Journal News questionarie answers

By Michael Edward Morley, Sr.

In addition to my community ties and the volunteer work, I have gained invaluable insight into what is necessary to be a productive member of the board. I have attended many school board meetings, and have participated as a resident member of two school board ad hoc committees. Based upon my experience I believe that there are several important traits a school board member must possess. First is the ability to listen to all opinions, carefully consider all comments, and provide a decisive decision with the rationale which the decision was based. Second, a board member must have the ability to be knowledgeable about the issues, but also have the ability to utilize expert resources as available. To micro manage the district would be counterproductive to the efficient running of the schools. Lastly, the board member should have a full range or K-1 perspective. Managing the schools must be done after careful consideration of what is in the best interests of all the students, and the community. Those qualities that I believe are necessary to be a productive member of the board are qualities that I have developed through my life experiences, and my career. I am an Equity Partner in a midtown Manhattan law firm which services a variety of International and domestic clients. I am one of 30 partners in a firm of 180 attorneys. Much of our management is by committees and departments. I directly manage 10-15 attorneys who specialize in the litigation and resolution of multi-million dollar reinsurance contract disputes. I believe that my managerial skills and my legal background will be an asset if elected to the board. In sum, as a school board member, I would endeavor to use my experience with the community, knowledge of the school district, and my managerial experience to make decisions which are in the best interest of our community and our children.

The top 3 challenges facing the school district: (1) Re-establishing trust and confidence in the school board and its action; (2) Continuing to assess performance of our educational programs to maintain the high quality of education that is currently being given to our students; and (3) Developing a fiscally responsible budget which will include the completion of the proposed construction, ground repairs and renovations at the high school and middle school campus.

With regard to the school's finances, as previously stated, it is imperative that the school board endeavor to achieve a fiscally responsible budget, which will continue to enhance our children's educational experience. To this end, I would propose we move away from budget-to-budget analysis and begin to monitor actual spend amounts per year versus annual budget requests. I would also propose that we expand revenue-producing programs such as the BOCES program, the special education program, and expand our program to include a preschool education. Additionally, if elected to the school board, I intend to utilize my legal background to develop a strategy with the school board attorney to successfully resolve litigation matters which are currently in dispute and develop a strategy to amicably resolve the pending certiorari cases.

On the academic front, I would continue to engage the Tri-State Consortium Group to independently evaluate and implement their suggested changes and improvements. Specifically, the recently completed ELA tri-state evaluation made several suggested changes, 12 of which have become goals for the strategic plan. It is proposed and I would advocate that we have a similar Tri-State evaluation for our math program for the fall of 2007. I propose that we analyze our state testing results (K-12) and implement curriculum changes as necessary. I propose that we evaluate the results/benefits of the current phasing of certain grade levels. Several administrators have expressed an opinion that we not continue phasing of classes in 6th grade. Certainly I would consider the arguments and rational for eliminating phasing in 6th grade. Academically, the challenge appears to be a smooth, uniform transition from grade to grade, school to school, and across varying disciplines. The administration and school officials are cognizant of the importance of seamless transition and are continuously evaluating the curriculum. I believe the current curriculum review rotation and the implementation of a curriculum review committee is essential to our continued success in evaluating and implementing suggested changes and improvements to our academic curriculum.

My overall motivation and goal is to continue to positively promote our community's dedication to our children and schools for the ultimate goal of enhancing our children's educational experience through academics, extracurricular activities and athletics. I believe that every resident benefits from a strong, well-managed school system. To be an effective member of the school board and a true representative of the community, I believe it is essential to remain open to all suggestions for goals and/or addressing concerns and modifications to those goals as the community, administration or staff would deem necessary and appropriate.

I look forward to the opportunity to further serve our community.