Candidate for
Member, Board of Education; Harrison Central School District; Seat currently held by David A. Singer

I am not part of any Harrison political organization (new or old). I am simply running on my own in order to help make our schools the best that they can be for all of our kids - for all of our community's kids.

I believe that each student is different just like each one of my children is unique. All students must have the opportunity to succeed. I am in favor of open doors and open enrollment. I am in favor of more choices for our students. I am in favor of understanding what other school districts are doing well and incorporating their best practices. I believe that a good Board needs members who think independently. Independently of the administration and independently of the other Board Members. Differing views creates a healthy dialogue and constructive debate where all issues can be vetted and new ideas can germinate.

I believe that we should not shy away from asking the tough questions. We should figure out what is working well and what needs to be improved. I would bring renewed energy and enthusiasm to the Board.

Although we are uncomfortable talking about external indications of success, they are very important. Standardized test scores matter. Our children are compared to other children nationally and internationally when applying to colleges. More importantly, the scores also show whether our children are learning the subject matter. We should not hurt any student just to raise our District's scores. To be clear, I believe that all students should be able to take AP classes if they wish to. I applaud them doing so. Some say that we are unique and we can not be compared to other Districts. Others say that scores don't matter. I do not think that numbers are everything. But they are important. With Fresh Eyes and an Open Mind we can and should improve on the success of each student.

I would ask questions about all aspects of our curriculum from grade school through the High School. I would want each curriculum supervisor to compare our curriculum to those of other schools and report back on practices that we can incorporate.

I value our teachers. Our children need well qualified teachers. Our teachers work hard and I believe that they care very much about our children. As a Board member, I will make sure that our teachers voices are heard by the Harrison Board of Education.

I was shocked that our administration originally proposed a budget that eliminated summer school and a number of our modified sports teams. Summer school helps our neediest learners and sports and physical activity are an important part of the development of our children. Although they were both added back, why were they on the chopping block to begin with?

I believe that every dollar matters, particularly in this economic climate. Every dollar that our District spends is a dollar out of our residents' pockets. Our per pupil costs are higher than our peers and in many cases, significantly higher. Why? I would look at all aspects of the budget to find inefficiencies and wasteful spending. I would never hurt the education of our children.

I believe that we need my Fresh Eyes and Open Mind - to help assess where we are and where we are going. Many members of our community know me as a youth coach. Some have also seen me at PTA, School Board and other group and private meetings where I hope my passion for the education of all of our children is as evident as my passion for coaching our children on the sports fields. And not one particular segment of our children - All of our children!!!

I would be honored to serve as a member of the Harrison School Board.