Luis Alcantara
Board President
lalcantara@centralislip.k12.ny.us

Biography

Luis Alcantara possesses a sense of commitment and dedication in his desire to serve the Central Islip Community. In 2021, Mr. Alcantara sought a seat on the Central Islip Board of Education, and was successful in his inaugural bid for election on May 18th of that year. He was elected by the members of the Board to serve as Vice President, and took office on July 1, 2021. Mr. Alcantara was subsequently elected to the Presidency by the members of the Board of Education, where he took the oath of office on July 12, 2023. On May 21st, 2024, Mr. Alcantara was re-elected to the Board of Education where he continues to serve as President of the Board of Education. On May 20, 2025, Mr. Alcantara was re-elected to the Board of Education to serve another 3-year term.

Mr. Alcantara brings a wealth of experience to the Board of Education as he shares his story: He arrived in the United States from the Dominican Republic at age 6, and has called Central Islip "home" for the past 52 years. Mr. Alcantara started his career as a part-time Custodian in Central Islip schools at age 18, before pursuing his educational degrees and transitioning to the role of Bilingual Science Teacher at Central Islip High School. Mr. Alcantara also served as Head Swim Coach of the Varsity and Middle School Swim Teams before retiring in 2021. 

Along his journey  to continue serving the CI Community, on May 18, 2021, (after stepping in to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Norman Wagner), Mr. Alcantara was honored to have been elected to the Central Islip Library Board of Trustees, and humbly acknowledges the Community for its overwhelming support. He is also a member of PTA Council.

With his priority to "put students first," Mr. Alcantara notes the academic excellence that is reflected by the increasing numbers of scholarships Seniors are earning. "The academic success of our seniors is evident by the increasing numbers of impressive scholarships and recognitions that our seniors are earning," Mr. Alcantara said. "These scholarships are representative of their scholastic successes throughout their high school careers."

With an appreciation for the diversity and pride that run deep within the Central Islip Community, Mr. Alcantara has, over five decades, embraced fostering lifelong connections and relationships. Working alongside his colleagues, administrators, faculty and staff within Central Islip Schools, Mr. Alcantara, who serves on the Budget Committee, has mapped out a 20~20 vision for the goals he has set for the educational and fiscal future of the District: "The Board of Education devises fiscally responsible Budgets that are responsive to the needs of all students, while being sensitive to the Community's ability to support these programs," Mr. Alcantara explained. "Equally as important," Mr. Alcantara continued, "is that the Board of Education and Administration maintain transparency and open dialogue with our Community. We also encourage the  Community to attend School Board meetings, and enjoy the wide array of athletics, concerts, theater arts productions and other enriching activities that abound throughout Central Islip Schools." 

Mr. Alcantara concluded: "On behalf of the Board of Education, Administration, Faculty and Staff, we thank you, the Community, for your continued support and partnership as we continue to create a safe, inclusive and enriching environment for all students to succeed."