Elmont Public Library’s newest trustees are beginning new chapters of service to the community as Susan Saint-Joy was sworn in to a five-year term and Sheldon Meikle began his service on the board following his swearing-in last month.
The two trustees, elected by residents in May, have emphasized transparency, community engagement and ensuring that the library remains responsive to the needs of Elmont residents.
Saint-Joy said serving the public is a responsibility she does not take lightly, and she promised to make decisions with transparency and the best interests of the community in mind.
She also expressed gratitude to the volunteers, supporters, civic leaders and family members who helped her throughout the campaign.
“Tonight is not simply the beginning of a five-year term; it is the beginning of another opportunity to serve, so I just want to say thank you,” Saint-Joy said.
Much of her remarks focused on the collective effort behind her election. She thanked campaign team members, residents who displayed lawn signs, volunteers who knocked on doors and made phone calls, and her husband, whom she described as a behind-the-scenes supporter who helped create campaign materials and maintain her website.
Her husband, Feygens Saint-Joy Jr., said he was proud to see her take office.
“I’m very proud of my wife. She lives a purpose-driven life and is really enjoying exactly what she wanted to do, which is build community,” he said.
Trustee Sheldon Meikle, who was elected alongside Saint-Joy, was formally sworn in last month. Both trustees have emphasized the importance of transparency and ensuring residents’ voices are represented in library decisions.
Among those supporting the new trustees was Elizabeth Forbes, founder of the Gift of Giving Foundation.
Writing about Saint-Joy, Forbes wrote, “The strongest communities are built when people not only use their hands to serve, but also their hearts, wisdom, and unique gifts to uplift others.”
Forbes also praised Meikle’s commitment to service.
“A strong community isn’t measured by its size or resources, but by the way its people show up for one another with compassion, integrity and a willingness to serve. That’s where true greatness lives,” she wrote.
Later in the evening, the Elmont Union Free School District held its annual reorganization meeting for the 2026-27 school year.
Trustees Tiffany Capers and Angel Ramos, who were re-elected by voters on May 19, were officially sworn in to new three-year terms that run through June 30, 2029.
The board elected Capers to continue serving as president and selected Shirley Wheeler-Massey as vice president. Wheeler-Massey and Lynette Battle were also appointed as the district’s representatives to the Sewanhaka Central High School District Board of Education.
Superintendent Marlon C. Small congratulated Capers and Ramos on their re-election and thanked the board for its leadership throughout the 2025-26 school year. He also recognized teachers, administrators, staff and parents for supporting students and helping the district maintain a successful academic year.
Although the school year concluded last week, Small noted that district programs remain active throughout the summer. More than 335 students attended the first day of the district’s summer enrichment program, while more than 85 students participated in the Extended School Year program. The district is also hosting nearly 300 students through the Gateway Youth Outreach program, a nonprofit organization focused on providing youth development at Dutch Broadway School.
Small thanked teachers, support staff and administrators who continue working throughout the summer months, saying their efforts help ensure students continue learning and receiving services while school is not in session.
