Shoreham-Wading River swears in new board members and leadership

The Shoreham-Wading River Central School District Board of Education has some new and returning faces for the 2026-2027 academic year.

District Clerk Georgette Kershis swore in Katie Andersen, Henry Perez and newly elected trustee Erin Saunders-Morano for three-year terms during its annual reorganizational meeting on Friday, July 10. All three secured open spots on the school board in the May school board election.

Jim Lauckhardt once again serves as president and the trustees chose Henry Perez as vice president for next school year.

Ms. Anderson is a mom of three children, two of whom are currently enrolled in SWR schools and one who has graduated. She began her career in publishing, then worked in technical writing and real estate. With her English degree, she was inspired by her daughter to pursue a career in education. For the last two years, she has worked in the classroom as a 10th-grade Integrated Co-Teaching, or ICT, teacher. She was first elected in 2017 and hopes to continue the momentum of collective governance, turning challenges into long-term improvements and building consensus.

Mr. Perez has called Wading River home for the last 25 years. He has two sons currently enrolled in the high school. During his nine years on the school board, he said he has developed a deep understanding of district finances, legislative priorities, health and safety and facilities planning. Beyond the school board, he is vice president of the Wading River Civic Association and is in tune with local issues. He has also served on the Brookhaven National Lab Community Council for the last seven years. As a state-licensed professional engineer, he said he brings technical expertise that aids in planning decisions, oversight of capital improvements and upcoming energy performance contracts.

First-time school board trustee Ms. Saunders-Morano is a Shoreham mother of two SWR graduates and one current high school student. She is a special education teaching assistant with nearly a decade of classroom experience in a variety of settings. More recently, she completed training in the Science of Reading and is an advocate for constant learning. She has served in several leadership roles within school district groups and committees, including as president of the Wading River School PTA, founding member of WHAM and chair of the Space and Facilities Committee. On the board she wants to center all students in every decision, maintain reasonable class sizes and strengthen special education programs across the district.

All photos courtesy of the Shoreham-Wading River Central School District