GCSD Board of Education Endorsement and Reminder to Vote 5/18
Hello Greenburgh,
While I normally focus on Town of Greenburgh items tonight I am going to give my endorsements for the Greenburgh Central School District Board of Education election on 5/18. As a resident of GCSD, this is the district I am most familiar with but all Town of Greenburgh school districts (all 10) are having their budget vote and board of elections on 5/18. Make sure to vote!
Greenburgh Central School District
First, I want to start by encouraging all voters to vote yes to pass the budget. This year's budget features only a 1.24% tax increase, is well below the tax cap, and takes important steps towards ensuring a strong future for the district.
This years election for GCSD features 7 candidates running for 3 seats with 2 of the 3 incumbents renewing their terms. Incumbent Cora Carey is not seeking another term. She is thanked for her service on the board but I am excited to see a new face in her seat.
Please make sure you vote in this election, the last time there was a contested election in GCSD in 2019 only 15 votes separated the 2nd and 3rd place finishers. This is one of those elections where you can unequivocally say your vote will count and make an impact. Make sure to Vote.
The below endorsements are mine and mine only and do not represent the views of HNA or any other groups I am affiliated with.
Candidates to Support!
Chris Valin- Chris Valin is one of the strongest candidates in recent memory for school board that I can recall. She is a Spanish speaking parent of 2 current Woodlands students, former PTA board member, and longtime involved resident in the district who has served on numerous district committees over the years. With a financial background as well, Chris has all the skills one would need to thrive on BOE.
Sarah Lazzari- Sarah is one of the co-founders of the ECP PTA in 2019 and currently is membership chair for the Lee F. Jackson PTA. Outside of the district Sarah is an involved member of the community who currently serves as the Vice President of the Windsor Park Civic Association. Sarah also brings a great background as a a higher education professional. She holds a Masters Degree in Higher education and Student affairs and has professional experience with college admissions and academic advising. She would be a great new addition to the board.
Jamaal Thomas- Jamaal is a GCSD graduated with longstanding roots in Greenburgh and a background as an educational consultant. I did not know Jamaal before his announcement like the previous two candidates but I have been impressed with his response in the PTA and HNA events. I have also been impressed with the way Mr. Thomas has conducted himself on social media. His NextDoor campaign post received comments that reminded many individuals why they usually stay off of that site. However there were some good questions and Jamaal engaged and gave thoughtful responses to those questions. I appreciate when candidates don't run from questions.
Antoinette Darden-Cintron- Antoinette is running on a slate with Kiana Washington and Eric Bitterman and to be frank that gave me a lot of pause. However I have known Antoinette for several years now and I believe that she has been an asset on the board during her tenure and a steady influence. When it came time to advocate for the bond I thought she did the best job of all board members of advocating for the bond, and being a representative of the district. As current board president, she has by all accounts done a very good job of shepherding GCSD through the covid pandemic. It hasn't always been smooth as board president, but I believe she would not have declined to renew Dr. Chase contract without good reason and I am supporting her for another term.
If you would like to learn more about the candidates you can watch the PTA sponsored Meet the Candidate night which features all 7 candidates. You can also watch individual interviews with all the candidates conducted by the Hartsdale Neighbors Association. You can also read about them in the Falconer mailer which went out to residents from the District.