On April 16, Carle Place Board of Education member Mr. Lawrence F. Zaino, Jr. retired after 26 years of service.
Mr. Zaino was a respected and trusted member of the board of education, having held the roles of president, vice president, and trustee. In these roles, he has worked to advance quality programs and secure essential resources that support the academic, social, and emotional needs of students across all schools in the district.
Mr. Zaino was a consistently resolute advocate for equitable access to education, helping ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed regardless of background. He contributed to a culture of continuous improvement by supporting student-centered policies, promoting teacher development, and strengthening collaboration with the community. As chairman of the District Audit Committee, Mr. Zaino oversaw fiscal planning and resource allocation, focusing on responsible budgeting and efficient use of taxpayer funds while maintaining high educational standards.
“Working with Mr. Zaino has been such an honor. He is a mentor and someone from whom I have learned an enormous amount,” said Dr. Ted Cannone, superintendent of schools. “His leadership and character have taught generations of board members and administrators what it means to uphold standards that put students first and create a lasting legacy. Our legacy is what it is because of the leadership of our board, and he is truly a leader among leaders.”
“Thank you to Mr. Zaino for the thousands of hours you have dedicated to serving our community,” said Board of Education President Vanessa Dong-Monaco. “He is a trusted and respected member of the board who has demonstrated a genuine passion for education and has left a lasting impact and legacy on our schools.”
“After 26 years, it’s not easy to find the right words to say thank you to the community and people who mean so much to me,” said Mr. Zaino. “It has been a privilege to serve alongside board members past and present, and I am so grateful for the legacy we’ve built together. The most meaningful part of this work is its sense of purpose — it’s deeply rewarding to contribute to something that matters to students, families, and the future of our community.”