An Opening Statement

By Lisa Grinberg McManus

I hope this election will provide a starting point for an ongoing, open conversation about what we value and what we believe we should provide for our children + all within the context of what is possible given the constraints we as a community are facing.

I hope this election will provide a starting point for an ongoing, open conversation about what we value and what we believe we should provide for our children + all within the context of what is possible given the constraints we as a community are facing. The difficult economy will make for a daunting Board term. While I hope we will be able to continue to develop our educational program, I recognize that the Board will have to make difficult and sometimes unpopular decisions. If elected, I will be an informed, constructive voice in that discussion.

One of the great things about Croton's schools is the number of opportunities we are able to offer in a wide range of disciplines despite the District's relatively small size. Our students are encouraged to do what they love and everyone is valued for their distinctive strengths. It is this supportive, non-competitive environment that allows so many different students to succeed here. It is also our responsibility to prepare Croton's students to succeed in today's increasingly complex global society by providing a technologically sophisticated education with strong offerings in math and science. Not only must we provide high-quality courses and upgraded lab facilities, we will also need to re-examine our science and math programs to ensure that students are working up to their full ability and potential from the elementary grades through high school. Our students should be prepared to hold their own with their peers from around the world.

Having been an active volunteer in all three schools, I think I can play a productive role in their continued evolution and growth. I served on the CET Building Planning Council for three years as well as on the District's 2004 Strategic Long Range Planning Committee. I also served the district as Chairman of the Elections and on a recent principal search committee. I was a co-president of the CET PTA, president of the PVC PTA, and am currently a member of PVC's Building Planning Council. My consistent focus has been on communication: promoting better understanding across the constituent groups, getting more information to parents, and seeking opportunities for parental feedback and input.

I have also enjoyed working on Comedy Night, Bookfair, Field Day, Staff Appreciation Day, Broadway Kids, Spirit Day, the DARE luncheon, as well as on newsletters, guest authors, graduation receptions, lunch programs, parent education meetings, visiting artists, and all kinds of enrichment programs. I am proud of piloting the Family Fun nights at CET -- Bingo and Dance Party + working with an indispensable group of creative parents. Our goal was to bring CET families together in support of the schools to enjoy games, dancing, art projects: low-tech, low-cost fun, camaraderie, and community building. We are so pleased that these events continue on today.

Together, these experiences have taught me about the schools from the inside out. What I have learned from working with the teachers, students, administrators, and parents has informed my understanding of the kinds of educational programs that work, the goals we might set for ourselves as a District, and the heights we can hope to achieve for the children of our community.

A key element in shaping my views about our schools has been having three children spanning nine grades, currently from 5th grade to college freshman. I have been involved in their educations from kindergarten through the college search process, and have developed a broad sense of the objectives of K-12 education, where it is all headed, and how we can get there.

We are challenged to extend enriched educational opportunities to all our students, by raising expectations across the board and providing strong foundation work in all academic areas and by safeguarding our arts programs, which add essential creative and experiential dimensions to our academic program. We must foster a culture of learning at every level. At the same time, we must raise expectations for our students on a personal level, teaching tolerance and empathy, unity and community values, and mutual respect.

In the end, perhaps I am also driven to seek a position on the School Board because I just can't help it: I am deeply interested in the workings of the school district and in assessing the relative successes of the programs we have in place. I believe that, as far as our schools have come, we can go even further -- and I think there is community support for taking the next steps.

I want to express my gratitude to the teachers and administrators who work so hard on behalf of Croton's children. I would be honored by the opportunity to play a small role in that important work by serving on the School Board. I would welcome the chance to hear your thoughts on any of these issues or to answer any questions you may have for me.

Lisa Grinberg McManus 163 North Highland Place Croton-on-Hudson

Alisamac@optonline.net 914-827-8212