Journal News Questionaire

By Paul Doyle

Paul Doyle's responses to questions from the Journal News

Simply put, I'm running for a position as trustee because with 4 children in the district (one in each level - k-1, elementary, middle school, high school) I feel an obligation to help. With four passengers on the boat it's time for me to start rowing.

With a degree in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University I have public sector and management training but my professional experience may be even more important. As a small business owner I live everyday dealing with the responsible allocation of resources while steering an organization to long term goals. Through my entire career I have dealt with the consideration of the goals and well being of others even in the instances when they may be contrary to my own.

2. What do you see as the top three challenges facing your school district?

I feel there's one challenge that over shadows all others - communication. There's a division in our community and no one on either side of the divide is happy with the results. The supporters of the board feel the opposition is stifling efforts to deliver the best for ours schools, our kids and those in opposition feel that the board is as focused on marginalizing their input as on overseeing the district. Such a polarization can put good ideas from all parties in jeopardy.

We can only deal effectively with issues such as space, unfunded mandates and controlling costs as we continue to improve our great district if we are focused on what we disagree on rather than with whom we disagree.

3 With respect to school finances, are there any specific initiatives you would pursue to save money or reduce costs?

I would like to see our district - and others in Westchester - be more vigilant in our efforts to protect our communities interests in Albany. We are certainly very fortunate here in Eastchester and Westchester at large. Clearly we need not be near the head of the line when it comes to aid but we must make sure that Albany delivers what is right.

4. What changes would you make on the academic front?

In the immediate short term I think that State changes in the math curriculum will probably fill the district's curriculum docket. Such a dramatic change to a core curriculum element will certainly dominate conversations on curriculum for a time. Beyond that, there should and, I'm sure, will be efforts to exploit our district's role as a leader in technologies such as smart boards and video conferencing to the fullest and this will surely lead to myriad opportunities for the current curriculum to evolve.

I imagine as well that the value of asian language study will be a popular point of discussion and a valid one to explore.