the High School. 

Each of these leaders is committed to supporting you and helping make your school experience the very best it can be.

To our high school seniors, the Class of 2027, this year is especially meaningful. This is your final year as students in the Central Islip School District, and we hope you fully enjoy every part of the journey. Take in the moments, the first day, the games, the concerts, the activities, the friendships, the traditions and all the memories that will lead you toward graduation. At the same time, remember that our younger students are watching you. You can set a positive example through your kindness, your choices, your school spirit and your leadership. Make this year one that you will always be proud of.

In Central Islip, we believe in kindness. We believe in hard work. We believe in giving students opportunities. Most importantly, we believe in you. You are talented, capable, creative and full of promise. Some days may feel easy, and some days may feel challenging, but please remember that you are never alone. Your teachers, principals, school counselors, support staff, coaches, families are all here to support you, encourage you and help you succeed.

This year, we encourage you to be kind to one another. Say hello to someone new. Help a classmate. Thank your teachers and staff. Ask questions. Try your best. Get involved. Read more. Dream bigger. And when something feels difficult, do not give up. Every great success story includes effort, patience and courage.

Central Islip is a very special place because of you, our students. You bring energy, joy, culture, pride and purpose to our schools. Each of you adds something meaningful to our district, and each of you can make a positive difference.

As your Board of Education president and superintendent, we are proud of you, we believe in you and we cannot wait to see all that you will accomplish this school year.

Welcome back, Central Islip students. Let’s make 2026-2027 a year filled with learning, kindness, growth and CI pride!

With CI pride,

Mrs. Michele Harriott

Board of Education President

Dr. Sharon A. Dungee
Superintendent of Schools