Why I am running for School Board

By Linda Cabral Marrero, Esq.

Current Board Out of Touch with our community

One of the major catalysts for my involvement is that I am a third generation Ossining resident and a product of the Ossining School System attending Ossining schools prior to the institution of the Ossining plan. The Ossining plan is too costly and is failing our students. It provides no stability or continuity a necessary criteria for effective learning to take place. Many students, such as my son, have been shuffled through three different schools in their short four year school career. It is unprecedented and may be attributed to our very low 75% graduation rate while neighboring communities using a more traditional K-5 elementary school plan are in the 90th percentile. In fact, while I attended the Ossining schools under a redistricting plan (not a neighborhood school) with traditional K-5 elementary schools Ossining High School was ranked one of the top 10 in New York State we no longer hold that prestigious ranking. We need to return to those traditional values.

The most glaring example of this arrogance and alternative agenda was and still remains the removal of our Ossining Indian. A source of pride, tradition and an iconic symbol that promoted the history of this community in a very respectful manner. They effectively changed history removing every and all trace of our Indian depicted on trophies and awards won from prior generations and most notable the stone sign located at the entrance of our high school given as a gift from one of our graduating classes. Many including my family expressed outrage at this change. Many, including past, present and current Ossining High School students, are still expressing outrage almost seven years later. Yet, they refuse to acknowledge the inherent admiration this community feels toward it's Ossining Indian an admiration and devotion that has spanned generations. The powers that be refuse to reinstitute him but instead advocate for names which many believe belittle this community and its proud sports heritage. It is clearly a case of too many chiefs and not enough Ossining Indian. Those who believe they have the power to change history and wield that power are not working in the best interest of our children.

I was also compelled to run for office while serving on the Facilities Advisory Committee. A committee which is contemplating extensive additions to all the schools while manifesting a lack of concern for the legal resident taxpayer. We have the room for our entire student body, without extensive additions, if the schools are configured properly. They have already hired a construction manager for these massive additions before even hearing from the community. Architectural plans have already been drawn up and consultants have been working for years now towards that end. Although less expensive, viable alternatives have been suggested they are not even considered. They are literally scoffed at so much so that the committee should be named the PCA Predetermined Course of Action Committee which would also explain the lack of community input on this massive endeavor.

Regarding the current budget, some of the items which were slated to be paid for by the Excel grant which was voted through last December also appear in the current budget. The high school roof repair and the Park School masonry work are two glaring examples of this "double dipping". Items all supposedly paid for by the excel grant appeared as items in the 2009-2010 budget. Additionally, the recent residency issues should have been easily resolved as State Law is very clear on who can attend our schools. There should have been a collaborative effort between the school board and Village/Town administration in rectifying this issue. All levels of governance should unite to rectify our residency issues as their effects are far reaching. As public servants their first obligation is to public and to ensure compliance with state law. There was no excuse for the extensive delay.

Yes, there is much to do accomplish to bring our school system back to the position of greatness it once held. It cannot be done alone. I, if given the privilege to serve you, need you to continue to provide feedback on issues of importance to you and your families. One final very timely case in point. If you look at your current school calendar, you will notice Memorial is just a darkened square with only the words "Schools closed." There is nothing that denotes the day as our Memorial Day observance to honor all the great men and women who have fought and continue to fight for the freedoms we enjoy - children need to know the importance of this observance along with that of Veteran's Day also just marked with "Schools closed." I was outraged that Veteran's Day was not given any significance by the School and wrote a letter to the editor which appeared in a local newspaper, that letter was read by a US Veteran who then wrote a letter to the school administration demanding an explanation for this huge oversight he also noted that Memorial Day was not specified. His letter received a response from the administration that came with a guarantee that these so called "oversights" would never happen again! Together we can change our school system. Please exercise your right to vote on May 18 and this coming Memorial Day take a moment to remember our men and women who, because of their efforts and sacrifice, allow us the opportunity to freely select those who will represent us. Thank you.