This week, leading up to Farmingdale's school budget vote and school board election, Patch is running profiles of the candidates: All of the candidates were asked the same questions: Here is our third and final candidate:
- Candidate: Michael Goldberg; candidate challenger.
- Profession: Controller - National Healthcare Staffing Firm
- Other: Goldberg, 42, has three children who attend Farmingdale schools, one at each level.
Q1. Why are you running for the school board?
A. This is a critical time for the Farmingdale school district as we grapple with budget cuts, state testing and Common Core requirements, while having to implement new methods of evaluating our teachers. I feel that my business and accounting experience can offer District residents common sense solutions. My background can enhance the present Board by working together to develop a streamlined, efficient system that is fiscally responsible and results in creating educational enhancements in this time of change.
Q2. What are your primary qualifications that make you (or would make you) an asset to the board and the community at large?
A: My experience of over 20 years in accounting and business, including 2 successful turnarounds of $75 million dollar plus companies brings a knowledge-base that ensures fiscal oversight that will result in improvements to our schools’ daily operations. As a Parent of a child at each school level in the District, I can bring a voice to the Board of the challenges our school personnel and students confront, while utilizing my Profession to make sound decisions. As with every role I take on, I would work tirelessly to review the budget line by line to make sure our tax dollars are being utilized and maximized to benefit our children.
Q3. Although there are many, what do you see as the biggest issue confronting Farmingdale schools?
A: Right now the biggest issue is our quality of education. Our state test grades are down and our curriculum needs to be evaluated and updated. Most recently our NYS Regents graduation rate was 3rd from the bottom in Nassau County. We need to conduct an educational autopsy to identify why we fell so drastically, and find both immediate and long term resolutions to bring us back to one of the top school districts in the state.
Q4. Standardized testing and unfunded mandates are hot-button issues: How would you work to address these issues?
A.: I would utilize our legislative action committee to lobby the state and be an advocacy arm for change. I would want to see a decrease in the amount of time we hype and prepare for standardized testing and increase crucial classroom time to teach a more balanced education. By consistently and proactively planning for quality education we can move from a state of reaction towards Education in action.
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