Three candidates vie for school board seat

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On May 17, School District 12 residents will choose among three candidates seeking a seat on the Malverne school board.

Michael Taylor, a school board trustee for the past four years, has a term that is expiring this year, which he is looking to continue. Running against him are Jan Kasal, who has been involved in education and fitness organizations and events in the district for years, and Jeanne D’Esposito, a lawyer who has been involved in the school district in multiple capacities for nearly 15 years.

Q&A with Michael Taylor

Q. What is your background with the school district?

A. I have four years’ experience as a school board trustee, and am a founder of the Relay for Life event at Malverne High School. I’m also on the superintendent advisory committee, and have been a mentor to over 200 kids in the district.

What is your professional background?

I have management experience in sales, human resources, contract negotiations and marketing.

Do your children attend Malverne schools?


My daughter will be attending Maurice W. Downing School in the fall of 2016.

Why did you choose Malverne schools?

The principal, Mrs. Margaret A. McDaid, and her staff do a wonderful job with the children in K-2. I need my daughter to be ready and well prepared for the third through fifth grade. I believe Mrs. McDaid’s staff will make sure my daughter has the necessary educational tools to be successful at the next level. There’s also a trust familiarity I have with some of the staff in the building: Mrs. Ward, the nurse, Mrs. Margaret D., the crossing guard, and Mrs. Marguerite Robles, my Relay for Life partner.

How long have you lived in the district?


Twelve years.

What do you bring to the board that will make it more effective?

I bring the ability to work with a team and show a unified front, while working in the best interests of the students and taxpayers. I bring my ability to vote my conscience. I also believe in respecting the team by agreeing to disagree. It’s important for me to understand whom to hold responsible for district failures.

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