Syosset School Board Candidate: William Weiner

Four candidates are seeking election to the Syosset Board of Education, competing for three empty seats. 

The following was submitted by candidate William "Bill" Weiner:

Work:
I am a Senior Technology Manager at Standard and Poor’s. I manage multiple project teams ofengineers, developers and business systems analysts, building financial reporting and financial analytical systems.

How have you been involved in the Syosset School District?
I joined the Birchwood Civic Association (BCA) representing about 1,300 homes in East Birchwood in 2006. In the BCA, I was chairman of the Syosset Education Committee. As chairman, I attended Syosset Board meetings and reported on those meetings back to the BCA. The BCA also provides scholarships to worthy Syosset High School seniors and gives generously to the neighboring Robbins Lane PTA. I am now completing my second term as President of the BCA and have continued attending Syosset School Board meetings.

I have repeatedly volunteered for PTA Rec nights and carnival events. I also coach boy’s flag football.

Do you have children in the district?
Yes, 2 children: one in 6th grade and one in 3rd grade.

What are the strengths of the current Board of Education?
The board has undergone changes during the past year. Prior to the current school year, the board operated with a complete lack of transparency. It was often difficult to understand what the board was voting on, as there was often no discussion and it appeared everything passed unanimously without dissent or question. During the current year, we have seen more detail in the printed agendas and more discussion among board members as well. However, there is still not the level of transparency the community expects, and the forum is still not inviting for the public to participate.

What are the things you'd like to improve if elected?
The level of transparency still needs to be improved. The board needs more detailed information,and time to analyze it, so that they can make better informed decisions on contracts, policies and finances. The public needs to feel that their voice is welcomed. A very simple change would be to allow those who’ve had their question answered the opportunity to address the answer provided to them, if they feel it wasn’t addressed to their satisfaction. Currently, the public does not have this opportunity at the meetings.

Are there any areas of expertise you believe you bring to the table as a candidate?
As a Senior Technology Manager I bring many years of management and leadership expertise tothe table. Additionally, having built financial reporting and financial analytical systems, I believe I can leverage this knowledge to better understand our district’s finances. Finally, my experience with vendors, drafting contracts, and statement of work for multi-million dollar projects, provides me withthe unique understanding of the complexities of contract negotiation and oversight.

Final thoughts:
My experience in the finance industry has shown me the importance of transparency. In the absence of transparency, there is lack of trust and mistrust. Our school district has so much to be proud of. When more detailed information is shared between the Administration, the School Board and the community, we will all benefit. I am also proud to be running alongside Tracy Frankel and Rob Gershon. We are a team of individuals who respect each other’s individuality. Just as the School Board is a team of individuals. We need to work together effectively and respect each other’s differences and never lose sight that we are doing this for the children of Syosset.