The Patchogue-Medford School District Board of Education has a total of two seats open and both candidates will be running unopposed.

Trustee Thomas Donofrio will be running for his sixth term as the only incumbent and newcomer Francis Salazar will be running unopposed as well to fill Teresa Baldinucci-Greenberg’s vacated seat.

Thomas Donofrio

As a member of the Pat-Med community for over 35 years, he said he has always volunteered in an effort to support our young people. He is now running for his sixth term on the board.

“I am proud to be part of the leadership team for a district that has gone from financial difficulties to one with a strong financial position,” he said.

From NPMYAC baseball coach, to cubmaster for Pack 40, to Oregon Middle School Fathers Club chairperson, giving back to his community has been a priority. During his time on the PTA Fathers Club, the district’s budget failed and Pat-Med went on austerity. He said the students faced losing clubs, concerts, art events, musicals, field trips and more.

His first thought: “This cannot happen.”

Along with six other community members, they founded Pat-Med SAFE (Student Activities For Everyone). With one summer of seemingly endless events, they raised over $180,000 to restore clubs, concerts, musicals, and many other student-related events. He said his corporate finance and budget experience has helped the district. Also during this time, the former superintendent threatened to cut kindergarten.

“This path led me to a position on the superintendent’s Budget and Finance Committee,” he added.

Donofrio first ran for school board in 2006, but was defeated. Not giving up, he ran again in 2007 and won a seat. Since then, he has served as the chairperson of the Legislative, Buildings and Grounds, Extra Curricular, and Finance committees. He has also served three years as board of education president and also as vice president.

“I am proud to be one of four board trustees to reject the closing of two of our three middle schools,” he said.

He also prides himself that during one of their building projects, which was under a community-approved bond, he found a program management oversight leading to a savings of over $400,000.

“I am proud of all the accomplishments of our board of education and the current administration,” he added.

His current role as senior trustee is to help guide other board members in becoming the best board member they can be and to serve our community as they continue to establish a positive path for all the students. His pledge to the Pat-Med community is to support all our students, parents, staff, and our community at large with the leadership required to provide the best education they can afford their students.

“I truly believe the district has improved programs for our students, providing them with many options to meet their varying interests. I would be proud to serve the community for another three years,” he continued.

Francis J. Salazar

Francis Salazar has been a resident of the Village of Patchogue since 2008. 

“As a parent of two children enrolled at Bay Elementary School, it would be both my privilege and honor to represent the communities of Patchogue and Medford on the board of education,” he said.

He believes that education is a vital aspect of any thriving community and hopes to provide the children and families of the district with the best education that will allow them to become prosperous and contributing members of society. 

He said his work in education as a special education teacher, coach, department chairperson, and assistant principal in the Copiague School District for the past 16 years has provided him with the experience necessary to be an effective member of the board of education.

“I believe that my experience in education as both a teacher and administrator will provide valuable insight that will produce rational and informed decisions that will reflect the needs and values of our community,” he added. “I will also look to increase communication between all stakeholders of the community incorporating residents, students, school officials and teachers, and the board of education to ensure all voices are heard.”