To be honest, we liked all three candidates, because each demonstrated a true concern for making sure that Bellmore children receive the best possible education.
Two of the candidates, though, clearly distinguished themselves with their long service to the district and their exceptional knowledge of Bellmore programs and state education requirements: Ted Tanenbaum and Marion Blane.
Tanenbaum, the only incumbent in the race, is seeking a third three-year term on the board. He has served as board president and vice president. He has three children, two of whom have graduated from Bellmore schools; and the third now attends Kennedy High School. Tanenbaum is a member of the Bellmore PTA and has received the Bellmore Elementary Council of PTAs' Honorary Life Membership. He's also a former member of the Bellmore District's Shared Decision-Making and Long-Range Facilities Planning committees.
Blane, who has three children now attending the Bellmore and Central High school districts, has been an active member of the Bellmore PTA for 11 years and has held many leadership positions, including being president of the Shore Road and consolidated Bellmore PTAs. She is a recipient of the PTA Life Membership and Distinguished Service awards.
Leonard Burger has two young children who will soon enter Bellmore schools. To date, Burger, who is president of a successful Bellmore civic association, has not been involved with the district. He says he wants to become more active in the schools, though, now that his children are nearly ready to enter the Bellmore system.
To Burger we say, go for it! Your desire to be involved is wonderful. However, he should spend time with the PTAs, as his opponents have. PTA involvement truly is the best route to a solid, working knowledge of what the district has to offer and what it needs.
The Bellmore district has distinguished itself with a host of new programs in recent years, including all-day kindergarten and Spanish instruction for all students. Tanenbaum and Blane have played major roles in these efforts, among many others. They deserve to be elected to the school board. Vote Ted Tanenbaum and Marion Blane on June 3.
