Candidates run unopposed in school districts

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KG: To increase access to and enrollment in our most challenging courses. The decision to participate in these classes should be left up to the parent and child, and the school needs to support students to the best of its ability and available resources. I want to look at the role of homework in our children’s education plan (the amount and type of work assigned), especially during the earliest years (Kindergarten to grade 3), to help ensure that our children are adequately prepared for success in the future without diminishing their enthusiasm for learning and natural curiosity.

Q: Why are you running for election, or re-election?
NS: I am running again this year because I believe our school district can do better. I believe we are going to make innovative changes that will motivate our students to achieve better results and become high achievers. 
KG: Public education is being threatened by policies that do not have our children’s best interests at heart. Local control of schools, even in our suburban communities, will be increasingly threatened unless the public is informed and is willing to stand up in greater numbers to preserve our schools. I believe in public education. My youngest son is entering kndergarten next year and I do not want his, or his friends, entire thirteen year’s of schooling to be spoiled by test-based accountability systems that have failed to deliver on their promises. Young children need to have opportunities to play, socialize, and create. We can not allow their educations to be reduced to test prep or their value simplified to a single number.


Q: During your most recent term, what are some of the board’s accomplishments that stand out to you? (whether you were on the board or not) 
NS: I have negotiated many contracts with various employee groups. In recent years, I have become a strong voice in Albany trying to bring more resources to our School District. I served one year as president of the Board and one year as vice president.
KG: The current board did an exceptional job selecting a new Superintendent in Lisa Ruiz. I think she’s done an excellent job during her first year and I look forward to working with her the next three years. I was proud of the board for passing a resolution against high-stakes testing and for adopting a policy that respected the wishes of parents who wanted to refuse the NY State Math and ELA tests for their children in grades 3-8.

 

LYNBROOK

Q: What strengths do you think you bring to the Board of Education?
Ellen Marcus: I have two children that have been through the Lynbrook School District, so I am familiar with the challenges and experiences at each building level. I also still have a child in the middle school, which allows me to remain aware of the issues that may come up as a parent or student.  

During your most recent term, what are some of the board’s accomplishments that stand out to you? (whether you were on the board or not).
EM: Negotiating fiscally prudent contracts that are agreeable to the District and each unit. Staying within the tax cap while maintaining staff and adding new courses and programs. Utilizing the capital reserve fund to update the facilities.

What are some of the challenges you think you will face in your next term?
EM: Additional unfunded mandates from the state. 

Q: What are your goals for the coming year in your district? 
EM: To stay within the tax cap another year while maintaining the high quality of education within our district.

 

Alicemarie Bresnihan's statement in lieu of answering questions:

AB: During the next few years I hope to provide support to the Superintendent of Schools and her team as they work to enhance student achievement. It is also important to maintain our fine educational programs, while abiding by the tax cap.
    It has been my privilege to serve the Lynbrook Public Schools and I look forward to continuing that service.

 

 

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