Merrick K-6 Schools: Board of Education

Board of Education

The children, parents, teachers, administrators, staff and Board of Education of the Merrick School District are a community of learners who are dedicated to creating a learning environment that embraces the whole child. We believe that all of our children must be given the opportunity to maximize their potential and to become lifelong learners, independent problem solvers and responsible citizens. We believe that the responsibility is one that must be shared by home, school and community.

Board of Education Meetings are usually held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 8 pm in the Board Room. See the district calendar for the scheduled meeting dates.
Upcoming BOE Meeting Agenda | BOE Meeting Minutes Archive

		Dr. Nancy S. Kaplan, BOE President As an educator, Nancy cares deeply about children and realizes the importance of a quality education to their future. She is a firm believer that each child has the potential to "change the world" and should be equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence to do so. In her role, Nancy is an advocate for all children and will do whatever it takes to ensure that they receive the best education possible. Nancy is an Associate Vice President at St. John's University. Her responsibilities include Academic Support Services, the University Freshman Center and Student Development for Athletes. She also serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the School of Education. Her academic credentials from St. John's University include the Doctor of Education degree in Educational Administration and Supervision, Master of Business Administration Degree in Executive Management and Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Management. In addition, she completed the Management Development Program at Cornell University's New York State School of Industrial and Labor Relations and the Management Development Studies Program at Harvard University. She is a skilled facilitator on issues of diversity and communication and serves as a Training Specialist for the Anti-Defamation League's "A Campus of Difference" and "A Workplace of Difference" training programs. Nancy and her husband, Lenny, are the very proud parents of Michael (9) and Joshua (5).
		Joann Seibert, BOE Vice President Joann takes pride in working on behalf of the children and residents of Merrick School District. She recognizes the importance of supporting the potential of every student while continuing to manage our budget wisely. Her commitment and involvement in the community and professional experiences help to make her an informed board member. Joann Seibert has served as a PTA Co-President at Chatterton School, a member of the district Character Education Committee, Professional Development Committee and the Chatterton Site- Based Team. She has a MBA in Finance from Adelphi University and a MS in Education from Hofstra University. Her professional experience includes MasterCard International and JPMorgan Bank as a Financial Manager responsible for budgets and financial reporting. She has taught as Adjunct Faculty at Nassau Community College and the College of Insurance in the Math, Economics and Business Departments. She and her husband Rich have 3 children attending Merrick Schools, 2 in Chatterton and 1 in Merrick Avenue Middle School. The Seibert's have been residents of Merrick for 12 years.
		Sherri Iskenderian, BOE Trustee
		Gina Piskin, BOE Trustee Gina Piskin has been involved in the Merrick school district for years and is looking forward to serving as a Board of Education trustee. She has a 12th grader and a 10th grader at Kennedy, as well as a son in 3rd grade at Levy-Lakeside. She believes having a number of children in the schools will benefit her as a trustee. A graduate of Adelphi University with a bachelor's in history, which she received with honors, Piskin has chosen to stay home and raise her children. She was the Levy-Lakeside PTA president last year and remains active with the organization. “When I became involved in the PTA, I started going to board meetings,” said Piskin, adding, “I always encourage people to go, but you see the same people at the meetings. I'd like to see more people go so they can see how the decisions are made.” Piskin said her goal as a trustee will be to encourage communication between parents, administrators and board trustees.
		Susan Schwartz, BOE Trustee Susan is in the middle of her second term on the Board of Education. She is currently a first grade teacher in Suffolk County and sees firsthand the impact Board decisions have on each child in the classroom. She feels the Merrick Board of Education whole-heartedly supports the needs of every student and strives to empower every child with the ability to be a successful, life-long learner. She would like to continue to ensure that the Board remains active contributors to the community and that the community continues to be fully involved in our schools.
		Diane Seaman, BOE Trustee Diane Seaman finds the problem solving aspects of her Board position challenging. Making decisions that benefits students while being fiscally responsible are important to her. Ms. Seaman appreciates working with diverse groups of people who bring varying experiences and opinions to the table. As a former SEPTA co-president and board member for seven years, PTA vice president, chairperson of at least 15 committees, and site based member, Ms. Seaman relies on the needs of the community, past experience and her commitment to ongoing school board training to help make decisions. Ms. Seaman serves represents Merrick on the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School Board and is a member of Kiwanis, responsible for the annual clothing drive. This is her seventh year on the board. She and her husband, Gary have three sons, two graduated from Sanford H. Calhoun high school and college, and the youngest will enter Calhoun in the fall. Ms. Seaman is a paralegal.
		Butch Yamali, BOE Trustee

Birch Elementary | Chatterton Elementary | Lakeside Elementary