Re-elect O’Hagan, Harrison to BOE

The last few years have been demanding, to say the least, for the Baldwin Board of Education and administration — a transportation referendum that didn’t realize the savings it promised, the closing of two elementary schools, budget cuts and three different superintendents at the helm.

But now the board has hired a superintendent, Dr. Shari Camhi, who is a solid leader, has a background in technology and appears more than capable of navigating the district into calmer waters.

The board itself, comprising five trustees, has two seats up for election on Tuesday. Mary Jo O’Hagan and Eric Harrison are seeking re-election, while two Baldwin residents, Annie Doresca and George Siberon, are hoping to launch their school board careers. Of the board’s current members, only one has more than three years of experience — O’Hagan, who has a been trustee since 1994 and now serves as the body’s vice president.

O’Hagan’s vast knowledge of community and educational issues makes her a vital part of the board. She’s the one others turn to during meetings for guidance, and she always speaks with respect, conviction and intelligence when called on. She also serves as president of the Nassau Suffolk School Board Association, where she interacts with board members, school officials and politicians from across Long Island. Her experience, connections and motivation to make Baldwin schools better are all reasons why she deserves to be re-elected on Tuesday.

Harrison, the board’s second-longest-serving trustee (three years), is president of a small business that provides services to the U.S. departments of Defense, Justice and State, and he calls them likes he sees them. If he has an issue or a concern, it will surely be discussed at a public meeting. The way Harrison voices his opinions can lead to friction among the trustees that at times disrupts their discussion, but his viewpoints always reflect what’s best for the taxpayers and students of Baldwin.