Wantagh School Board Candidate Profile: Tony Greco

Tony Greco, a retired officer with the New York City Police Department (NYPD) who is active with many local organizations, is one of three candidates for a a seat on the Wantagh Board of Education.

Greco along with Stephen D'Amato and Peter Brasile are vying for a seat being vacated by incumbent trustee Robert Leuchtmann.

Greco, a Sewanhaka High School graduate, moved to Wantagh 16 years ago with his wife Elizabeth Leahy, a lifelong resident of the community. They have three sons currently in the district that all graduated through .

Greco previously worked in building maintenance for New York City before joining the NYPD, where he helped patrol neighborhoods in Brooklyn before retiring in 2006. Greco said since retirement from the NYPD he has made an effort to become as involved as possible with community organizations in Wantagh. Some of the groups Greco is a member of include the Budget Advisory Committee, 6-12 Parent Association, SEPTA, Wantagh High School Band Wagon, Wantagh Sports Booster Club, CYO, Wantagh Foundation for Educational Excellence and .

Greco also served as co-chair for the Wantagh Elementary School .

“Volunteering for many Wantagh organizations has brought me great pride and satisfaction,” Greco said. “I am committed to serving my community, and I understand the time, effort, and dedication that is necessary.”

Greco said his chief goal if elected is to “maintain the educational excellence for which Wantagh is known” by preparing students to be college and workforce ready once they graduate.

“Wantagh needs to show strong support for academics, arts, and athletics in order to provide our students with a well-rounded education,” Greco said. “The district must be accountable to both the students and the taxpayers for a quality education that is also cost-effective.”

One issue Greco said he would like to explore if elected is whether adding full-day kindergarten in the district would be advantageous from an educational point of view and attainable from a fiscal standpoint.

A meet and greet with the Wantagh school board candidates being hosted by the 6-12 Association is scheduled for this Monday night at 7:30 p.m. at . Voting for the school board race is scheduled for May 15 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. at ,  and Wantagh Elementary School. 

Check back this week for profiles on the other two Wantagh school board candidates.