Trio of candidates vie for two board seats in Hewlett-Woodmere

Fred Usherson, Mitchell Greebel and incumbent Harold Kislik are running for two seats on the Hewlett-Woodmere Board of Education. Board President Stephanie Gould is stepping down after 18 years as a trustee. Voting is on May 21, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Woodmere Education Center at 1 Johnson Place in Woodmere.

Fred Usherson

As a parent to two children at Hewlett Elementary and a technology teacher for the New York City Department of Education, Usherson, 51, said he seeks to improve instruction and fiscal responsibility in the district.

He received a specialist diploma in School Administration and Supervision from Queens College, as well an MBA from Adelphi University and a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science from Queens College. He has worked for more than 18 years as an educator, including one year as an assistant principal. “As an educator, I understand the challenges that exist in our schools today and how to improve learning by improving our staff,” he said. “Having also worked in industry for almost eight years, I know the value of incorporating technology in our schools, beyond just the computer, to offer our students enhanced vocational and life skills that they could apply in their future endeavors.”

If elected, Usherson said he would work with his fellow board members to further reduce administrative costs by effective renegotiation of contracts with executive staff members and would look to further consolidate or eliminate administrative functions in the Woodmere Education Center, which serves as the district’s administrative building. “Let’s return our school district to the great district that it once was — that everyone remembers,” he said. “If elected, I know I can help improve it.”

Harold Kislik

Currently serving as board vice president, Kislik, 56, has served as a trustee since 2004. A belief that his experience and dedication has value to the board fuels his re-election run.

Kislik, is a lifetime district resident and graduated from Hewlett High School before attending Williams College. He also sits on the board at the Five Towns Early Learning Center in Inwood and serves as president at the Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Centre.