Board of Ed candidates answer questions

Jack Vobis is facing Board of Education president Richie Hayes, and Austin Graff is challenging Kim Grim-Garrity for her seat in Oceanside.

The Herald took the opportunity to ask each of the candidates a series of questions to give voters an opportunity to better understand their positions on key issues in this election.

School districts are facing challenging times, and its important that the members of the Board of Education are the best people for the job. Residents should get out and vote on May 19, not only for the Board of Education trustees, but also for the school and library budgets, which will pave the way for both institutions in the upcoming year.

These answers have been edited for length. You can read the Herald’s endorsements for candidates and budgets for both Oceanside and Island Park on page 28.

Q: How can Island Park plan now in the event of a shortfall in monies from the state?

Vobis: There is a proposition on the ballot to create a reserve fund with money reimbursed by FEMA that would help bridge the gap on capital projects, but any revenue that has been budgeted would be difficult to replace at this point without cutting programs or looking for ways to save money. Careful planning needs to be done at the budgeting stage to ensure that revenues are carefully estimated so as to avoid a shortfall.

Hayes: I think it’s important to constantly do self-examination of the budget to find ways to save money. It should be noted that student services, etc. would be the absolute last to be touched. It is not fair to the student to continually take programs and resources away from them. Reserve funds are another way to help the district “save” money. It is a way for the district to move monies into a separate account only to be used for things spelled out to the letter. With the advent of the 2% tax cap and more state unfunded mandates, it has become increasingly difficult for schools to ask for more money without needed the 60% majority. The reserve fund allows the district to retain some monies and use them when it is necessary. We must let our elected officials know that any reduction in state aid could be a potential dire situation for the students and taxpayers of Island Park.