By ARIELLA MONTI
Kriss is retiring from his position as principal of Oceanside School 5 after 20 years. He is a resident of Rockville Centre with four children, and the district has played an important role in his life. A recipient of the Kiwanis Club's Heart of Gold Award, Kriss has been active in community work. "It's time to give back to a community that I care about," he said. In addition to working to keep the quality of education high during tough financial times, he says he also hopes to work on revisions to some of the No Child Left Behind policies.
A career change that includes traveling is one of the reasons Vivian Lewandowski is stepping down after two terms on the Board of Education, she said. She also feels that for the board to be productive, there must be constant turn over. "It's time for other members of the community to step forward," Lewandowski said. "Fresh ideas are important for the development of the district."
She said that all parents should be involved in their children's education. Running for the school board is not necessary, she said, but constant involvement is vital to the growth of a child. She said she will miss her position, but she's confident that the members of the board will continue to do what is in the best interest of the students.
Kathy Horace is planning to return for another term as a member of the school board. "I feel very strongly about giving back to the community in which you live," she said, explaining why she's running again. Horace also said she strives to offer students the quality of education they deserve, despite difficult economic conditions. Vital programs are often cut during unstable economic times, and she does not want to make any sacrifices that would negatively impact the district's children. Horace wants to see the foreign language program that was implemented last year continue to grow, and she wants secondary students to have the opportunity to make choices that work for them, and their abilities.
The elections will be held on May 20 in the South Side High School gymnasium from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Absentee ballot applications are available in the district office, at 128 Shepherd St. or online at www.rvcschools.org.
Comments about this story? AMonti@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 282.
