Meet John Shillieto

I am a dedicated community member, retired educator, and strong advocate for our schools. I spent over 30 years teaching in the Marlboro Central School District, where I had the privilege of working directly with students and supporting fellow educators. Through that experience, I gained a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing today’s classrooms.

Throughout my career, I believed in the power of education to shape lives and strengthen our community. I worked collaboratively with colleagues, families, and administrators to create learning environments where every student had the opportunity to succeed. With intimate, firsthand experience of the teacher-student relationship in the classroom, I am uniquely qualified to help guide policy decisions that truly support both students and educators.

As long-standing standardized Regents testing continues to evolve toward more locally developed assessments, we are entering a period of uncertainty. My firsthand experience navigating these systems is invaluable in helping our district make thoughtful, informed decisions that keep students’ best interests at the center.

Now that I am retired, my commitment to public education and to this community remains as strong as ever. I believe our schools are strongest when there is open communication, mutual respect, and meaningful input from families and community members.

I am running for the Board of Education to bring thoughtful leadership, independent judgment, and a collaborative approach to decision-making. I am not a rubber stamp—I will ask questions, listen carefully, and make decisions that prioritize students, support educators, and reflect the values of our community.

As a community advocate, I am committed to transparency, accountability, and ensuring that every voice is heard. I believe that by working together, we can continue to strengthen our schools and provide a high-quality education for all students.