I served on the BOE from 2007-2016. (4 of those years as Board President and 1 year as VP). When a board member stepped down in February of 2020, I ran again and won a seat during the height of the pandemic. I was re-elected in 2021. Last May I was given the “School Board Service Award” from Scope Education Services in appreciation for my Outstanding Service to the Plainview-Old Bethpage CSD. An honor I was humbled and proud to receive.

 
We have lived in Old Bethpage since 1990. My wife Lisa works in Old Bethpage Elementary as a kindergarten aide. We raised three children (Max, Gabby & Jillian) who all attended and graduated from our schools. My youngest graduated in 2020, during the height of the pandemic. 

My philosophy is simple:

• The kids come first! Student success and wellbeing is my #1 priority.

• Deliver the best possible education we can, while providing the best possible environment, both emotionally and physically, for their success.

• Maintain our district’s outstanding financial position, including our AAA bond rating, while being fiscally prudent and fully understanding the impact of all our decisions and spending on our taxpayers.

• Treat all our staff fairly and with respect. Build a culture of kindness, accountability, and collaboration. 

Over these past 4 years our district has become one of the tops in NY State. I am so proud of the work my fellow board members, Central Administration, teachers, administrators and all our staff have achieved. Here are just a few of the highlights:

• Every one of our schools, from elementary to middle and high school have won accolades and awards.

• Our students are achieving on every level. Including sports, art, music, the performing arts, robotics, DECA, research, METMUNC and so many more. 

• Our special ed programs are the crown jewel of our district and we had a 100% graduation rate last year!

• We have invested in the mental health and well-being of our students by adding social workers, guidance counselors and other support staff.

• Social and emotional learning has been embedded into our curriculum at every level.

• Our districts’ demographics are changing, and we have put programs into place to welcome new families and cultures into our community and to encourage them to participate in the home-school connection.

I am running for re-election to continue my service to our students, community, and taxpayers. Our district is facing economic challenges beyond our control:

• The governor and legislature have not provided the state aid we had anticipated going into the coming school year.

• We continue to be burdened by unfunded mandates that put even more pressure on our budget.

• Unlike other communities and school districts on Long Island, our district is growing. A tribute to the great job we are doing leading our district!

• With this growing population comes increased demand on our resources including special education and English Language learners.

• Our buildings and infrastructure continue to age and require additional investments. We also need to provide more instructional space for our students at POB JFK high school. 

• We must find a way to keep our tax levy and budget growth under control while maintaining our AAA bond rating and carefully utilizing our reserve funds to navigate these challenging times. 

This coming election has two seats available. I am hoping the community will value my years of service and experience and re-elect me. I look forward to working with our newest board trustee and helping her or him get up to speed. It is my intent to assist and guide them so that they can make the kind of impact on our school district that I feel I have. 

Please vote for me on May 21st, vote for your neighbor / friend and vote Yes for the school budget.