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Former Mattituck BOE member returns to fill vacancy

The Mattituck-Cutchogue Board of Education appointed Sarah Hassildine to fill a vacancy on the seven-member board at Thursday’s meeting.

Ms. Hassildine, a Cutchogue resident, previously served one three-year term on the board from 2012 to 2015. She did not seek re-election in 2015.

According to a board resolution, she was appointed to serve through the next annual election and budget vote on May 21, 2019.

Her reappointment comes after board member Barbara Talbot resigned in August, citing personal reasons. She would have been up for re-election in May.

Board member Doug Cooper welcomed Ms. Hassildine back.

“She did an excellent job, [she’s] very knowledgeable,” he said. “It’s good to have you back.”

Ms. Hassildine said she enjoyed her time on the school board but did not seek re-election when her only son graduated from Mattituck High School. “I missed it. I was so involved before [he graduated,]” she said.

When she learned about the vacancy, she was one of several people to express interest to the board.

She said she’s thankful to the Mattituck teachers who have invested in her son’s education.

“It’s my way of giving back,” she said, adding that she’s looking forward to getting to work with a new board and recently appointed superintendent, Jill Gierasch.

Board of Education President Charles Anderson was not present at the meeting Thursday evening and did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday.

Photo caption: Sarah Hassildine is the newest member of the Mattituck BOE. (Credit: Tara Smith)

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