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BOE ELECTION AND BUDGET VOTE ON TUESDAY; 2nd PROPOSITION ASKS VOTERS TO CONSIDER CHANGE IN BUSING DISTANCE LIMITS

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On Tuesday May 16, residents of the North Shore School District will have the opportunity to vote on a $102,113,515 spending plan for the 2017-18 school year, representing a 2.63% increase over the current year's budget, and a tax levy of $84,488,578 - a $9,000 or 0.01% decline from this year's budget.  A second proposition asks residents to consider granting permission to the District to reduce the busing distance limits to the Middle School from 1.5 miles to 1 mile for 7th and 8th graders making the minimum mileage requirement equal to that for 6th graders. The change will not increase costs to the district. Three candidates are vying for the two seats up for grabs on School Board.  Incumbent Joanna Commander, of Glen Head, is seeking her second three-year term, while Cheryl Yodis Brown and Richard Galati, also of Glen Head, are running for the first time.   It is an at-large election, with the top two vote getters each earning a spot on the Board.  

The vote will take place from 7 am to 10 pm at the North Shore High School Gymnasium.  See below for information on the candidates and the budget, as well as letters from supporters.  See below for past Northwordnews articles on the budget and Meet the Candidates forum, as well as candidates' statements.


NORTH SHORE BOE CANDIDATES DISCUSS DISTRICT ISSUES AT MEET THE CANDIDATES FORUM

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​April 28, 2014 -- The three candidates vying for the two seats up for grabs on the North Shore School Board introduced themselves and responded to questions from community members at a Meet the Candidates Forum sponsored by the North Shore Coordinating Council and moderated by the Port Washington chapter of the League of Women Voters this past Tuesday April 25.   Educational issues such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and  Common Core learning standards dominated the discussion, but the candidates also addressed the opioid epidemic, and governance issues, as well as their respective visions for North Shore. READ MORE  


CHERYL ​BROWN
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​Occupation: For 21 years, I have been a 1st grade teacher in Islip School District.  I have educated over 475 plus students . . . READ MORE

JOANNA COMMANDER
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​Occupation:
Retired educator.  Teacher and coach at Elmont High School; District Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics . . . 
READ MORE

RICHARD ​GALATI
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Occupation: Prior to my retirement in 2016, I was a high school science teacher for 33 years, the last 31 of which were at North Shore High School.  READ MORE


LETTERS FROM THE CANDIDATES

JOANNA COMMANDER - CANDIDATE FOR NORTH SHORE SCHOOLS BOE  

Received from Joanna Commander, Glen Head
April 20, 2017


To the Editor,
 
I am happy to announce my candidacy for re-election to the North Shore Schools Board of Education. 
During my tenure on the Board, I’ve worked diligently to represent everyone in the district as a as a steward of our taxes and quality of our schools.  READ MORE

CHERYL BROWN - CANDIDATE FOR NORTH SHORE SCHOOLS BOE

Received from Cheryl Brown, Glen Head
April 22, 2017


To the Editor,

My name is Cheryl Brown, and I would like to announce that I am running for a position on the Board of Education in the North Shore School District. I am really excited and honored to be a candidate and I am committed to representing our children and our community.READ MORE

RICHARD GALATI - CANDIDATE FOR NORTH SHORE SCHOOLS BOE 

Received from Richard Galati, Glen Head
April 23, 2017

​I respectfully announce that I am a candidate for Trustee of the North Shore Schools Board of Education, a district that I have been associated with for over 30 years as a dedicated faculty member at North Shore High School. Twenty eight years ago, my wife, Darlene, and I made the conscious decision to relocate to Glen Head  to raise our children, . . .  READ MORE

ENDORSEMENT LETTERS

NS BOE TRUSTEE VOTE:  AS SIMPLE AS ABC!!!

Recieved from Robert Mazzella, Glen Head
May 8, 2017

To the Editor:

  The month of May can be an extremely busy time of year.  Many of us are a bit preoccupied with Communions, Confirmations, graduations, weddings, trying to get our children home from college, and, of course, Mother's Day!  Given that it can be a very hectic time of year, I wanted to remind everyone to go out and vote on Tuesday, May 16th!  For the first time in three years, the residents of the North Shore School District have a choice to make when voting for Board of Education Trustees.   Three people are running for two Trustee positions. Since the candidates have backgrounds in education, I thought it would be appropriate to look at the ABC's of this election!  READ MORE

IN SUPPORT OF RICHARD GALATI

Received from Michael Russo, Glen Head
​May 3, 2017
 
Dear Editor and Community Members: 
    My name is Michael Russo and I am currently a senior at North Shore High School.  I am asking for the community’s support for Mr. Richard Galati as Trustee of North Shore School District.  Although I did not have the privilege of having Mr. Galati in class at North Shore, I have been working closely with him to prepare for both the Physics Regents and for the AP Physics Mechanics exam.  He conveys the course material clearly and concisely.  He is truly a masterful teacher, but more than that, he is a good, decent and kind person. READ MORE

BOE ADOPTS BUDGET FOR 2017-18 SCHOOL YEAR; TAX LEVY ACTUALLY LOWER THAN LAST YEAR 

​April 8, 2017 -- After having reviewed the 50 page document at public meetings in February and March, the North Shore Board of Education adopted its 2017-18 school budget proposal this past Thursday night.  The $102,113,514.86 spending plan for 2017-18 represents a 2.63% increase over the current year and will allow the district to maintain all current programs and teaching positions, while adding a high school guidance counselor, converting a part-time Social Worker into a full-time position, and creating a .4 teaching position for a music theory class. READ MORE

PROPOSITION 2 - REDUCTION IN BUSING DISTANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR MIDDLE SCHOOLERS 

In addition to the budget, residents will  have the opportunity to vote on a second proposition which would reduce the distance requirements for students in 7th and 8th grade to receive busing to the Middle School beginning next school year.  The change will result in no extra cost to the district or taxpayers.

Currently students in grades kindergarten through 5th grade must live at least ¾ of a mile from school to receive district transportation, while those in 6th grade- one mile; and those in grades 7 through 12 - one and a half miles.  The new distance requirements would equalize those for all middle schoolers so that 7 and 8th graders who live at least one mile from school would be eligible for transportation.   

An analysis conducted by the District’s transportation office concluded that, because of space available on buses currently running the various routes, there would be no additional buses or trips required and as result would create no additional costs to taxpayers. ​

TAX RATES - NASSAU COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICTS 2016-17
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PER PUPIL EXPENDITURE -NORTH SHORE AND SURROUNDING SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN 2016-17 SCHOOL YEAR
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IN SUPPORT OF CHERYL BROWN

Received from Karen Greene
May 1, 2017


Dear Editor,
   I am a resident and business owner within the North Shore Community for the past 25 years.  I find Cheryl Brown’s ideas, logic, and the direction that she wants to take the North Shore School District  refreshing and innovative.   Cheryl has children in the elementary, middle, and high school.  READ MORE

FORMER TRUSTEE ENDORSES JOANNA COMMANDER FOR NS BOE 

Received from Amy Beyer, Glen Head
May 8, 2017

​Joanna is present in the community and she is accessible.  She has immersed herself in being an active and involved Board of Education member.  She has served on multiple Board of Education committees including Construction Steering Committee, Policy Committee, Athletic Policy and Review Committees, IEP Review Committee.  She attends countless extracurricular activities including athletic events, concerts and mock trial competitions. . .  READ MORE

JOANNA COMMANDER FOR NORTH SHORE SCHOOL BOARD

Received from Steve Grabher, Glen Head
​April 28, 2017

To the Editor, 
   I am writing to endorse Joanna Commander for re-election to the North Shore Board of Education. Ms. Commander has been an outstanding addition to the Board over the past three years. Her wealth of knowledge and passion has been beneficial especially in matters close to her areas of expertise, which include interscholastic athletics, health issues and substance abuse. READ MORE

VOTE FOR CHERYL BROWN ON MAY 16

Received from Meghan Endres , Glen Head
​May 3, 2017

To the Editor,
   On Tuesday, May 16
th, the North Shore School District will hold an election for the Board of Education. 
This election comes at a pivotal time for our school system with significant leadership transition at the superintendent level.  The responsibility of our board members is critical in ensuring a smooth transition and keeping our district on a path of integrity in our education vision and commitment to our students. For these reasons, I am recommending  that you cast your vote for Cheryl Brown on May 16th.  READ MORE

PLEASE JOIN ME IN SUPPORTING CHERYL BROWN FOR NORTH SHORE BOE

Recieved from Keri Plassmann Crocco, Glen Head
May 8, 2017

​Cheryl understands public education from the inside out. As a dedicated parent to children in North Shore’s high school, middle school, and elementary schools, Cheryl has her finger on the pulse of what is important to the families in our community. As a 21-year veteran of the classroom, Cheryl knows the pressures placed on students and teachers by NYS standards and testing.  READ MORE

CHERYL BROWN - A CHAMPION FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION

Received from Mary Ellen & Doug Wefer, Sea Cliff
​May 4, 2017

To the Editor,
   On May 16th, while voting FOR the budget, please also vote for CHERYL BROWN for School Board Trustee. As a young mother of three children that attend all levels of our schools, a 1st grade school teacher and an active community volunteer, Cheryl has the skills, drive and demeanor necessary to immediately contribute to the Board of Education. READ MORE

JOANNA COMMANDER FOR NORTH SHORE SCHOOL BOARD

Received from Lori Berglin,  
​April 23, 2017

To the Editor:

   Please join me in supporting Joanna Commander for Trustee of the North Shore Schools Board of Education. Joanna has dedicated her life to the well being of students. Prior to retiring, she was a health and physical education teacher and a highly respected Athletic Director. She continues to be involved in Athletics organizing and supervising ticket sales and staffing for all Nassau County High School playoff games. Having worked closely with Joanna, I can confidently say that as a leader, she is extremely organized, sets clear parameters, holds people accountable, and is thorough in her pursuit of excellence! READ MORE

COMMANDER BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER AND THE BEST OUT IN PEOPLE

​Received from Deb McDermott, Sea Cliff
​May 7, 2017

Dear Editor: 
Joanna Commander has been an excellent school board member for the past three years and we are very fortunate that she is running for a second term on the North Shore Board of Education. Joanna has the rare quality of being able to see and meet people where they are and for who they are. She addresses people and issues plainly, clearly and honestly. She is able to get to the heart of the matter, quickly and her honesty and her ability to connect is the foundation for shared solutions and outcomes that are successful and fair. READ MORE

CHERYL BROWN - AN ADVOCATE FOR CHILDREN

Received from Kelleyann Delaney
May 1, 2017


To the Editor
     I have had the honor of knowing Cheryl Brown for over 20 years. She had 2 of my daughters in her class. Miss Yodis, as she was known then, was one of the most caring teachers that we ever had. She was an advocate for not only my children but for all of her students. She invited all parents in for celebrations and went to each person taking the time to speak with them. When my daughter struggled with learning how to read, she kept her and other students after on her own time to work with them. READ MORE

WE NEED TO RE-ELECT JOANNA COMMANDER

Received from Maria Aughavin, Glen Head
​May 1, 2017

Dear Editor,
​    It’s that time of the year again.  The North Shore residents will be asked to vote on the annual school budget and elect two trustees for our Board.  This year we have an enormous amount of transition happening at North Shore.  The new Superintendent starts in August and we are currently in the process of searching for a new middle school principal.  IB vs. AP questions continue to arise. 
The Board and Administration will have their hands full over the next few years focusing on academics and the goals of the academic programs.  At the present time, we need a strong advocate on the Board that will focus on the extracurricular programs at North Shore, especially the athletics.  READ MORE

RICH GALATI FOR NORTH SHOOLS BOE

Received from Kristen Hanson, Centerport  
​April 23, 2017

To the Editor
My name is Kristen Hanson (Lincks) and I am a member of North Shore's Class of 1998.  I write to you with a voice that has tremendous affection and a deep appreciation for the area which I was raised and educated in, the area I chose to reside in during my twenties and was also fortunate enough to be a teacher in the Special Education department at North Shore High School for eight years.  
  
Five generations ago, my maternal side of the family planted their roots in the promenade section of Glen Head when my great-great grandparents bought a home in my old neighborhood. READ MORE

​Got an opinion?  Send Letters to the Editor to northwordnews@gmail.com.  Be sure to include your name and town of residence. Please indicate "Letter to the Editor" in subject line.

FORMER NS BOARD PRESIDENT FOR CHERYL BROWN AS TRUSTEE

Received from Carolyn Mazzu Genovesi, Glen Head
May 8, 2017

The two most important characteristics for someone to serve on the NS School Board are that the person should be open to listen and learn. Cheryl Brown has those characteristics in abundance. If you have had the opportunity to meet her, you will immediately see that she is a caring and genuine person, with no personal agenda but to serve her community.
Cheryl is a forward looking educator that has a universal and global view of quality education. She has also spent her personal time up in Albany lobbying for issues that are important for schools therefor proving she works not just for her own students and children but on the bigger issues that impact quality public education.     
Importantly, if she is elected she will bring the perspective of the next generation of parents onto the school board which is an essential perspective for the long term development of our schools.
Please also remember to vote on Tuesday May 16 for the budget (Prop 1) and the transportation issue (Prop 2).  

Carolyn Mazzu Genovesi
Former NS School Board President 

IN SUPPORT OF JOANNA COMMANDER

Received from Lara Gonazalez, Sea Cliff
May 6, 2017
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Dear Residents of the North Shore Central School District,

It is my pleasure to write this letter of support for my fellow trustee, Joanna Commander. Ms. Commander and I met as competitors three years ago on the campaign trail during the May 2014 school board election. Upon being elected to the school board, our relationship quickly changed from a competitive to collaborative one. During our first term in office, as educators we have found much common ground. READ MORE

BACK TO WEEKLY

CHERYL BROWN FOR NS BOE TRUSTEE

Received from Jen Lenney
May 7, 2017 


​To the Editor,

As a parent, community member and educator, I ask you to support Cheryl Brown for Board of Ed Trustee. She is a strong advocate for public schools and she is dedicated to maintaining the quality of education for our children in the North Shore School District. She believes in a student-centered approach that is best for both the students and for the community as a whole.  READ MORE

RICHARD GALATI - HONESTY, INTEGRITY, DEVOTION

Received from Angelo Grande
April 24, 2017

To the Editor:
          It is both a privilege and an honor for me to write this letter of support for Richard Galati. Richard is running for the position of trustee on the North Shore School Board. I have known Richard as a former colleague and friend for thirty years.  He is married to Dr. Darlene Galati and has four children, all graduates of the North Shore Schools.  Richard recently retired from North Shore High School with over thirty years as a Distinguished Science teacher.  Richard was the recipient of the 2016 North Shore High School Yearbook Dedication Award.  READ MORE

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