Schools

N. Babylon BOE Candidate: Heather Rowland

Patch is asking your Board of Education candidates their goals for the district.

With the North Babylon Board of Education election and budget vote next week, Patch is taking a look at the candidates in this year's election.

Newcomer Heather Rowland will be facing incumbent Jay Shinnick for his Board of Education seat. On the other side, incumbent Bob Scheid will face off against Geri-Ann McNamee for the other remaining North Babylon seat.

We sent an e-mail to all of the candidates asking them the same questions to give residents an idea of who each candidate and what their goals are for the district.

Heather Rowland
Age: 40
Occupation: School psychologist
Children: Three (ages 3, 5 and 7)
Lived in North Babylon: 12 years

Patch: Why are you running?

My interest in being a school board member stems from my background in education paired with my specific interest in North Babylon Schools.  I believe the heart of any community is its school system and it is my desire to see that we have great schools so our children, community and property values thrive.  My three children also give me a personal stake, as I believe their education will mold and nurture all of their future success.

Patch: What is the biggest challenge facing the district?

The burden of the property tax cap, the reduction of state aid, the end of federal aid, and responsibility of our schools to pay for unfunded mandates are just a few of the issues that are negatively affecting our schools. 

Patch: What would be your top goals, if elected, to achieve within the district over the next few years?

My primary goal is to see that our school district equalizes and reduces class sizes and maintains programs and so that our children receive a first rate education.  I would advocate for the restructuring of how we fund schools in New York as North Babylon is one of the many school districts across the state where the local tax burden exacts a heavy toll on the residents.

Patch: What is one thing you want to do differently in the district?

Our class sizes are severely disproportionate across the district. While the current BOE was thoughtful to restore several teaching positions to help equalize class size, it does not come close to fixing the problem.  This decision does not provide a concrete plan nor a clear solution to ensure class size be equalized. If elected, I would make it a priority for the Board of Education to manage this imbalance by implementing a clear, concise, long-term course of action. 


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