Levitt has a genuine passion for being a board member. That passion, and her five years of experience on the board, are certainly pluses. Others include Levitt's efforts in heightening the focus on special education in this district since before she was first elected, her service on a special education committee, and her efforts to introduce the Wilson-based reading program the district has since implemented for special-ed students.
We also like that Levitt, a part-time executive secretary for the Atlantic Beach Water Reclamation District, has the time to devote to the often demanding board duties, which include reading through thick documents on educational matters. She seems eager to give her time to the board.
But Sarnelli's resume is just as impressive. She has been on the PTA for 10 years, serving as both a vice president and treasurer, and has been involved in a variety of educational programs and courses, from curriculum modifications to child- and substance-abuse seminars to a teacher hiring committee to membership on a site-based management team.
In looking forward, Sarnelli expressed several goals she hopes to pursue as a board member, and among her top priorities is to keep an eye on the district's finances. Her 20 years of experience as a financial analyst and consultant would certainly help in the pursuit of such an important goal. In these times, when rising property taxes and inequitable distribution of state aid are hot issues, Sarnelli's financial background would benefit the board.
Both Levitt and Sarnelli have expressed uncertainty as to exactly how, as board members, they would go about trying to bring more state aid to the district, but Sarnelli showed by way of letters she has written that she's made this effort in the past, as a private citizen.
Both candidates have also vowed to forge closer ties with West Hempstead High School, a noteworthy goal when the community's top secondary school is several towns away. In this area, Sarnelli appears to have more specific goals and concrete steps she wants to take than what Levitt has offered.
Lastly, we agree that having children in the schools is an asset for a board member. And, here, too, we think Sarnelli has the edge over Levitt. While Levitt does have a son in the high school, he will be graduating next year. We like the fact that Sarnelli has kids at both the elementary and middle school ‹ and even a child in private school. We believe she would bring a more diverse perspective to the board.
So, while Levitt has the experience, time and devotion to make her worthy of being returned to service on the board, we believe Sarnelli outshines the ex-trustee thanks to the greater extent and depth of her involvement in education and in the district. The Herald endorses Sarnelli for election to the Island Park Board of Education.
In Oceanside, no opposition
In Oceanside, neither incumbent, President Al Lyson or Kim Garrity, faces opposition. But an uncontested election is no reason not to show support for these candidates. Lyson, who was first elected to the board in 1993, has vowed to spend his last term focused on doing what he can to bring a greater share of state aid to the district, as well as further exploring other options for funding the budget besides property taxes.
Lyson and Vice President Don Maresca have joined a county-wide school boards committee that addresses budgets and taxes. Lyson helped produce a letter-writing campaign directed at our elected representatives that has resulted in more state aid for the district this year.
As to issues that are within the schools' control, Garrity's focus on a major part of budgeting, the district's buildings and grounds, and the long-term, money-saving approach the district has taken in addressing these issues, is an area where we believe she has shined brightest.
Both Lyson and Garrity have earned our support, and residents should show theirs by voting for them on May 16.
Budget votes
While we hear, and agree with, some residents' concerns that both the Island Park and Oceanside districts can do even more to cut expenses within their control ‹ like eliminating certain programs ‹ we still believe that both districts continue to do among the best jobs in the county of keeping expenses down.
At least in recent years, both districts have offered budgets whose cost increases have been at or below county averages, and this year is no different. The budgets are fair and reasonable. That's the bottom line ‹ and the fact that students are getting the education they need. Both districts are doing their jobs.
We particularly like the way Oceanside has, in the past few years, focused on systematically informing and educating the public about budgets and taxes through its newsletters and the appearances by district officials at a variety of community events.
The Herald encourages voters to pass the budgets in both Island Park and Oceanside.
