The Board Fills a Vacancy

On Monday night, the Sag Harbor School Board appointed Thomas J. Schiavoni, a parent and longtime schoolteacher, to fill a vacancy.

Mr. Schiavoni, who lives on North Haven and teaches at Center Moriches High School, is filling the seat of Daniel Hartnett, who resigned last month after he moved to Springs. To remain on the board, Mr. Schiavoni would have to seek a full three-year term during the regular elections in May 2015. He was elected to the North Haven Village Board in June.

Known as Tommy John, the 51-year-old was among four candidates who were interested in the position, which the board decided to fill instead of leaving vacant until next year’s election or holding a special election.

Mr. Schiavoni said he does not have any agenda in joining the board. “I think the district is on a great trajectory academically. I want to maintain what I consider an upward trajectory,” he said Tuesday. Joining the board is something he said he has long considered.

When Mr. Hartnett, a bilingual social worker at the East Hampton Middle School, left the board, he said he hoped it would be filled by another educator.

“My career is children, and this is part of it,” Mr. Schiavoni said. He has taught social studies to grades 7 to 12 in Center Moriches, and this coming year will teach economics and participation in government to seniors.

He and his wife, Andrea Schiavoni, an attorney who serves as a justice for Southampton Town and Sag Harbor Village, have two children attending school in the Sag Harbor School District — a daughter entering eighth grade and a son going into fifth. Mr. Schiavoni grew up on North Haven.

Theresa Samot, the school board president, said the decision to appoint Mr. Schiavoni was unanimous. “As an educator, Pierson graduate, parent of students in the district, and someone who is involved in many aspects of the community, the board feels that he brings valuable experience to the board that will best serve our community,” she said.