On Tuesday, May 19, citizens who live within the Fayetteville-Manlius school district will get a chance to vote on the $78.9 million 2015-16 budget, which includes a 1.89 percent tax levy increase, and a proposition authorizing the district to complete a $2,569,262 roof replacement project using $580,000 from the district’s capital reserve fund.
Voters will also get a chance to choose from six candidates to fill three seats on the F-M School Board of Education. Current President Marissa Mims, current Vice-President Lisa Lukasiewicz Izant and incumbent Rebecca Shiroff are running for reelection in their seats. John Cucinotta, Patty Palladino and Barbara Tresness are running as challengers in the race.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Fayetteville Elementary School, 704 South Manlius St., Fayetteville.
The staff at the Eagle Bulletin believes it is essential for citizens to stay involved and vote in their local elections. We provided all candidates for May 19 election with a questionnaire so citizens can get to know their candidates. Here are their responses in alphabetical order by last name:
Name: John J. Cucinotta, MD
Education: Graduate of Liverpool High School; Syracuse University, BS in Biology, Summa Cum Laude; SUNY Upstate Medical University, MD
Work Experience: Internship, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Syracuse; Radiology Residency, SUNY Upstate Medical Center; Practicing physician, Crouse Hospital, specialist in Radiology.
Political Experience: Liverpool Board of Education 1978-88, including seven years as Board President; Fayetteville-Manlius Board of Education, 1990-2014, including two years as Board President; 20 years on Facilities Committee with multiple years as Chair.
Organizations/groups involved with: Past member of Crouse Hospital Medical Staff Executive Committee; Crouse Hospital Medical Staff President and Past President; Crouse Health Foundation, including service as Vice Chair; Board of Directors, Crouse Hospital and Community Gen Hospital; Former youth soccer coach; Parishioner, Lector and Eucharistic Minister at Immaculate Conception Church, Fayetteville; Onondaga County Board of Ethics.
Why do you want to run for the F-M Board of Education?
Serving on the board of education is one of my most rewarding experiences. I strongly believe in the value of public education and I believe that every child needs the opportunity for success, both in academics and in extra-curricular activities. As a past board member, I have always focused my efforts on the needs of the children, rather than on data points and statistics. I have always made decisions that will enhance the quality of education in our schools, and I have worked to create a challenging, yet encouraging academic environment. Strong schools are an important component of a strong community and our school district’s successes have made the F-M neighborhoods a desirable place to live and raise a family. I am seeking a seat on the board of education to continue my work on behalf of our schools and our community, and offer my experience with facilities, standardized testing and budget/finance issues.
What are the top three issues that the F-M School District currently faces?
A key issue facing the school district concerns Wellwood Middle School. The original portion of the building was constructed in 1933. The building still uses an old steam heat system, and there are structural issues with the roof and windows. For 20 years I was a member of the Facilities Committee, and I will seek a seat on this committee again. I will work with the administration and architects to help design a renovation project that will provide a safe, up-to-date facility.
A second issue concerns Common Core and Standardized Testing. I believe in the need for high standards, but the current system is inefficient, and is burdensome on students, teachers and parents. There is excessive testing, and classroom programs must “teach to the test”. Teacher evaluations are too heavily dependent on testing results. I disagree with the current system, and we need fewer student assessments. Our Board should always strive for a learning environment that allows teachers to deliver individualized instruction to students, and not emphasize standard test materials. Teacher evaluations should center less on test results, and more on the principal’s observations, which can more accurately assess a teacher’s style, knowledge, skills, and personal interactions with students, parents, and other staff members.
The fiscal well being of the district is an ongoing issue for the Board. I will continue the fiscal responsibility we have shown in the past. Our budget must provide the resources to enact our programs, and must also be fair to the taxpayers. F-M continues to lose state aid through the GEA (Gap Elimination Act), which allows the state to withhold money that we are entitled to receive from the state aid formula. I will work with our state representative to repeal the GEA and restore about $1.5 million in lost state aid.
If elected, what would your goals as a board member be?
My first goal is to establish a strong working relationship with the new superintendent of schools. In our role of setting District Policy, a well-functioning board must work closely with the superintendent, and must understand his vision and objectives for the future of F-M.
My other immediate goal would be working on the top issues facing our district as outlined above. I will request a seat on the Facilities Committee to help design a renovation plan for Wellwood that addresses the current needs of the building, and also addresses enhancements to the infrastructure that will provide a state-of-the-art facility. The plan must be cost effective, and must cause the least amount of disruption to the students and the teachers in the building.
I will also address the issues of Common Core and Standardized Testing. The current system is cumbersome, and is disruptive to the school year. The teacher evaluation component is unworkable, and relies too heavily on student test results. We need to refocus our efforts on instruction, and not testing. I will work with the New York State School Boards Association and our state legislators to change the current system and replace it with a more streamlined model that produces more meaningful data. The best way to “change Albany” is to “work with Albany” to craft a better program for student testing and teacher evaluation. I have experience in working with government committees and officials to enact needed reforms.
Why should citizens vote for you?
I am the candidate who can best combine past experience with a vision for the future of this district. I have outlined my goals and plans in the preceding sections. I have a positive record of working with administration, teachers, parents, district employees and students to solve current problems, and develop plans for the future that ensure our traditions of excellence at F-M. These relationships enable me to rally broad community support for our schools. I am an effective listener, a good team player and I enjoy working through the committee process to hear all sides of an issue. I do not represent any special interest group and I will continue to be responsive to all constituents, regardless of whether or not they have children in school. The needs of all of our students will always be my top priority and I will provide our teachers with proper tools, facilities and resources to practice their profession. I ask for your support as I continue to work on behalf of our school district and community.
Name: Lisa Lukasiewicz Izant
Education: B.A. Brown University 1979, M.D. Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine 1983; Pediatric Residency at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia 1983-1987; Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Work Experience: Private Practice General Pediatrics, Havertown PA; Developmental Pediatrics at the Developmental Evaluation Center, Syracuse; Weight Watchers of Central New York.
Political Experience: Fayetteville-Manlius Board of Education (2009-present), Vice President (2011-present), member of Facilities, Policy and Audit committees and past Chairman of Facilities.
Organizations/groups involved with: Board of Directors: Syracuse Children’s Chorus (2005-2009); Greater Syracuse Metropolitan YMCA (2007-2009). Volunteer: Immaculate Conception Church (1990-2009). F-M school district: developed Foreign Language Program at Enders Road Elementary School.
Why do you want to run for the F-M Board of Education?
I am filled with gratitude to the F-M school district for the experience and education our four sons have received from highly dedicated teachers, administrators and staff. With sincere pride in the community, I wish to continue to serve the needs of our children and residents for another term.
What are the top three issues that the F-M School District currently faces?
Maintaining and continuing to improve: 1. The academic and extra-curricular programs in the climate of financial restrictions and a declining population. 2. The aging infrastructure and facilities, especially Wellwood Middle School. 3. Student achievement in the complex environment of New York State requirements and assessments.
If elected, what would your goals as a board member be?
We are entrusted with the responsibility of educating the next generation of our children and must function collaboratively to serve the needs of our district, students and educators. In this age of constantly advancing technology, we must also promote the importance of community involvement and civic responsibility to prepare our students for higher education and success in their future careers. We must be creative and innovative in leading the district, while being respectful of the burden on our taxpayers.
Why should citizens vote for you?
I have no personal agenda, nor do I represent any special interest groups. I believe strongly that the district thrives when the board openly listens to the needs of the community without bias, and makes decisions for what is best for each individual child and the entire student body. I have 6 years of experience on the board and am proud of some of our accomplishments, including: construction of the new transportation center, the initiation of programs for languages other than English at earlier grade levels, full day Kindergarten and the successful hiring of a new, talented superintendent. I have demonstrated the ability to listen, consider all options, work with administrators and formulate plans to have a positive impact on the future of this district.
Name: Marissa Joy Mims
Education: BA Syracuse University, Political Science
Work Experience: Fund Development Coordinator, Baltimore Woods Nature Center
Political Experience: Elected 2009, 2012 F-M Board of Education
Organizations/groups involved with: Leadership Greater Syracuse Class of 2009; Focus Greater Syracuse Board of Directors (Secretary); Manlius Lions Club; CNY Arts Board of Directors; New York State Association of School Boards Resolutions Committee; NYS Caucus of Black School Board Members Area 4 Director.
Why do you want to run for the F-M Board of Education?
I am running for reelection to the board of education to continue my role advocating for F-M and public education. I look back over my six years on the board which includes local and state level advocacy, near perfect attendance at board meetings, serving as policy committee chair, board vice-president and now president with pride. I have a reputation statewide as an advocate for public education. I am excited about new ways to instruct our students and provide them with opportunities that prepare them for college, vocational school or work.
What are the top three issues that the F-M School District currently faces? 1. Maintaining our programs and services in a district heavily dependent on property tax is a major concern. Millions of dollars in state aid is owed to F-M as a result of the Gap Elimination Adjustment. We need to keep pushing to recover it. We do not want to become a district dependent on grant funding or corporate funding, we do need to rebuild our education foundation to develop these sources to support activities. 2. As the oldest building in the district and a centerpiece of the community, Wellwood has many structural and maintenance challenges that we need to address within our overall long range facilities plan. 3. It is important that the board work with Dr. Tice to integrate him successfully into the district and community. As a new superintendent he will need time to assess the district to develop his leadership plan.
If elected, what would your goals as a board member be?
I will further the parent/educator/board joint district advocacy efforts with legislators on education reform issues. Decisions about testing and teacher assessments should be centered on locally made decisions by boards of education. I would like to continue the district’s efforts to be the first and best source of information about the district to include recording board meetings- this is done in several area districts-so that residents can view them when convenient. I am interested in the board and administration discussing ways to further encourage innovation and creativity by our teachers including more uses of technology for learning.
Why should citizens vote for you?
As board president I led the board through several significant changes including the implementation of full day kindergarten, expansion of foreign languages into seventh grade, completion of the new bus garage and the recent superintendent search. I led advocacy meetings with legislators, parents and educators. I ensure that everyone you contacts the board receives a prompt and thorough response. I seek out opinions and ideas from different groups within the district, state and nation to make the best informed decisions for F-M.
Name: Patty Palladino
Education/Work Experience: I believe I am the only person in the race that does not have a college degree. I don’t have letters before or after my name. What I do have is life experience — choosing to leave college and enter the workforce. (Or life chose this for me-depending on how you look at it!) I have always loved to work, creating my own first job at age eight, writing a neighborhood newspaper on a piece of loose leaf and selling it to my neighbors for a dime. I have remained in steady employment ever since-everything from selling donuts to managing operations in fast paced environments. I had my own business for 15 years — Free Your Time Cleaning Service, specializing in the cleaning needs of companies across CNY — until my children came along-giving me the best position I have ever held and the best letters to associate with my name: MOM. Currently, I am the Office Manager at Immediate Medical Care of CNY, PC in Manlius managing the daily operations of a medical facility. My responsibilities include human resources, staff development, complying with State and Federal regulations, safety, budgets and payroll.
All this is not to say I didn’t attend college at all, I did! I studied Broadcasting Communications at Onondaga Community College, which included an internship at Channel 5 News. Right now, I am back on the roster at O.C.C. as part of their online learning program studying medical billing and coding.
Political Experience: I lobbied in Albany –- meeting with State Legislators — in support of The School Health Bill, governing the care of students in our schools with medical needs. I am proud to say the School Heath Law was signed by our Governor this past October and takes effect July 1, 2015.
I was active in the ‘Putting Students First’ initiative and spoke before the Governor’s committee and members of the New York State School Boards Association at Mohawk Valley Community College.
I met with our Local and State Representatives gaining their support in raising diabetes awareness and research funding in our state.
I petitioned Albany for increased public school funding and against teacher performance being linked to ‘snapshot’ testing. My children opted out of state assessments.
Organizations/groups involved with: I am an ‘Advanced Safe at School Advocate’ for the American Diabetes Association and have assisted families across our state in achieving open communication with their school district and inclusion for their children across all school settings.
I was Co-chairperson for ‘Community Day’ hosted by Epic Bike Shop in the village of Fayetteville in an effort to bring the community together in celebration of the wonderful area where we live.
I rallied along with my children-requesting the village of Manlius recognize November as Diabetes Awareness Month. Now, the Swan Pond and the village turn blue in November and the Mayor proclaims Diabetes Awareness Month as recognized and supported by our community.
I was a contributing member of the Manlius Historical Society’s “Save our History” effort to raise funds to keep our Manlius Museum and Cheney House open for all to enjoy.
I am Co-founder of ‘What’s Your Type? Operation Awareness.’ A grass roots effort to assist families diagnosed with any type of diabetes and create public awareness of the complexities of this disease through presentations, health fairs, displays, and more- right here in Fayetteville Manlius and across NYS.
I am an active participant in the Memorial Day and July 4th Parades in Manlius, a Religious Education Instructor at St Ann’s Parish, Moderator of F-M Parent to Parent, an active member of our Home/School Association, a guest speaker for Eagle Hill Middle School health classes, a supporting parent of athletics, theater, and arts, and active in our local Boy Scout program.
Why do you want to run for the F-M Board of Education?
I feel called to serve in this volunteer capacity as a parent of two children in our district. To use my work and volunteer experiences to make informed decisions that will provide every child in our district a full and successful school journey while considering community members who may not have children in our buildings when making those decisions.
What are the top three issues that the F-M School District currently faces?
I believe our district is facing new challenges — government involvement in education, decreased enrollment, increases in free and reduced lunch participants, decreases in home ownership and increases in rental properties. These challenges create the top three issues I believe we are facing: 1. The impact of state testing on our children and faculty, the disparity in test scores between our school buildings and APPR. 2. The viability of our food service department and creating new ways to increase revenue and support this department without turning to outsourcing school meals. 3. Other options for revenue as our school budget currently relies on 70 percent taxpayer dollars.
If elected, what would your goals as a board member be?
I believe as a board we need to address the changing landscape of government involvement in education and openly support our faculty in these difficult times, I would like to address inclusion for all students and specifically how plans (IEP/504 plans) are processed and approved by the board of education for students with special needs, and I would support corporate sponsorship, which has been a topic at recent board meetings, as a way to increase enrichment opportunities for all students.
Why should citizens vote for you?
I live, work and volunteer in this community. I know the people who live here because I interact with them every day. I ask questions. I listen. I learn. I come to the table with a totally different perspective –- one of service — and bring my experience working successfully as part of a group in collaboration towards objectives, listening to many viewpoints while respectfully communicating mine and speaking for the needs of others, no matter how difficult that may be.
Name:Rebecca Shiroff
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Work Experience: Owner of Metro Mattress Corp and President of Shiroff Public Relations LLC
Political Experience: F-M Board of Education
Organizations/groups involved with: I have been a member of the Jim & Juli Boeheim Foundation Board of Directors since 2010, served as a board member for the Manlius Historical Society and am still heavily involved with their annual “A Taste of Manlius Summer Soiree.” I also chair and host the annual “Baseball Bash” benefitting the Challenger Baseball Field of Dreams. Challenger Baseball is the little league division for children with special needs. I have also been involved with the HSA at both Enders Road Elementary and Eagle Hill Middle School.
Why do you want to run for the F-M Board of Education?
There is still work to be done; from speaking out and taking action in support of our teachers, to assuring our children get the most enriching educational experience possible. I want to ensure we do not allow Albany to dictate what is best for our schools and our children. That control belongs on the local level based on the individual needs of the children in the F-M school district. It is also imperative we not forget about citizens who pay taxes, but do not have children in the district.
What are the top three issues that the F-M School District currently faces?
Funding, decreasing enrollment, concern from parents and teachers over standardized testing and educational reforms.
If elected, what would your goals as a board member be?
I was involved in the search and eventual hiring of a new superintendent. I will do my part to ensure a smooth transition. I will begin a conversation about our actions towards supporting our teachers. I proved my support by going public, as a sitting board of education member, about opting my child out of standardized testing this year; however, it takes more than just one board member to truly make a difference. I will push for corporate sponsorships in order to become less dependent on government funding. I will continue researching possible avenues for increased enrichment activities.
Why should citizens vote for you?
Because I ask questions and am not satisfied until I receive answers. I am not a rubber stamper. Anyone can say they support our teachers, but actions are what matter. I am a supporter of a parent’s right to advocate for their child whether they have special needs or require advanced enrichment. I put our children first, not tests and bureaucracy. I am committed to my community and have been for several years through extensive charitable work in CNY. Voters can learn more about my goals and mission as a school board member by visiting my website rebeccashiroff.com
Name: Barbara Huntress Tresness
Education: Bachelor of Arts, University of Vermont
Work Experience: Author of a guidebook for effective communication with nonverbal and limited communicators. President, CHAT Collective – whose mission is to inspire and empower society to engage effectively with non-verbal and limited communicators. CHAT collective, which stands for Connecting Humans through Awareness and Technique has developed innovative low cost tools and techniques to benefit those who have communication challenges brought on by birth, strokes, traumatic brain or other injuries. CHAT Collective strives to improve the ability and confidence of families, teacher, health care providers and others to interact with and improve the lives of non-verbal and limited communicators. Owner, Ultimate Yu, Therapist. Executive Director, American Diabetes Association.
Political Experience: If elected, this will be my first term in political office, however my experience spans 20 years. I am honored to have been a speaker at the International “Beyond the Dura” Conference in April 2013, Founder of CHAT Camp at SU in August 2013, Speaker at National “Accessibility Summit” Conference in 2015. Advocating on international, national, state and local levels has afforded me great experience in navigating multiple political situations in numerous organizations.
Organizations/groups involved with: Board of Directors of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University; New York State Regional Special Education Task Force; Leadership Greater Syracuse alum; Junior League of Syracuse sustainer; served on the Eldercare Foundation board; Jowonio inclusive preschool board, Early Intervention board; Boys and Girls Clubs board, Advocates board; Syracuse Junior Chamber of Commerce; Cavalry Club Women’s golf chair; Rosamond Gifford Zoo; Manlius Library.
Why do you want to run for the F-M Board of Education?
To effect change. I am the only candidate that has worked with administration at all six schools in our district. I have had children attend five out of six of these schools and I know what works and what does not. I have experienced first-hand the challenges families face and have interacted with hundreds of parents through the years, gaining great insight into our challenges as a district. The Fayetteville-Manlius School District’s mission is to provide excellence in education for all students — this has not been my experience. My three children have been treated differently and I want that to change.
What are the top three issues that the F-M School District currently faces?
Communication: It costs nothing to treat people with respect and kindness. I have witnessed a decline in communication between the board and families/community residents, and it bothers me.
Collaboration: While many parents and board members don’t feel equipped to deal with issues beyond their control, like standardized testing and teacher evaluations, I have dealt with similar situations from my personal experience and have navigated this successfully.
Commitment: I offer the unique perspective of a parent who has had to address these types of problems. None of the other candidates has the experience I do in this area.
If elected, what would your goals as a board member be?
To engage parents and empower them to participate. Sadly low attendance is the norm and we need to change that. We need to listen to the taxpayer’s needs. I am willing to ask tough questions and work toward a common goal. I am willing to say that F-M has problems and am committed to find solutions to those problems. With a new superintendent we are in a unique position to review who we are, what we do and improve upon that. I strongly believe that we can always better ourselves.
Why should citizens vote for you?
The F-M Board needs new voices, new ideas and candidates who are experienced in effecting change. I have dedicated my professional life to helping people and through two business here in our community, do that every day. The book I wrote illustrates the need for effective communication with ALL people. I do not believe that re-electing the same candidates year after year will bring the change this district needs. Please give me the chance to use my experiences to better our district and our community and vote for me on May 19.
