N. Merrick trustees stepping down

North Merrick School District Board of Education President John Rossi and longtime Trustee John Pinto both recently announced that they will not seek reelection for the 2010-11 school year.

"I've enjoyed every minute of being here helping the community, helping the kids, seeing some of the programs that I was part of and helped institute," said Pinto, who has served on the board for 12 years. "It’s time to move on."

Running for Pinto's seat will be North Merrick resident Anthony Vitale and George "Skip" Haile.

Rossi also announced that he will not seek a third term on the board. Community member Wendy Garguilo will run unopposed for his seat. Current Trustee Linda Fuller is running unopposed for own seat.

The community will vote in the annual school election on May 18. Board of education trustees serve three year terms in North Merrick. The board will vote on a new president to replace Rossi at a reorganization meeting in July.

A Meet the Candidates Night will be held at Fayette School on May 5 at 7 p.m.

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