A Little About Us
Maria Talluto
Maria Talluto is a first-generation immigrant, educator, and fearless advocate raising the voices of parents whose children are being bullied. Maria is running for the East Meadow Board of Education to bring a new perspective and refreshing expertise to elevate every child to their greatest potential.
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A shining example of the American Dream, Maria’s parents immigrated from Italy and saved enough money to move their young family to the suburbs of Nassau County. To help her parents make ends meet, Maria worked various jobs growing up, including as lifeguards for the Town of Hempstead and Nassau County. She faced severe bullying for speaking differently and for her culture throughout her academic career, and turned this challenge into a mission. Maria decided to attend Hofstra University and double major in Secondary Education and Italian to teach the language that means so much to her.
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Maria began her career as an Italian teacher in the Levittown School District at MacArthur High School. She worked full time there while obtaining her Spanish certification as well as another certification to teach Foreign Language at an Elementary level (FLES). Maria then moved to the Connetquot School District in 2008 and obtained a Masters in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) while teaching at the two Middle Schools and High School within the district. Today, she teaches Italian, Spanish, and ENL at Connetquot.
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Maria and her husband, Joe, have 2 daughters who attend Bowling Green Elementary School. They chose East Meadow because of its close-knit community and extensive parental involvement in education, which Maria experienced firsthand as a volunteer girls softball and tball coach for Central Nassau.
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As a Member of the Board of Education, Maria’s top priority will be ensuring the East Meadow School District delivers a superior education to every student. She’ll also increase collaboration between administration, educators, counselors, parents, and students to implement a multi-faceted approach to stop bullying in the district so every child can feel safe, accepted, and welcome in their school.
Nikole De Luca
Nikole De Luca is a dynamic and collaborative educator who’s been on the frontlines in tackling the mental health epidemic. With her passion for education, commitment to community engagement, and personal resilience, Nikole is prepared to serve as a compassionate and effective advocate for students, families, and educators on the East Meadow School Board.
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With over 20 years of experience as a Spanish teacher in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District, Nikole is deeply invested in education. She understands firsthand that achieving academic excellence requires a close collaboration with parents and prioritizing the mental well-being of students. As part of her commitment to teaching the whole student and building a welcoming school environment, Nikole serves as an advisor for the National Spanish Honor Society, New York Seal of Biliteracy, and as the Sanford H. Calhoun Yearbook.
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Nikole's commitment to education extends to her own children, who attend W.T. Clarke Middle School. Her decision to choose East Meadow for her family was influenced by the district's strong academic reputation, sense of community, and commitment to student safety. She believes in fostering a positive and nurturing environment where all students can thrive academically and socially, and will work to retain this reputation of academic excellence as a school board member.
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The mental health epidemic is personal for Nikole, as she has personally faced and overcome mental health challenges. Nikole is dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and providing support to others in the community. As a school board member, Nikole will expand access to mental health support services, increase collaboration with parents in tackling these issues, and promote growth mindsets.
In addition to her work in education, Nikole is actively involved in various community organizations and civic associations, including the Clarke PTA and CTAPA (Clarke Theatre PTA). She is also a member of several professional organizations, including the American Association of Spanish and Portuguese, the Long Island Teachers Association, and the New York State Association for Language Teachers. A graduate of Wantagh High School, Nikole pursued higher education at Nassau Community College and Stony Brook University, where she earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees, majoring in Hispanic Languages and Literature with a minor in Secondary Education.
Empower Parents, Students and Educators to be the best they can be.
Maria Talluto and Nikole De Luca are dedicated teachers that have spent their careers in the classroom educating the next generation of leaders. As educators, they know every student’s unique circumstances, speak with parents daily, and interact with faculty. They understand that a successful education involves a collaborative relationship that always puts students first. They believe in a positive, forward-thinking approach in tackling challenges. They understand that every student is different, and there may be several accommodations needed to achieve success. Maria and Nikole both entered education because their personal experiences led them on a mission for positive change. Maria and Nikole are uniquely qualified to understand what can be improved, because they are on the ground every day in the classroom experiencing it.
Believe in Parents and our Community
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With children in the East Meadow School District, Maria Talluto and Nikole De Luca are both invested in the success of our Board of Education. They understand that parents have a right to know what is going on in their children’s classroom and deserve a seat at the table in the decision-making process. With the mental health crisis and prevalence of bullying inside and outside the classroom on the rise nationwide, Maria and Nikole have both had the experiences necessary for them to tackle these issues head on. When a parent brings a case of bullying to the school’s attention, they want action. When there is an act of hate like antisemitism in the community, they want the board to speak out. Maria and Nikole are uniquely qualified because they have experienced the role of every interested party: educator, faculty, and parent.
Unfortunately, we have members on the Board of Education that seek to divide our community into cliques, based on allegiance to a particular ideology or past opposition to their individual candidacies. As educators, Maria and Nikole want us to rise above politics and see our true purpose for what it really is: to make the East Meadow School District the best place to receive an education on Long Island.
Embrace Diversity of Opinion
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Maria Talluto and Nikole De Luca understand that diversity is a hollow word if true diversity is not embraced. They have the experienced perception to understand that we all come from different backgrounds, with different experiences. That means that we will all approach an issue in unique ways. They believe that while disagreements are inevitable, it shouldn’t hinder progress.
Unfortunately, we have members on the Board of Education who do not believe in that premise. They believe diversity is a one-sided perspective that is “their way or the highway.” In some extreme circumstances, they have even put our children’s education (BOCES) at risk to “make a point.” Maria and Nikole do not subscribe to this backwards way of thinking. They believe in agreeing to disagree but always finding a way forward, and always putting our children’s education first.
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Put the Power Back in Your Hands
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Maria Talluto and Nikole De Luca understand that sitting on the Board of Education is a privilege which sole focus should be on the well-being of students in consultation with faculty and parents. They acknowledge that they should elevate the issues impacting our children, parents, and taxpayers. When an issue comes before the Board of Education, they want to take a pro-active approach in problem-solving, not a reactive one. They understand that they do not know all the answers but will work around the clock to problem solve and find a solution for all interested parties – just as they do every day as educators in the classroom.
Unfortunately, we have members on the Board of Education who see themselves in an elevated status with “all-knowing” powers. They look down on those who speak out and instead of approaching with compassion, engage in volatility and scorn. In one case, even maintaining speaking limitations (30 SPEAKERS ONLY) that prevented hundreds of parents and taxpayers from being heard on an important matter. Maria and Nikole are against silencing the public – they want to hear from you. If elected, they will be there to listen with compassion and intrigue to tackle the important issues head on.