The Massapequa School District Board of Education recently welcomed its second pair of student members who will serve throughout the 2026-2027 school year. Massapequa High School seniors Antonio Del Maestro and Melissa Stalzer were sworn in as the ex officio student board members at the July 9 reorganization meeting.
The position was introduced last year. As ex officio members, Antonio and Melissa do not vote or attend executive sessions, but they give a report at each meeting on student happenings throughout the district. Their first update on July 9 included a recap of graduation and other year-end events.
Antonio, who attended Birch Lane Elementary School, is the high school general organization president and a member of mock trial, varsity bowling and the Shared Decision-Making Committee. He has been involved in student government since eight grade and was interested in the board position to advance his leadership skills.
“I’m looking forward to serving as a bridge between the school board and student body to communicate the ideas of the students to the board” Antonio said.
Melissa, a Fairfield Elementary School graduate, belongs to Best Buddies and Challenger Athletics. She applied for the student member role to help bring the opinions and perspectives of the students to the district’s decision-makers.
“I wanted to try something new and take on a leadership position,” she said.
After high school, Antonio wants to study finance and eventually attend law school, and Melissa wants to become a special education teacher.
Superintendent Dr. William Brennan said they were chosen for the role from among 21 applicants.
“We are delighted to welcome Antonio and Melissa, two proven student leaders, to serve as our ex officio student members on the board of education for the next year,” Dr. Brennan said. “The board trustees and the central office team look forward to their insights and updates and are confident they will follow the high standard set by our inaugural student members last year.”