MAHOPAC, N.Y.—Mahopac will hold its budget vote and Board of Education election on Tuesday, May 20, at Mahopac High School, with five candidates on the ballot vying for three open seats. The candidates include incumbent Adam Savino, former trustee Lucy Massafra, and three newcomers: Nicole Iacono, Kyle Potter, and Vincent Furfaro.
We asked each candidate to answer questions about their background, qualifications, and views on topics including challenged books, DEI, the budget, curriculum, and challenges facing the district. Responses have been edited for length. Candidates are presented in ballot order.
Kyle Potter was born and raised in Mahopac and is a 2004 graduate of MHS. His roots in the community run deep. He lives in Mahopac with his wife and two young children, both of whom are part of the Mahopac school system.
Potter holds a BA in finance from Siena College and an MBA in finance and accounting from the University of Scranton. He has served as the director of accounting, where he managed and produced a $90 million operating budget.
“My career has been dedicated to fiscal responsibility, budgeting, and strategic financial planning,” he said. “I bring a strong foundation in line-by-line budgeting, transparency, and efficient allocation of resources. I am committed to ensuring every dollar is spent wisely and effectively, always keeping the best interests of our students at heart while remaining mindful of the taxpayers' investment in our schools."
Potter has spent the past 15 years active in the community through coaching with the Mahopac Sports Association. Most recently, he served as president of the MSA Lacrosse program.
When it comes to the district’s approach to evaluating challenged books, Potter said he believes strongly in transparency. He says every parent should have access to books available in school libraries, especially those aligned with their child's age or grade level.
“Parents should have the right to opt out of specific books they feel are not appropriate for their child,” he said. “It's important that we respect both academic freedom and parental involvement to ensure a balanced and inclusive approach to education.
Potter also says diversity and inclusion efforts should be a part of building a “respectful and welcoming community in Mahopac, where every student and staff member feels valued.”
“At the same time, it's important that these efforts are rooted in fairness and focused on merit,” he said. “I believe our priority should be to promote and hire individuals based on their qualifications, experience, and ability to contribute meaningfully to student success. A strong, merit-based approach ensures that we are bringing the most capable people into our schools while still fostering an environment that respects and reflects the diverse perspectives within our community.”
Potter says one of the biggest challenges facing the Mahopac School District in the coming years is maintaining trust through improved transparency, especially around budgeting, curriculum decisions, and communication with families.
“Parents deserve to feel heard and respected when it comes to their children's education, and that starts with clear, open dialogue and greater access to information,” he said.
Potter said he is disappointed with the 2025-26 budget, contending that the school board missed an opportunity for zero percent hike in the tax levy.
“The district received funds from the sale of the school administration building and now have a built-up reserve in anticipation of a litigation that ultimately never came to fruition,” he said. “With these available funds, there was a real opportunity to provide tax relief without compromising the quality of education. Fiscal responsibility means not just managing spending but also recognizing when it's time to ease the burden on our taxpayers.”
Lucy Massafra is a Mahopac High School alumnus and a resident of the town for 40 years. She is the mother of three children who all attended Mahopac schools.
Massafra is a former school board trustee who is seeking to regain a seat on the board. She says her professional career as a marketing manager in the healthcare industry has given her experience with budgeting, cost analysis, policy compliance, and controlled purchasing. In her previous tenure, Massafra pushed for fiscal responsibility and said it’s even more important now.
“Like many in our community, I understand—and personally feel—the impact of rising school taxes,” said Massafra. “As a longtime community member and former board member, I take the fiduciary responsibility to our taxpayers very seriously. I believe that true leadership means finding the right balance between educational excellence and fiscal responsibility. That is why I have decided to run for the school board again.”
Massafra, who holds a degree from Columbia University, said the board needs trustees who understand the importance of prudent fiscal spending and are willing to challenge the administration when appropriate.
“We need trustees who are leaders and are not afraid to ask the tough questions,” she said. “I will ask ‘why’ and ‘why not’ in pursuit of better outcomes for our students and our community.”
Massafra said when it comes to the administration’s approach to evaluating challenged books, her record is clear.
“I am not for book banning, but certain books belong in the public library and not in a school library,” she said.
Massafra said the district needs to have a good balance between core subjects, arts, and athletics.
“Extracurricular activities are important because they support the development of well-rounded individuals by offering growth opportunities beyond academics,” she said. “I feel Mahopac has something for every student.”
The candidate said one of the biggest challenges facing the Mahopac School District in the coming years is finding the right balance between providing high-quality education for all students, responsibly managing taxpayer resources, and ensuring families feel truly engaged and heard.
“This can be achieved through developing clear budget communication, expanding family engagement, and ensuring programs deliver measurable results for students,” she said.
Massafra believes there’s room for improvement in academic performance and called it “a top priority.”
“As noted in the Jan. 28, 2025, presentation, only 39 percent of our sixth graders are proficient in ELA,” she said. “This is unacceptable. We must refocus on the fundamentals: reading, writing, math, and history. Our students deserve a strong academic foundation and the support they need to succeed.”
Massafra said the 2025–26 proposed budget was an opportunity for the board to give back to the community.
“With reserves over $26 million, the sale of the District Office ($1.2 million), and an additional $1.4 million in state aid, giving back this year with no increase was the right direction for the budget,” she said, noting that she was “disappointed” that some board members supported a tax increase.
“This is why I’ve decided to run for the school board again,” she said.
As a former board member, Massafra says she has a deep understanding of district operations, budgeting, and policymaking.
“I understand how decisions made at the board level impact students and the community,” she said. “I am committed to making data-driven decisions, grounded in facts and focused on results. If elected, I will continue to bring this approach to every decision that affects our students, our schools, and our community.”
Nicole Iacono has lived in Mahopac since 2017. As a stay-at-home mother of four, with three children attending schools in the Mahopac School District, she says she is deeply invested in the future of the community.
Iacono coaches MSA soccer, vol
unteers with the Lakeview PTO, and serves on the district’s School Board Advocacy Committee.
“Over the past year, I’ve attended nearly every Board of Education meeting, including subcommittee sessions, to better understand the district’s inner workings,” she said. “I’ve spoken out on issues that matter, advocated for our families, and will continue to fight for what’s right. I believe in honest leadership and common-sense decision-making that puts our children and community first.”
Iacono said parental involvement is essential to that success.
“While we are fortunate to have incredible teachers, they can’t do it alone,” she said. “A strong partnership between families, educators, and the board is key to a thriving school community.”
She said she believes that parents have a right to be informed about the materials their children may encounter in school libraries. To promote greater transparency, she says the district should consider implementing a clear system that informs parents about available titles, especially those for their child’s grade level.
“I propose categorizing books based on their content as a starting point and even volunteered to assist with this effort,” she said. “Additionally, I would like to highlight that public libraries offer a wide variety of materials, accessible to families at no cost. Given this resource, it is worth evaluating the role of non-instructional books within our school libraries to ensure they align with educational objectives.”
Iacono said diversity and inclusion in the Mahopac School District should be grounded in the principle of respecting and supporting all students and staff, regardless of background or individual characteristics.
“While it is important to acknowledge and value the unique experiences of everyone, our efforts must ensure that no group is prioritized at the expense of another,” she said. “We have many exceptional students whose needs may not currently be fully met. I believe we must work to provide every student—regardless of ability, interest, or identity—with equal access to the resources and opportunities necessary for a truly equitable educational experience. As for our staff, we should be hiring based on merit and qualifications, which would ensure we are focused on skills and abilities that would be instrumental to our students’ success.”
Another way to encourage success is through sports.
“With the guidance of the right coach, students are empowered to thrive both on the field and in the classroom,” Iacono said. “Athletics, alongside core academic subjects and the arts, play a vital role in developing well-rounded individuals. When students are encouraged to give their best effort, the rewards extend far beyond sports—they gain discipline, confidence, and a strong work ethic that benefit every area of life.”
Iacono says the biggest challenge the Mahopac school system faces is the disconnect between the district and the community.
“The community wants to be heard, and as a district we should be listening to them. I would be an open ear, a voice and an advocate to ensure we can bridge that gap.”
Iacono said she would only support the proposed 2025–26 school budget if it shows a zero percent budget increase.
“This year the district had the funds to come up with a zero percent budget increase but chose not to do that,” she said. “I would advocate for a transparent, line-by-line breakdown of spending with clear descriptions for each allocation, as well as a more responsible approach to managing any excess funds.”
Vincent Furfaro has resided in Mahopac for 35 years, attended Fulmar Road Elementary, Mahopac Middle School, and graduated from Mahopac High School in 2002. He and his wife, Emily, have five children, all in the district and active in soccer, football, wrestling, lacrosse, swimming, and basketball.
Furfaro holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education from SUNY Brockport. He owns Vinco Builders, a commercial contracting company based in Mahopac, and believes his experience as a local business owner—and his field of expertise—will be valuable in the school board.
“As a contractor for over two decades, I’ve managed million-dollar projects, honing skills in fiscal responsibility and problem-solving,” he said. “As a parent, I understand students’ and families’ needs. My experience equips me to listen, balance priorities, and make data-driven decisions.”
Furfaro said he supports a transparent, professionally led process for evaluating challenged books in the Mahopac School District. To strengthen it, he would advocate for guidelines that focus on educational, literary, and age-appropriate value.
“A diverse committee of teachers, librarians, parents, and students would ensure varied perspectives. Hosting public forums to gather community input would promote trust and transparency,” he said. “These changes would uphold First Amendment rights, trust professional expertise, and keep Mahopac’s libraries robust and inclusive—aligning with my goal of making decisions that benefit all students.”
Furfaro also said the district’s DEI efforts should prioritize every student’s sense of belonging.
“Culturally responsive curricula that reflect our diverse community—including Hispanic and multilingual learners—should incorporate inclusive literature and histories,” he said. “Equitable resources must support underserved students, like English language learners and those with disabilities, with access to advanced courses and extracurriculars. Training educators in cultural humility creates welcoming classrooms. Utilizing advisory councils that report to the community will build trust and address resistance. Implementing student-led initiatives will ensure consistent, impactful inclusion efforts.”
Furfaro said a focus on academics is important and believes it should be “student first, athlete second.”
“I believe core subjects—math, science, English, social studies—should take priority, building critical thinking and career skills,” he said. “Arts, like music and theater, foster creativity and emotional growth. Athletics promote teamwork and are integral to developing a well-rounded student, but must prioritize student first, athlete second.
“This balanced approach, rooted in student choice, ensures every kid thrives as a learner, individual, and teammate—with their academic and personal growth at the forefront,” he added.
He said the district’s biggest challenge in the coming years will be paying for districtwide bathroom renovations. Estimates have come in at about $300,000 each.
“This outdated piping and sewage system has been noted in community discussions, drives high costs, and disrupts learning,” he said. “These upgrades, alongside STEM labs and security enhancements, will strain the district’s budget.”
He said balancing essential improvements with fiscal responsibility is critical.
“As a construction company owner with expertise in such projects, I’m well-suited for the Board of Education. My experience managing commercial jobs—many of which were in various school districts—equips me to oversee cost-effective renovations, using competitive bidding and state grants to lower expenses,” he concluded.
Furfaro said he would have voted to adopt the 2025-26 budget (with a 1 percent tax levy increase) that’s going before voters on May 20.
“It balances fiscal responsibility with the needs of our 4,800 students,” he said. “The budget supports robust academics, ensuring rigorous preparation for life after school. It funds arts, like band and drama, and 24 sports—fostering creativity and teamwork while prioritizing ‘student first, athlete second.’
“Technology investments, including computers for grades 4–12 and maintained devices, enhance learning,” he added. “Facilities upgrades—such as bathroom renovations to fix outdated piping—are also supported. This budget supports every student’s academic, creative, and personal growth.”
Incumbent trustee and former school board president Adam Savino has deep roots in Mahopac. The father of two Mahopac High School students and longtime Mahopac volunteer fireman said he tries to live each day inspired by the motto, “To be in your children’s memories tomorrow, you have to be in their lives today.”
“I’ve always made it a priority to stay active in our school community, attending games, events, or simply showing up when it matters most,” Savino said. “I bring six years of proven, nonpartisan leadership on the school board, guided by integrity, dedication to our students, and a deep commitment to the future of Mahopac.”
Savino, a fire commissioner with the Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department, has 30 years of telecom experience and describes himself as “a lifelong learner.” As a technical-ops supervisor, he handles budgeting, compliance, and project management.
“I’m OSHA 60 certified and have worked in the trades,” he said. “It’s given me a strong appreciation for vocational and technical education.”
His work as fire commissioner—overseeing budgets and policy—mirrors his role on the school board.
“It’s strengthened my ability to balance financial responsibility with strategic planning,” he said.
Savino supports the current administration’s approach to challenged books, calling it a “complex issue.”
“The process we have in place is functional and grounded in thoughtful review,” he said. “Censorship should not be the default. I believe that standards around age-appropriate content and placement must be upheld and should never be about political agendas. Decisions must remain nonpartisan; our goal should always be to do what’s best for children.”
As for diversity and inclusion, Savino again cautioned against partisan politics.
“There’s a lot of misinformation regarding DEI,” he said. “In the workplace, DEI should aim to foster a culture where all employees feel respected, valued, and have equal opportunities. In the classroom, DEI means creating a space where every child feels welcome, supported, and safe, has equal access to educational opportunities … while promoting inclusive practices that allow all students to feel seen and heard and protection from bullying or exclusion.
“Forget politics, that’s about doing right by kids,” he added.
Savino said one way the district can improve is by communicating more effectively.
“We need to explain the reasoning, the goals, and what success should look like,” he said. “Everyone deserves to have accessible resources and transparent information so they can understand not just what we’re doing, but why we’re doing it. Too often, perceptions are shaped by incomplete information or outside noise. We need to focus on facts, not politics. This must be a nonpartisan effort, centered on what’s best for our students.”
In terms of curriculum, Savino said that while core subjects are essential, not every student thrives in a traditional academic setting. Offering diverse pathways—including the arts, athletics, and technical training—can support each student’s individual growth.
“The key to a successful and meaningful education lies in recognizing that children have different areas of strength,” he said. “Our role is to help each student discover and develop those strengths.”
As for challenges, Savino highlighted unfunded mandates—like the electric bus requirement currently being pushed by Gov. Hochul.
“We fully support sustainability, but mandates like these come with significant financial and logistical burdens,” he said. “Most districts simply can’t afford the infrastructure upgrades and vehicle replacements required.”
Savino, who alone among the candidates had the opportunity to vote on the 2025–26 budget, stands by his decision to approve it.
“Inflation has affected all of us over the past few years, and our schools are no exception. Over 82 percent of our budget is committed to legally required, mandatory costs,” he explained. “The remaining portion must be used strategically to invest in programs, services, and opportunities that directly benefit our students … Every dollar spent is about helping our children learn and prepare for life beyond graduation. It’s an investment in our schools, community, and future.”
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