Your 2012 School Board Candidates: Jim Hricay

Though the 2012 White Plains School Board election is uncontested we know you still want to get to know the candidates who will be on the ballot May 15, when residents will also vote on the 2012-13 school budget.

The polls will be open from noon until 9 p.m. at six locations. There are three seats up for election. Incumbents Peter Bassano and James Hricay are running along with PTA Council Co-president Rose Lovitch. Donna McLaughling will not seek re-election.

Your 2012 School Board Candidate: Jim Hricay

Age: 41

How long have you lived in White Plains? 13 years

What neighborhood do you live in? Highlands

What do you do for a living? I am the Assistant Director of the Office of Policy and Management for the City of Stamford.  I have worked for Stamford for almost 10 years.   We are responsible for developing and managing the cities operating and capital budgets.

Education: BS George Mason University, Public Administration; MPA NYU Wagner School of Public Service, Policy Analysis; MBA Iona College, Financial Management

Family: My wife Lynda and I have three daughters that attend the White Plains schools.  The two youngest attend George Washington and are in kindergarten and third grade in the Dual Language program.  The oldest is in the sixth grade at Highlands Middle School.

Have you ever run for school board before? I am completing my first three-year term.

Why are you seeking a seat on the board or running again?

As a homeowner and parent of three kids in the White Plains Schools, it is important to me that our schools deliver a quality education to all children.  

What do you think you bring to the board? 

With three kids currently attending the White Plains schools, I bring another perspective to the Board, especially as a parent of elementary aged children.  My time working in public finance also allows me to bring my professional acumen to the Board.

What are the top issues facing the school district?

Like any large organization there are always issues.  Overall however I believe that our greatest challenge is to continue to deliver and push for greater student achievement while operating in a constrained economic environment. 

How would you address these issues?

We have to be diligent in how we educate our children and allocate district resources.  It’s vital that we use technology as a tool in assessing and evaluating the effectiveness of our programs and the impact they have on education children.

How do you feel about the current tax cap and how it affects the school district?

About 50% of a resident’s tax bill goes to the school district so we have to be cognizant of the impact we have on people’s lives.   I understand what the Tax Cap is trying to do, but I also believe that it is flawed applying a one -ize fits all approach. 

The state funds all districts at varying levels because at that level they understand we’re different.  They forgot that when it came to the Tax Cap. We as a district however have an obligation to taxpayers that we are responsible in allocating resources. 

How do you feel about unfunded mandates like employee pension contributions and its affects on the schools?

Unfunded mandates are de-facto tax increases.  I’d be interested to see how much of our budget is dedicated to these mandates.

You're running unopposed. Why do you suppose more people don't get involved, and what would you say to voters, parents, community members to encourage engagement around school issues?

I believe that it’s important that people get involved in their community.  For some people it’s coaching a sport team or volunteering with the scouts or church.  I’m fortunate enough to be on the school board.

No matter where people volunteer however it does take time.  I encourage all parents to get involved in their children’s education in one way or another. 

What are you planning to focus on as a school member starting July 1?

We have a number of new initiatives in the district.  It vital that we plan, execute and evaluate these new programs while striving for greater student achievement and making the schools a great place for children to learn.

What is your favorite thing about this school district? 

I am constantly amazed at the diverse course and extracurricular offerings and outstanding achievement of our students. 

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