On Education:

My number one priority is providing the very best education for our children, period.

I have voiced to the current board that over the past 7 years our school district has been mired in scholastic mediocrity.  As a parent I am concerned that our children will not be prepared to reach her fullest educational potential.  I am concerned that our children will not be adequately prepared in a global economy.  Whether implementing “Investigations Math” was a flawed idea or whether it is a brilliant concept whose execution was horribly botched can be debated for years to come.  What is not debatable is the fact that our district is failing to provide proper instruction in fundamental skills to our children.  This administration is well aware that many of our kids have not mastered the most basic reading, writing and math skills, yet it has been slow to react and effect positive change.  I will do everything possible to improve our districts academic performance while being sensitive and responsive to parent’s concerns.

I will seek better ways to assess the effectiveness of our curricula, in addition to relying on the NY State test scores that we now have.  I will work hard to make sure teachers have the tools necessary to reach students at every level of ability, and every grade level.  I will not forget the needs of our special needs children and gifted children to ensure that their special needs are met.  There is room for improvement in many areas, areas in which we lag behind our peer communities, as reflected in the LI School Report Card statistics.  I will work closely with the Superintendent, administrators and teachers on all aspects of curriculum, with an eye toward improving both effectiveness and accountability.   

I believe academics, along with athletics, the arts and civic responsibility are the four cornerstones of a solid education.  In each area the key is to provide each student with the opportunity to fully develop.  Research shows that students who participate in sports in school are more likely to avoid trouble outside the classroom.  Well-rounded citizens need more than class-room time to make them responsible, contributing adults.  I support fully funding programs in all these areas.