Christine Napolitano

Executive Director
Littig House Community Center

During Christine Napolitano’s tenure on the Mineola Board of Education, the district has undertaken the journey to become a “District of Change,” for which Ms. Napolitano has certainly been a catalyst. She was at the forefront of the tough decision to reconfigure the district’s schools, which ultimately led to millions of dollars in savings for taxpayers and a better learning environment for students.

Ms. Napolitano spearheaded the development of a capital plan that enabled the district to build new libraries, art and music rooms, turf fields, an auxiliary high school gym, and a stateof- the-art fabrication lab. Classrooms were converted into flexible learning spaces with multi-level desks and more comfortable seating. The plan also provided a special learning space for STEAM education.

Ms. Napolitano helped tailor a high school program that gives students a better foundation for college. The dual enrollment program through Queensboro Community College offers students the opportunity to earn college credit. At the conclusion of their senior year, these students earn a college certificate, which they can use to obtain a quality career or to continue on toward an associate’s degree.

The district has become a beacon for best practices in instructional technology, earning state and national recognition. All five Mineola schools have been selected as Apple Distinguished Schools, a distinction shared by only 400 schools worldwide. The district was also one of only 86 nationwide to be inducted into the prestigious Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools.

Under Ms. Napolitano’s leadership the district has developed a stronger science curriculum, which is regarded as exemplary by the New York State School Boards Association and has earned Mineola the Be the Change for Kids Award. The district has produced three Intel semifinalists and placed countless others in various competitions. Additionally, a thriving dual-language program has been implemented and the district has had great success assimilating children of diverse backgrounds.

“I believe that every child can achieve,” Ms. Napolitano said, “and the role of every board member is to provide opportunities for success to every student in the district. In Mineola, we work hard to determine what is going to help them succeed once they leave the fold and graduate from high school.”