Email Announcement of My Candidacy

I wanted you all to hear it from me first -- I'm running for the Dobbs Ferry Board of Education.  With all the changes and challenges our District is facing in the coming months, I think I can provide a strong, positive and thoughtful voice on the Board that will keep our District moving forward.  

These are the main issues I will focus on if I am elected:

(1) striving to continually improve the quality and breadth of the education we are providing, with a particular emphasis on academic rigor, writing instruction, and the arts; 

(2) increasing the level of communication among the Board of Education, the Administration, and the community at large;

(3) continuing to work towards school budgets that maximize efficiencies without sacrificing the quality of our programs;

(4) making sure our schools are serving ALL the children in the District, so that every child feels challenged, safe, and valued as a member of a vibrant learning community; and 

(5) exploring opportunities to share services with neighboring districts as a way to increase both budget efficiencies and academic and extra-curricular opportunities for our students.

Most of you know me well enough to know my level of involvement in our schools over the years.  I am a co-founder and Board member of SPRING Community Partners, I have held many positions with the PTSA, and I have served on several important District committees.  I have worked as a volunteer in the schools in many other ways as well -- as a Springhurst class coordinator, at Pumpkin Fairs, at Book Fairs, in the Springhurst Publishing Room, and at many fundraising events.

As a result of my consistent presence in our schools, I have a good working relationship with District administrators and Board members.  They know that I will take a stand for what I believe in, listen respectfully to various points of view, and try to find a way to build consensus and reach common goals.

In the coming weeks, you'll be hearing from me a few more times.  I'll provide more details about my background and experience and try to respond to questions that come up as I talk to members of the community and hear their concerns.

In the meantime, please let me know if you have any questions you'd like me to address.  I'd love to hear your goals for the District, your hopes for the new administration, and what you think the Board of Ed should be focusing on.

I hope I can count on your support in the upcoming School Board election on May 17.  And if you feel comfortable, please forward this email on to friends whom you think I might not be in touch with.

Thanks in advance for your help.