By Karenlyn Barone
As a forum moderated by the joint councils of PTA began Monday night, the three candidates were given two minutes in which to make opening remarks. Bresnihan reminded those in attendance of her commitment to the board and her desire to continue to serve. The mother of nine children, she has been actively involved in the education process of the Lynbrook School District for almost 30 years.
A retired Nassau County probation officer and a Lynbrook resident for more than 45 years, Bresnihan has represented the district in Albany and Washington, D.C., and is also on the advisory board of the Nathan Hale Senior Housing Complex.
Penso is well known to residents as both a two-term member of the Board of Education and one of the newly elected village trustees. In his opening statement, he spoke of his dedication to the district and the village as a whole. "My commitment is as strong as it ever was," said Penso. He told the audience that he had represented their needs, earned their trust and was asking for their support.
Penso's opponent, Lombardo, is no stranger to elections. This is the fifth time he has run for the Lynbrook school board. A retired New York City Transit Police sergeant, he is hoping his experience with safety issues will get him the votes he needs to take a seat on the board. "The safety of every child is my top priority," he said.
After their opening remarks, Bresnihan was excused, and questions written by audience members were directed at Penso and Lombardo by Nassau District PTA Chairwoman Helen Hoffman. The candidates had two minutes to respond to each question, which dealt with issues such as classroom size, the need for air conditioning in school buildings, childhood obesity and the budget.
When asked about the pros and cons of televised school board meetings, Lombardo produced what he said was a fax from Cablevision, which, he said, when signed, would make televised meetings a reality. "People have a right to know what is going on," said Lombardo, who repeatedly brought up what he perceives to be "safety concerns" relating to specific students at the high school. He has raised this issue at board meetings and in conversations with administrators, but says he is unhappy with the answers he receives. That, in part, he said, is why he chose to run for the school board again this year. Televising school board meetings is one of his campaign platforms.
On the same issue, Penso said, "No one on the board is more in favor of televised board meetings than I am. My opponent is the only reason not to televise them." Penso referred to what he called Lombardo's "Chicken Little, the sky is falling" attitude, which he maintains is counterproductive for the district.
One issue on which the candidates agreed was the continuation of teacher/parent conferences throughout high school. Both agreed to work toward that end if elected. Currently, such meetings end when students enter middle school.
When asked what their biggest, personal contributions to the school board might be, Lombardo said, "Safety, safety, safety."
Penso said, "I have made many contributions. This is a great school district. This is a great community. I will continue to be the voice of the parents in the district."
Penso pointed out the expense Lombardo has caused the district in legal fees, by filing complaints with the State Education Department in Albany. Lombardo defended his right to do so, regarding such matters as alleged conflicts of interest when board member whose spouses are employed by the district negotiate contracts. "The school board doesn't have to answer you," Lombardo said, "but they do have to answer a complaint."
"Rein in legal costs?" asked Penso. "Rein in Lombardo."
After almost 90 minutes of questions and answers, the packed audience heard the candidates' visions for the district in five years. Lombardo said, "I see me sitting on the school board." He promised, if elected, to get rid of students who do not live in the district but who attend district schools, and to reduce the school dropout rate of 1.2 percent. "I also see a board where simple questions get simple answers," said Lombardo.
Penso's five-year vision included providing "enhanced electives and programs, and keeping the students motivated academically and athletically," he said. "Lynbrook will be an even better place."
In his closing remarks, Lombardo emphasized his commitment to the school district and its students. "Every student who goes through those doors is my student," he said. "My opponent fixes things after they happen. I fix them before they happen."
Penso closed by saying that his "dedication to the school district is unwavering." He vowed that in his new role as village trustee, and his desire to serve on the school board again, "I will be able to bring a stronger partnership to the school district and the village."
East Rockaway weighs in
In the East Rockaway school board's uncontested election, both Debbie Tufano and Bill Barton are seeking to serve again. Each has two children enrolled in district schools, and both have been actively involved in the budget process, contract negotiations and other areas relating to school board membership.
Tuesday's voting will take place from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. in Lynbrook and 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in East Rockaway.
Comments about this story? KBarone@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 202.
