Readers Write: Navarra’s leadership needed on ed board

The Island Now

It was great to hear that Patricia Navarra is running for a position on the [Mineola] Board of Education. She will help to provide the type of leadership needed to lead the district through these difficult financial times while preserving our educational programs.

I first met Pat when we were members of the Committee for Community Consolidation, which resulted in the current school configuration. I was an older member of the committee who no longer had children in the school district. 

What impressed me as an outsider, a person who previously knew few members of the committee, was the passion and commitment of the team members to educational excellence but with a realistic understanding of the financial implications. 

Pat was a prime example of this philosophy and a standout member of the committee. As a team, we were able to analyze multiple scenarios finally proposing a compromise solution. We had been given a very difficult task based on the school locations and re-configuration costs. Throughout the process, the major emphasis was on providing consistency in educational programs for all of our students. Pat was instrumental in helping to drive this point home to the team. Her commitment to dedicating her life to education was obvious and contagious. 

All one needs to do is pick up a newspaper and read about the turmoil many other school districts are going through and the potential impact on their educational programs. This results from leaving the status quo until the tax rate increases become prohibitive. We would be in the same position without the reconfiguration.

For the above reasons, there is only one choice in this election and I strongly support Patricia Navarra for the school board. I ask you to join me. 

 

Rick Ueland

Mineola

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