What do you bring to the School Board?

By Joseph A. "Joe" Ferraro

Why should I vote for you?

If you elect me to serve as a member of the Putnam Valley Central School District Board of Education, you can be assured that I will serve as an advocate for our kids and our community.

I bring to the table a track record of making a positive difference in the world through implementing innovative thinking and techniques. I enjoy the challenge of shaping the future of change. I have my own ideas, but I work well in a collaborative atmosphere that is goal-oriented. I approach problems as opportunities. I look at each opportunity from all angles and aim to secure appropriate input when planning and making decisions and taking action.

As a parent with two children attending Putnam Valley Elementary School, I see first-hand the curriculum in action.

As a homeowner, I see the impact increasing property taxes on our community.

As a business owner, I understand that the reputation of our town and school district directly impact the ability to attract new business and their ability to generate revenue, which in turn feeds back into the community.

As a school board member, I will balance providing a world-class education that prepares our children for a new world of opportunity with fiscally responsible funding choices. I will look for opportunities to share resources when possible and do more with less. Along with the rest of the board and the school administration, I will be dedicated to expanding programs that work for students and the community and will either rework or eliminate programs that are not producing positive results.

And as a person, I see many sides of all the issues that impact our community, our school district and our children. Some decisions and their resulting actions have hard-hitting and far-reaching implications and invite vigorous debate and discussion. But by focusing on the next generation first and foremost, a fair and appropriate balance between wants and needs can be met.

I look forward to the opportunity to serve on the school board, to serve our children and our community to create a culture of educational excellence and fiscal responsibility.