Al Hodys- Additional Information

By Al Hodys

I am dedicated to this effort and will work hard to preserve and enhance the rich academic program we enjoy, while being sensitive to the financial burden that taxes place upon the residents of the District. These difficult economic times present a particular challenge and I believe that my judgment and professional experience will be valuable as the Board tackles the budget in the coming years.

I approach Board service with a long term view. Next year's budget and the immediate issues of the day will be only a portion, albeit an important portion, of the work to be done. We must make every effort to anticipate what will be expected of our children by universities and employers of the future, and provide them with the resources and skills to meet those challenges. For our younger children, we need to provide a solid foundation of core skills while introducing critical thinking and project-based learning.

I find the damaged relationship between the teachers' union and the administration to be disturbing. Without placing blame on either side for the existing standoff, efforts will be necessary to mend that relationship once the dispute is resolved. I look forward to participating in that period of reconciliation. I have extensive experience in negotiations as well as collaborative dispute resolution.

I have attended all School Board meetings and planning sessions since November of 2008. I have watched the current Board in action. I expect that I can work effectively with the Board to continue to improve the education of our children. We may not agree on everything over the next three years, but I am confident that we can engage in a cooperative effort for the benefit of the District as a whole.

My perspective will be an asset to the Board:
If elected, I will engage subject matter experts and those with historical knowledge and will incorporate that information along with input from the school administration, parents, students, special interests and my colleagues on the Board, and I will apply my judgment. I respect opposing points of view, I do not take debate personally, and I avoid and diffuse drama. I come to the Board with no hidden agenda and no axe to grind.

Expertise in education and civil service experience are not prerequisites to effective Board service. I have spent my adult life working as an attorney and program manager and I believe that my global and external perspectives will serve as assets to the School Board.

Personal background:
My wife Debbie and I have been married for 10 years. Our children, Julia (6) and Cole (8), both attend Daniel Warren. We have lived in Rye Neck for 5 years. I grew up in Larchmont in the house where my mother still lives.

Education, licenses, and certifications:
St. John's University School of Law, J.D. Tufts University, B.A. (Cum Laude) Fieldston High School (Sophomore to Senior) Mamaroneck High School (Freshman) Licensed to practice law in New York Certified Project Management Professional U.S. Gov't Issued Top Secret Security Clearance

Professional experience:
For the past 9 years I have worked for an IT consulting company serving the U.S. Department of Defense. Prior to that, for 12 years I was a practicing attorney in Manhattan, specializing in civil litigation.