PRIORITIES

We used to be revered as one of the top schools in Westchester. What happened? There are a lot of improvements that can be made. I have been heavily involved in this community for almost 40 years. I know what it was, what it is now and what it can be. Below are 7 areas that need to be addressed sooner than later. These surfaced after speaking to 100’s of people in our school district; from PTO officers, to administrators, to faculty and staff, to parents and students. We have an opportunity to make significant changes and inroads into these areas. It is my intention to do whatever I can to make that happen. If you are so inclined, please let me know what you think.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY

As a long time local business owner, I take fiscal responsibility seriously. We need to find creative and “out of the box” ideas to decrease the cost per student in this district (approximately $33,000/student, we are amongst the very highest in Westchester) without affecting the quality of education. We can accomplish this by fine-tooth combing the budget, being creative, proper competitive bidding for the best value, etc. I will seek out every avenue to be fiscally responsible. Taxpayers want and deserve transparency and value for their hard-earned money. We can and must do better!

COMMUNICATING WITH THE COMMUNITY

Based on the feedback I have been receiving, the lack of communication is a huge source of frustration to the residents of this community . Active listening and answering questions are a basic responsibility of the Board and administration. I will be a conduit to make sure that is happening. I have been told I am a very good listener and communicator and I will bring that skillset to KLSD.

assure SAFETY & SECURITY

This doesn’t mean having armed guards at every door. This means making sure all parents feel good about sending their kids to school, and that the children feel safe, secure and welcomed. Are our facilities as secure and protected as we can make them? Are our children being bullied or experiencing discrimination? Anything that gets in the way of each child’s ability to learn, needs to be addressed. Changing culture takes time and it needs to be worked on every day by the entire school district community.

Meeting and Exceeding the needs of our Special Services Students

Approximately 1/3 of our student population falls into this group…504, Special Education, RTI. It is critical that we identify these students early in Pre-k, Kindergarten and 1st grade. The district should provide access to the services these children need so they can develop strategies to be thriving, confident learners. All 3 of my children were in the Special Ed Program for various reasons. I understand how vitally important early intervention is, as well as, monitored progress through every stage of their education. I've experienced what a collaborative, successful program looks like.

READING LITERACY

Reading is fundamental.... heard that before? There is no truer statement. The impact of literacy struggles on a child’s ability to learn and grow cannot be overstated; literacy is the cornerstone and foundation of learning throughout life. Decoding, Fluency and Reading Comprehension affect a student’s success in every single school subject. If this is not addressed at a very early age, it can have a devastating consequence not only to a child’s future education, but also to their long-term emotional wellbeing.

ADDRESSING MENTAL HEALTH

Now more than ever, we need to diligently keep our collective eyes and ears open for signs that a child is not in a good place. Anxiety, depression, substance abuse, bullying, etc. are signals that a child needs help. Faculty and staff need to be thoroughly trained to recognize these signs and take appropriate action. Our schools have our children under their care, eight plus hours a day, in loco parentis. Concerns need to be addressed swiftly by trained professionals, getting the students outside help, if needed. It is imperative that all of our children feel good about themselves.

EXTRA CURRICULAR & ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES

For many children, extracurricular activities are the hook that keep our children interested and engaged in the classroom. Athletics, the Arts, Clubs, and a breadth of Intramural activities provide students opportunities to develop and explore their passions outside of the school’s curriculum. It teaches them to become future leaders in society, how to manage time, and work together as a team. We need to ensure that our students are receiving the best opportunities and instructors available.