Two East Rockaway candidates vie for one seat on Board of Education
Giannotti challenges Abbott-Cooper in school board race
Incumbent: Michaelene Abbott-Cooper
Age: 44
Marital status: Married to Anthony T. Cooper
Children: Dean Thomas, 11, 6th-grader at Rhame Avenue; Alex James, 10 4th-grader at Rhame Avenue
Career/Job: Licensed hairdresser
How long lived in district: 40 years, attended Rhame Avenue a nd 1989 graduate of ERHS.
Active Clubs: Former Rhame Excutive Board Member current member (7 years); East Rockaway Education Foundation Ambassador/Secretary member (4 years); East Rockaway Board Member Trustee (3 years); 2009-2010 Trustee
2010-2011 Secretary, 2011-2012 Vice President
East Rockaway Budget Advisory Commitee member 2010-2012
NYSSBA member 2009-2012
Board Member Academy ( 200 hrs )
BOCES Budget Advisory Committee member (3 years) Jan 2010 Jan 2011 Jan 2012
Why are you running again for a seat on the school board?
My first term was my foundation. I plan to continue to dedicate myself as a community leader.
What special attributes do you bring to the board?
ntegrity. I am the person that you see. I care a lot about East Rocakway schools and the community..
Dedication. I have been here for 40 years and hope to stay for 4o more!
Openess: The need for a person to listen has proved itself to be true over the past three years.
What have you accomplished in your time on the board?
The board dedicated many hours. to review current policies to better serve the students and community. I have learned that it takes multiple terms to actually accomplish any of the boards long term goals. Many short term goals have been accomplished. We have improved programs, reduced spending and improved board communiction involving active community members.
Looking forward, what do you think needs improving (or do you think the board needs to pay more attention to certain items or issues?
Looking forward the board has to continue to pay close attention to the needs of the student while reducing the budget spending. This has been in our sights all along. We have kept our hands on the pulse of the community. We will continue to do so.
CHALLENGER: John Giannotti, Jr.
