Three residents vie for one BOE seat

Three community members, each with their own set of skills and experiences, have thrown their hats in the ring to fill the vacant seat on the Baldwin Board of Education following the departure of Leg. Laura Curran earlier this school year.

Baldwin residents Heather Cameron, Lorienton Palmer and Karyn Reid are vying for the spot, which will be decided on May 20. The Herald asked each candidate to tell the public a little about themselves and asked a few questions pertaining to the race.

Heather Cameron
Age: 32
Family: Daughter, Storie, a first grader at Meadow Elementary School
Career: Contractor; has also worked in human service field
Education: SUNY Old Westbury, bachelor’s degree — anticipated graduation June 2014
Other organizations: Volunteer at Nassau County events including Toys 4 Tots, Foster Care dinner and Dress for Success; A Woman’s Expo; Revlon Cancer Women’s Walk; Baldwin 4 Children; A Christmas Story Charity
Baldwin resident for three years

Why are you running for a seat on the school board?
I am running for a seat on the board to give a voice to our community, to broaden the perspective of the board and to make sure the decisions that affect our schools are responsible and reflect the needs of the community.

If elected, what would you hope to accomplish during your first term?
I would like to work with the entire board to ensure responsible spending of community funds, to increase further support for the school staff (teachers, administrators and other ancillary staff members) and the development of a school district that is looked upon as one of the best in Nassau County. 

What are some of the challenges the board will face over the next three years?
There are many challenges starting with the hiring of a new superintendent, working to obtain more state aid, dealing with the sale/lease of three buildings, and finding ways to become a trusted leadership to our schools and community.