Schools
Meet Linda Eisen, BOE 2013 Candidate
As the Lindenhurst school budget vote and Board of Education election nears, Patch talks with candidates about the issues. Here's what Eisen has to say.
On May 21 Lindenhurst residents will not only cast their votes for or against the $145.7 million 2013-14 school budget - which includes a 1.99 percent tax levy, the use $1.1 million in reserves and the removal of 66-plus aides - the Board of Education approved on April 25, but they'll also be casting their votes in the BOE Trustee Election that day.
There are eight candidates this year - three of whom are incumbents with one incumbent running unopposed, two newcomers running against the remaining two incumbents and three running for a seat being vacated by an incumbent.
They met the public at the Meet the Candidates portion of the recent Lindenhurst Council of PTAs meeting and 2013-14 budget presentation by Superintendent Richard Nathan.
However, in an effort to keep voters informed, Lindenhurst Patch is presenting profiles of each candidate - in no particular order, using the same topics - in the days leading up to BOE Election and Budget Vote next Tuesday, May 21.
This BOE Candidate Profile focuses on Linda Eisen, a newcomer who’s running for the seat being vacated by Trustee Ray Doran.
Here’s what Eisen had to say:
Qualifications/Experience: “I’ve been a resident of Lindenhurst for 28 years. Both of my children are graduates of Lindenhurst High School. My granddaughter is a future Lindenhurst student. When my children were in school I was a member of the PTA, and as a full-time working parent, I participated as I was able. I maintained an interest in the District although my children are no longer students by reviewing board meeting information online. My qualifications are clear. I’ve been in the field of education for 38 years with six years in administration. I hold a Master's Degree in Education, as well as a certificate in school administration. I believe that my lifelong experience as an educator and current position as an administrator will provide me with the ability to work in harmony with the Board to address the many challenging decisions and tasks that lie ahead.”
Reason for Running: “I’m running for the School Board because I believe change is needed. With my extensive knowledge in the field of education, I believe I can make a difference for the children, families and teachers in the District."
What Sets You Apart: “I’m a team player and an articulate communicator. I’m an educator/administrator who’s family-focused.”
Most Important Issue Facing the District/How to Tackle It: “Building a strong cohesive school community with community residents, school administrators and teachers all working together to improve current programs and increase learning opportunities for our children. This is accomplished by listening and acknowledging the concerns and suggestions of all, and working together to develop sound fiscally responsible solutions."
What You Want to Accomplish/Continue as a Trustee/How to Fund It: “I’d like to continue the plan to return students who are currently in programs outside of the District back to Lindenhurst. The savings to the District with their return would fund the necessary structural changes to the buildings and salaries for the needed personnel. I’d like to enhance the current security system the District is proposing with funding from grants.”
Accomplishment in Life Most Proud of and Why: “My proudest accomplishments are my children! They’ve both grown into mature adults with strong family values and kind hearts.”
Accomplishment in the Community Most Proud of and Why: “My children continue to reside here.”
How You’ve Given Back to the Community: “Reaching out to the families affected by Hurricane Sandy by donating needed food and clothing.”
How Will You Continue to Balance Preserving Program, Jobs and Reserves with the Reality of the Tax Cap and with How the Tax Rolls May Be Affected by Hurricane Sandy? How Would You Be Able to Provide Some Tax Relief Next Year?
“I’d like to see the District preserve current programs, jobs and reserves with grant monies. I cannot respond to this question further until I am a Board member and have access to sufficient information.”
What's Your Take on the 2013-14 Budget, the Use of Reserves, the Tax Levy and the Upcoming Budget Vote? If You Were on the Board, What, If Anything, Would You’ve Done Differently Prior to Adoption and Why?
“I believe that the Board made the very best decisions under extraordinary trying circumstances.”
What's Your Take on the Continuing Contract Negotiations, Particularly with TAL? What Do You Think Needs to Be Done at This Point? Why?
“I’m not privy to that information at this time.”
What’s Your Take on the New State Exams? For or Against? Why?
“The current State exams are challenging for both the students and the teachers. The students are faced with undue pressure believing their success is directly related to the continued employment of their teachers. Teachers are unable to use their creative ability to the full extent. With the current mandates in place and insufficient funds to support them, it’s crucial for the Board, administrators, teachers and the community to work together to get the legislators to listen and make changes.”
What’s Your Take on Unfunded Mandates? What’s the Top Mandate You’d Like to Change? How So and Why? How Would You Work with the Rest of the Board to Get Legislators to Listen and Enact That/Those Change(s)?
“Unfunded mandates are an unfair reality. At this time there are too many mandates to pull one in particular. I’d share my contacts in the New York State Legislature with the Board.”
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