Syosset School Board Candidate: Tracy Frankel

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

The following was submitted by candidate Tracy Frankel:

Work:
I am a partner with the law firm of Farber Brocks & Zane, LLP in Garden City. I concentrate inthe area of appellate practice. As part of my practice, I offer advice to colleagues on strategy and writing. I also handle the defense of professional and general liability claims, insurance coverage disputes, premises liability, construction claims, property damage, defamation and labor law. Throughout my career I have evaluated and/or created policy; evaluated contracts and participated in budget determinations.

How have you been involved in the Syosset School District?
Prior to running for the Board of Education, my school district activities included membershipin the PTA; supporting the PTA and PTA council by attending as many PTA events as possible, such as rec nights, galas, carnival, Halloween nights, welcome back events, Night at the Carlyle, and more, as well as donating to the PTA. I have supported families in need by participatingin Staples school supplies effort. I have worked at the Robbins Lane Carnival as well as stepped in as a soccer coach for the Syosset Soccer League when our team coach was unavailable fora game. With respect to the District as a whole, I am also on the Executive Board of our localchapter of Hadassah which is based in Woodbury, New York, and am a member of the Midway Jewish Center.

Do you have children in the district?
I have two children in the district who are currently in Kindergarten and Third grade. My children will be matriculating through this district for the next twelve years. The concerns of parents of children in our schools and the policies impacting the community’s school-children are shared by me and will be directly impacting my family throughout the entire three year term, should I be elected to the Syosset School Board.

What are the strengths of the current Board of Education?
The Board of Education has recently begun to take some initiative in creating new ways to provide information to the public (via a Facebook Page in the event of emergency) and has initiated a new means of earning money for the District by entering into an agreement with themedia to broadcast Syosset sports. There has also been some progress in the Board’s willingness to ask questions and to obtain clarifications from the Administration.

What are the things you'd like to improve if elected?
As a prospective Trustee, I would like to improve the transparency and respect amongst the Board, the Administration and the Public. The administration must be more forthcoming to the Board in terms of providing them with timely and sufficient information to evaluate an issuein advance of the vote. I would like to see a Board who is open to differing perspectives and who acknowledge that we can learn from each other and our educated community. I would like our community to have the time to ask their questions or to provide their input, during Board meetings, and I would like a Board who provides immediate responses to each question, where possible, so that necessary follow-up or clarification can occur. Additionally, I would like to seea more unified policy in terms of who can attend our children’s school events, as currently some schools only allow one parent while others permit both parents and grandparents. I would also promote improvements that will make working parents feel more welcome and part of their children’s school life, starting with ensuring that milestones, such as performances, are scheduled in the evenings so that working parents do not have to miss out.

Are there any areas of expertise you believe you bring to the table as a candidate?
My career as an attorney and advocate has provided me with invaluable experience that wouldbe unique to the current sitting Board. I am often called to either challenge precedent or find ways to create solutions that meet precedent. These skills correlate directly with my goal on the Board to bring about change by asking questions and not backing down when circumstances compel me to do so. I analyze and create policy; I evaluate contracts and participate in Budget determinations. Listening, respecting adversaries and colleagues alike; and having clear verbaland written communication skills are a must for what I do and a must for our Board to operate successfully. Additionally, the experience of having been born to two teachers and raised by an unbelievably giving, smart and selfless teacher has not only helped form who I am as a person,but has made me more informed about the pressures and challenges facing our teachers and children given state mandates. As a homeowner who works very hard to make sure that I canraise my family in this District, as well as a Partner in a business, I am quite cognizant of rising taxes and the necessity to keep spending in check. My experience as an educator to young attorneys in practice, gives me an appreciation for developing individuality and confidence in those who are our future. Lastly, my lifelong dedication to education, athletics and music should provide comfort to those families who are concerned that any one of these areas may be undervalued by Board members.

Final thoughts:
I would like the public to rest assured that I, Robert Gershon and William Weiner are dedicated to keeping our programs, special services and superb staff intact while promoting fiscal responsibility. We are deeply vested in this goal, as well as the need for transparency, because our families as well as yours will be affected by the decisions the Board of Education and the Administration make for years to come. During our three year term we will have children in elementary school, both middle schools and high school. I would love the opportunity to take my experiences, and my perspectives and direct them toward the future of our children and our community. I am so very proud of being able to live in Syosset, of being a member of such an admirable school district, and I truly look forward to advocating on your behalf.