It is my privilege to write in support of Beth Kierez for the Floral Park-Bellerose Board of Education. When I joined the staff of Benjamin N. Cardozo High School 15 years ago, I shared an office with Beth, she as the peer mediator and myself as the speech-language pathologist.
From day one it was clear that Beth is a team player. Provided with little space and no budget for modifications, Beth, as a more senior staff member, led the way and worked hard to help develop a schedule and a plan to ensure the needs of all students were met and all without conflict.
Fifteen years later, Beth is not only my colleague but my neighbor and my friend. I have watched her grow both as an educator and as a mother.
Beginning as a well-liked and respected English teacher, Beth continued to become involved in every aspect of the school community, going above and beyond as she always does. From leading the Conflict Resolution program to chaperoning students on international trips to becoming the Coordinator of Student Activities, Beth has devoted so much of her talent and time to enhancing student’s lives.
As is often the case in education funding is not unlimited. Seeing that the school’s budget lacked necessary funding in certain areas, Beth took it upon herself to create and host the entertaining and very successful “Cardozo Annual Spring Auction” in order to raise funds for specific projects each year.
She has also successfully written grants to have Cardozo’s library renovated and secured private funding for a student computer lab. As an administrator, Beth knows that the budget only goes so far.
Given her experience, she is a most qualified candidate to help determine how our tax dollars should be spent to both meet the needs and enhance the academic experience of our children.
Beth and her husband Bernard are the proud parents of four amazing boys. When Beth had concerns about her son’s academic progress, she was relentless in her pursuit of knowledge from literature, teachers, and specialists in the field to address any and all of his needs.
She has successfully advocated for her own children and she wants to do the same for ours. She truly believes that it takes a village.
The product of a military family, a life of service has been instilled in Beth from a very young age.
From Liz’s Day to St. Baldrick’s Ladies Night to Our Lady of Victory Track to the Rosary Altar Society, Beth Kierez has always served others and now looks to serve as a voice for our children and their futures. Please join me in voting for Beth Kierez on Tuesday, May 18.
Erin Palma
Floral Park
