Valley Stream districts prepare for BOE vote

Age: 54

How long you have lived in the district: More than 10 years

Highest degree earned: Master of Library and Information Science

Profession: Community librarian at the Queens Library

Activities in the community you are involved in:

Past president of the Parkwold Civic Association

Current soccer coach for traveling team Fusion

Herald: Why do you want to run?

I have been a North Valley Steam resident for 15 years and have entrusted my three children’s education to James A. Dever and Valley Stream North in District 13.

Herald: What would your top priority be?

I am running to be an advocate and a partner in the district; to give my continued support to the community and district where my children received a great education and would make it my priority to work tirelessly and support the great success of our school district.

Family members and ages:

Children: Chelsea, 30; Alexa, 22; Anthony, 21

How long have you lived in the district: 33 years

Highest degree earned: High School diploma

Profession: Retired

Activities in the community you are involved in:

Member of the Health and Wellness Committee

Served on Legislative Committee, Education Committee and the Buildings and Grounds Committee for the Board of Education

Herald: Why do you want to run?

I am running for my fourth term on the Board of Education because I feel I am a good voice for the community. I am a parent, community member and a taxpayer. I want what everyone else wants: I want to make sure our children receive every opportunity to get the best education in a safe and nurturing environment, while keeping our taxes down.

Herald: What would your top priority be?

One of the most important issues facing our school district and every school district on Long Island is the lack of funding. Class size matters. Proper funding is needed while school districts are looking to improve security. Some of our security measures need to be tax cap-exempt.

In light of the mental-health crisis in our country, school districts also need to focus on mental-health programs. This is an ongoing discussion with school administrators and the Board of Education.

Age: 37

Family members and ages:

Husband: Jonathan Herrera

Children: Jonathan, 10; Vanessa, 9; and David, 2

How long have you lived in the district: Six years

Highest degree earned: Associate of Arts

Activities in the community you are involved in:

Scouting

Robert W. Carbonaro Parent Teacher Association

Herald: Why do you want to run?

I have been an active member of the Parent Teacher Association for six years now, holding several positions on the board. I am running because it’s my understanding that the greater the parent involvement the greater the connection between the community and the schools.

Herald: What would your top priority be?

My top priority would be re-analyzing our school budget. Understanding why and how the money should be allocated and what that looks like in real-time is a missing component from our current Board of Education members. Perspective changes and the view is different inside our schools and behind a decision-making desk, it takes a healthy balance of the two perspectives.

Herald: Why should people vote for you?

People should vote for me because my intentions lay within what’s best for our community and our children. My goals are fair and honest.