Rockville Centre voters signaled a shift in direction for the Board of Education on May 19, electing challengers Christa Dorrego and Mary Beth Joyce in a three-seat race shaped by a difficult budget cycle, staffing reductions and calls for greater transparency in district decision-making.
Dorrego led all candidates with 1,955 votes, followed by Joyce with 1,947, unseating incumbent Janet Gruner, who received 1,347 votes. The same day, voters approved a $141.3 million school budget by a 1,915-1,195 margin.
Both will take office July 1.
Dorrego said she felt the vote reflected not only a desire for change, but also a sense of trust placed in her by voters as she emerged as the top vote-getter in the race.
“I was pleased that I felt that they put their confidence in me,” she said. “It made me feel good that they had the trust in me, and I'm committed to continuing that and maintaining their trust.”
Joyce said her campaign focused on financial oversight and long-term planning, which she believes resonated with voters.
“I think a lot of voters were looking for someone with a strong financial background,” she said. “They want someone to take strong leadership on the finance side of the board.”
The approved budget includes a 1.03 percent increase in spending and a 2.06 percent tax levy increase, equal to an estimated $309 annual rise for the average homeowner.
To offset costs, the district is reducing more than 20 teaching positions, along with cuts to teacher assistants and administrative staff, largely through attrition and retirements. Officials said they aim to preserve core classroom instruction.
A $2 million capital transfer will fund projects including renovations at South Side Middle School, HVAC upgrades at Jennie E. Hewitt Elementary School, playground improvements at Covert and Watson elementary schools, and districtwide infrastructure repairs.
Dorrego said her immediate focus in her new role will be listening and learning district operations before making changes, with an emphasis on student support and maintaining program stability during the transition. She said one of the biggest concerns she has heard from residents centers on this year’s budget process and a lack of clarity around how decisions were made.
“I think people are frustrated and asking, ‘How did we get here, and why didn’t we know sooner?’” she said. “We need to improve how we communicate budget issues and program changes so the community understands what’s being discussed and why.”
Dorrego added that stronger, more transparent communication could help rebuild trust and ensure residents feel informed about district decision-making.
Joyce said she plans to prioritize long-term financial planning, clearer budget communication and improved transparency in how district data is presented to the public.
She said her election reflects a desire for stability and clearer direction from the board.
“I think that the community elected Chris and I because they want to see change on the board and we both have really positive views on the potential of the district long term,” Joyce said. “I think people are looking for stability and kind of hoping that this is putting everything on the right path.”
