Former Board Member Seeks Return in East Hampton

From left, Christina DeSanti, Demme Minskoff, Liz Pucci, and John Ryan Sr. are seeking voter support on May 19.

May. 7, 2015

Christine Sampson

Christina DeSanti, Liz Pucci, and Deme Minskoff are incumbent East Hampton School Board members who are running together to retain their seats, while John Ryan Sr., a former teacher and board member, is hoping to return to the board.

While Ms. Minskoff is a sitting board member, this will be her first time running. She was unanimously appointed to the board in October 2014 to succeed Patricia Hope, who had resigned her seat. Ms. Minskoff, 52, has served as president of the East Hampton Middle School PTA. She has a bachelor’s degree in economics, and has worked as a buyer and merchandiser. She has one child attending East Hampton Middle School and another at the high school.

“I would like to continue to advocate for more diverse educational opportunities, safe and welcoming classrooms, and making sure children are prepared for their next steps,” she said.

Ms. Pucci, herself an alumna of East Hampton High School, is also a former PTA volunteer and president. She is a mother of four, including one student at the high school. She has served on the board since July 2011. Ms. Pucci, 52, said the current board was working very well together. “I can’t say enough about how people are really stepping up and doing what they need to do for the kids. I think it’s going to continue, and I’m pleased to be a part of it.”

Ms. DeSanti, who was first elected to the board in 2012, currently serves as its vice president and liaison to Project Most, the after-school program. She has a bachelor’s degree in business management and runs a catering company in East Hampton along with her husband. Her two children attend East Hampton Middle School and East Hampton High School.

“I think we’ve been really responsible in terms of budgeting, uncovering every rock that we can find, and I think it’s finally starting to pay off,” Ms. DeSanti said. “It’s a product of the school board working together, and that’s what we would like to continue.”

Mr. Ryan, 79, a math and computer teacher in East Hampton schools for 24 years, was elected to the school board six times following his retirement. He volunteers with East Hampton Ocean Rescue and works with the junior lifeguard program. He supports the in-school swim program, and supports the idea of the Common Core curriculum but believes its rollout is flawed and students are tested too much.

“I feel very personally attached to the East Hampton School District,” he said. “I really feel a lot of ownership, and I think I can help. That’s why I’m running.”