The people at the School Board forum had positive things to say about the participants. “I was impressed with the caliber of their answers,” Brendan Coyne remarked when the event was over. “The candidates were very respectful of one another.”
Another member of the audience had a similar opinion. “They all did a decent job,” Dick Randazzo commented. “They obviously did their homework.”
A parent remarked that the responses opened her eyes to different opinions. And a teacher said she hopes the people who don’t get elected will still come to board meetings, because all of the candidates have a lot to offer.
But while the school board hopefuls answered questions without a break for two hours, their performance is not likely to help them at the polls (unless voters decide to watch the video). The audience was small on Thursday night, May 6. There were less than 30 people in the Willow Avenue auditorium.
The Willow Avenue PTO and the Cornwall Public Library organized the event. Library Director Mary Lou Carolan let the candidates introduce themselves, and then she began seven rounds of questioning. Each candidate got a chance to go first. No one saw the questions before they were asked.
The last question on goals provided the greatest variety of answers. Tirek Gayle led off by saying that the student body is becoming more diverse, and he’d like to see the district reflect that.
Jeff Hookey said he would try to produce more rounded community-based young people. He would reward students for community involvement.
Besides implementing new technology, Brian Billard would hope to see Cornwall listed among the top 100 schools in the state.
“Make information more accessible,” was Nancy Bryan’s answer. “Open avenues to the kids,” Peter Erwin responded “so they can find as many ways to express themselves as possible.”
By chance, the last two people to answer were the incumbents running for re-election. “Bring creativity back in every subject,” Diana McNally suggested. “Let the kids enjoy school again.”
Dave Moretto focused on the financial aspect of education. He would like to pursue Cornwall’s elected representatives to get the $7 million the state owes us in foundation aid.
NOTE: To watch a video of the forum, go to YouTube and enter “Cornwall Board of Education candidates forum intro.” You can also see the video by visiting: Ortiz4Boe.com
