Harrigan to Lead Mahopac School Board; Districts Organize for 2026-27 School Year

By Holly Crocco

School districts across Putnam are welcoming new leadership at the administrative level and the board level as they organize for the 2026-27 school year.

During the July 1 reorganizational meeting of the Mahopac School Board, new Superintendent of Schools Vincent DiGrandi and board trustees Joseph Catalli, Lindsay DiCerbo, and Adam Savino were sworn into office, before elections for board president and vice president took place.

Trustee Nicole Iacono nominated Chris Harrigan, calling him “a strong and consistent voice in our district, both as a community member and in his role as a board trustee.”

“He’s always showed respect, doesn’t allow outside noise to waver his reasoning, takes the time to truly listen to all perspectives, asks thoughtful questions, and makes decisions based on careful consideration and sound judgement,” she said. “His leadership reflets a clear commitment to doing what is right and what is best for our school community.”

Harrigan – who faced calls for his resignation last year after it was learned that he works as an agent for the federal Immigrations & Customs Enforcement – said he has experience leading a team of people with different perspectives, skills, and goals, while remaining calm and working toward a shared mission… all of which he can apply to the board president role.

“Over the past two years serving on this board has given me a deeper understanding of our district, our educational system, and the role we play in supporting student success,” he said. “During that time, I’ve worked hard to learn, listen, and contribute in a meaningful way.”

Harrigan said he will keep the very residents who voted for him in mind as he considers what is best for the district.

“While many board members were supported by organizations and groups, my candidacy was built on community involvement and a commitment to our students,” he said. “If elected board president, I will work to foster collaboration, maintain open communication, and ensure that our board remains focused on providing the best opportunities for students, and being attentive to the needs of our community.”

Also nominated for the position was Jennifer Travis.

In his endorsement, Trustee Adam Savino said Travis “perfectly embodies the precise competencies, temperament, and specialized knowledge required to lead our board effectively.”

“She brings extension hands-on knowledge in general education, special education, and social-emotional wellness, ensuring holistic, student-first decision-making,” he said. “She reacts to conflicts with objective facts rather than emotion, always driving toward the best possible outcomes for our students.”

Travis, who was born and raised in Mahopac, said the community means the world to her.

“I’ve really loved my time serving on the board,” she said. “I feel that I could be a benefit to the school district to serve in the role as president.”

Travis said she would prioritize board collaboration, working on the school’s multi-tiered system of supports for students, developing a special education strategic plan, exploring lunch service options, and making sure the community understands the board’s role.

“I am a leader in my every day job,” concluded Travis. “I do believe I have all the characteristics needed for this role.”

Harrigan won the majority support from his peers, with Trustees Catalli, Iacono, Lucy Massafra, and Kyle Potter – along with himself – voting him president of the board.

For vice president, Travis was nominated by Trustee Lisa Carway.

“No matter what role I serve in, I believe in this district,” said Travis.

Harrigan nominated Massafra, who has served as second-in-command for the past two years.

“This experience has strengthened my commitment to students, families, education, and the community,” she said. “I believe in the past we’ve made meaningful progress and I’m committed to building on that momentum.”

Massafra was elected by her colleagues, with votes from Catalli, Harrigan, Iacono, Potter, and herself.

Following the elections, Carway expressed hope that the board will have stronger communication this coming year.

“I know that last year, I feel like there was a little bit of a disconnect with communication, and I feel that would be wonderful if we were able to get back to everyone and work together and share with the entire board,” she said.

During the board’s regular meeting, which followed the reorganizational meeting, new Superintendent DiGrandi thanked the school community for giving him a warm welcome.

“I know everyone has high expectations of me,” he said. “I have high expectations of myself and look forward to going to work.”

He also thanked outgoing Interim Superintendent Frank Miele for his leadership, saying, “I thank Frank for leaving this place in such a good position… Nobody can outwork that man – he’s unbelievable.”

Lastly, DiGrandi encouraged not only students, but the entire community, to read this summer.

“Please, pick up a book – read something,” he said. “Find enjoyment in the fantasy world. Read a biography of a great American. Learn how a combustion engine works. Please, find a new passion… read. Read with a parent, read to a sibling. Please, read.”

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Other districts in Putnam county had uncontested elections for leadership.

During the Carmel School Board’s July 1 reorganizational meeting, Melissa Orser was reelected president of the board and John Curzio II was reelected vice president.

During its July 1 reorganizational meeting, the Putnam Valley School Board unanimously elected Janette Yeter president of the board, with Barbara Farmily unanimously elected vice president.

During the Brewster School Board’s July 7 reorganizational meeting, Kerry Cunningham was unanimously re-elected president of the board, and Cynthia Fox was unanimously elected vice president.