By Liz McBreen
In response to questions concerning this year's budget at a debate on May 6 at Clara H. Carlson High School, Doreson said that "the children of the Elmont district are the future of the community, and they are worth the investment."
Doreson said that teamwork, honesty and love of children are the benchmarks of a strong board of education. "The board should be cohesive and bring the community together to support the schools so that the children benefit. I think that this board has done that so far, and I would like it to continue to do so," she said.
Doreson has been a life-long resident of Elmont and a member of the board for 15 years. She has helped to bring 40 new classrooms to the district, in addition to a summer enrichment program and all-day kindergarten. She said she has also worked to propose lean budgets to the taxpayers year after year.
During the debate, she asked that the voters look at the accomplishments of the board over the past 15 years and the progression that has gone on in the district. Doreson pledged her love for children, the community and education, and underscored her experience in leadership and bringing harmony to a team.
Doreson wants the current board to continue the work it has been doing, such as keeping the lines of communication open between teachers and the community, strengthening academic programs, and continuously trying to cut costs and keep the annual budget lean.
A 'new perspective'
Black-Pennington has been a resident of South Floral Park for two and a half years and she is running against Doreson to be president of the school board. She works as an attorney, and said her goals are to implement creative solutions to the financial and space problems the district faces and to make information more available to the community.
According to Black-Pennington, her experience as an impartial hearing officer for special education cases has provided her with knowledge of the board, educators, and children. She also believes that her knowledge of Elmont residents will benefit her as school board president. "I make it my business to find out what concerns people of the community," said Black-Pennington.
A new perspective is what Black-Pennington promised residents at the debate. "I have the energy and creativity to bring about change in the district. I am devoted to education and if I am elected, this board will be progressive."
She would like to raise the academic bar for Elmont students, and continue education for teachers, as well as build a strong relationship between parents and teachers. "I want to help the community grow together. If our community is strong, our students will be strong," said Black-Pennington.
New budget
The $4 million budget increase for the 2002-03 school year comes to a per-household increase of about $350 a year, which will allow for textbooks and supplies to be purchased through the district, and playground expansion for the elementary schools. If the proposed $46,829,585 budget should fail, the stripped down contingency budget will go into effect. The per-household increase under a contingency budget would be $295 a year.
The candidates stressed that passing the proposed budget translates into roughly one more dollar a week than the contingency budget, but it would have a strong impact on many families. Without it, parents will be left to pick up the tab for supplies and equipment on their own, which will amount to more than one dollar a week.
Without challengers
In two other positions on the ballot, Aubrey Phillips is running unopposed for reelection to his school board seat, and David Osbourne is running unopposed for a seat on the Elmont library board.
Aubrey Phillips is running unopposed this year for renewal of his three-year term. He is looking forward to raising academic standards in Elmont even more. "You have to be a risk taker in order to get results, and you also need the support of a strong community," said Phillips. "I have seen positive change during my time on the board due to a strong team and superintendent, and I want to see that change continue."
Phillips also plans on working to bridge the educational achievement gap between minority and majority groups in Elmont. "We have to re-think the notion of whether one education is good for all students," said Phillips.
Running unopposed for a position as a library trustee, David Osbourne is committed to keeping the Elmont Library a strong resource for members of the community. "We want to work with schools, and have the necessary tools for students and residents," said Osbourne.
One issue that concerns all of the candidates is state-mandated testing. "We do not teach for the tests in this district, but I worry about testing too much," said Doreson. Pennington agreed, saying, "From what I can see, Elmont does not base its curriculum on the state tests. This is how it should be. The tests should be used as tools, and not dictate the curriculum," said Pennington.
Another point that the candidates are in agreement on is the 2002-03 budget. It is being strongly endorsed by the school board candidates, and they urge residents to vote in favor of it on May 21. Doreson and Phillips pointed out that if the proposed budget does not pass, and the contingent budget goes into effect, there would be detrimental cuts in supply, textbook and playground funds. Doreson added that a passed budget is positive not only for schools, but also for the community as a whole.
