Mom To Run Un-Opposed for Hampton Bays School Board

With George Leeman, vice president of the Hampton Bays School Board, announcing that he will not seek re-election, Dorothy Capuano, mother of three teenagers, saw an opportunity to give back to the community. On May 17, Capuano’s name will appear on the Hampton Bays School District ballot as the only candidate for the school board.

“I'm happy I can help a little bit,” said Capuano, who has served on the school district’s budget committee.

“I hope to help find ways to move education forward with less money.”

And Capuano says she has the experience to do it. Not only as the owner of the Shinnecock Star fishing charter company and as the owner of Baron's Cove Inn in Sag Harbor, but as a mom.

“These days moms and dads know how to do this in their own homes," she said. "You have to think outside the box and see what you can do to make it work.”

Capuano, who has a vested interest in the district, says she knows she is joining the school board during hard economic times and when the state continues to cut aid to school districts.

“We want to improve the kids' test scores, while at the same time cut spending. I hope to bring some good ideas and business thoughts to make everything work.”

She says she knows the task won’t be easy, but she’s up for it.

“I am willing to give it a shot and give a new perspective,” she said.

Capuano is a graduate of Hampton Bays Schools and Southampton College. She holds a B.A. with minor in marketing and management.