Jonai Singh has record of helping Herricks schools

The Island Now

I am writing to ask you to vote for Jonai Sigh for Herricks School Board.  

I met Jonai for the first time right before our two 14 year olds began kindergarten many years ago. I didn’t know her very well, but it was hard to miss her dedication to Herricks schools.  I noticed that she was always fair with all the kids and didn’t push her kids forward.  

A few times, we both happened to be serving on the site-based teams for Herricks schools – the advisory committees between parents and teachers and administration, I was amazed at her energy and her good ideas!  

In Searingtown, Nancy Lindenauer was looking for a reading project that would also help kids contribute to other kids – Jonai was there with useful research.  

Then at the middle school we were looking for a project where the kids could interface with the community.  We were considering different possibilities; perhaps the kids could meet with senior citizens in the area?  

Jonai went out and found people nobody else knew – and she found projects kids could do, and chances for the two groups to get to know each other.  And then she continued to volunteer with the seniors.

Now Jonai and I are co-presidents of Herricks Council of PTAs.

I knew she could get things done, but I had no idea how many people she knew and how she took the part of others in so many issues – from parents with kids in elementary bands, to concerns with illegal occupancy.  And then there was the traffic at the back entrance to Herricks High School.  

Most of the winter when school opens, traffic is backed up on I.U. Willets for half a mile. This has been a problem for many years and the PTA council traffic committee has been working on it.

Jonai was the one who was able to get the politicians to notice, and to come over to the high school to see it.  Some positive strides have been made with regard to this issue, since January. And she will be able to get them to help us with whatever we need, including recruiting funds to accomplish the project.  We need her contacts both within the community and with those who make the laws and rules that affect us.   

But another part of being PTA council co-president with Jonai – I had no idea how kind and easy to work with she is.  She is always willing to work out our schedules together, and she comes at the job expecting to do the lion’s share.  She is genuinely interested in what I am doing, and happy to follow my lead as well.

I feel that Herricks needs Jonai, for her intelligence, for her contacts and ability to work with everyone, and for her sincere interest in our kids and our community.  

I hope that you will vote for her on May 17.   

Judy Olson

Albertson

 

Share this Article