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James Marshall, Candidate for Nyack Schools Board of Education

The Nyack Schools Budget and Board of Education Trustee Election is Tues May 16, 2017

Hello. My name is James Marshall and I am running for re-election to the Nyack Public Schools Board of Education.
Simply put, public education is a passion of mine. During my first term as a BOE Trustee I served as our Rockland County School Board Association representative for three years, ensuring our BOE was well informed on issues such as high stakes testing, APPR, restoration of Foundation Aid and numerous important legislative educational issues.

School Election Day: May 16

The Nyack Schools Budget and Board of Education Trustee Election is Tues May 16, 2017.
Five candidates are running for three board seats. For more information on polling locations and the 2017-18 school budget, visit NyackSchools.org.
Confused about where to vote? There’s a place you can go that will tell you where to go. Visit es.FindMyPollPlace.com/nyackufsd.

I am seeking a third term to take what I have learned over the past six years and continue to advocate for all students.  I am the father of two children who are alumni of Nyack Public Schools. My wife, Lynnette Marshall is also a Nyack Public Schools alumni and early childhood educator. The Nyack Public School system has tremendously enriched my children’s lives is so many ways:  My daughter graduated from Nyack High School in 2011 with high honors and attended Niagara University, graduating in 2015.  My son Nick Marshall graduated from Nyack High School in 2015 and served as our BOE Student Body Representative, Senior Class Student Body President, and also graduated with high honors. He currently is a sophomore at the Univ. of Central FL. in Orlando.  In my mind, neither of my children would have been where they are today without the benefit of the rich and diverse education received at Nyack Public Schools and our diverse community.
The BOE needs trustees that can effectively demonstrate informed decision making and have the courage of conviction to make decisions  in the best interest of ALL students whether they live in Central Nyack, Upper Nyack, Valley Cottage, the village–or, as Beth Davidson notes, “regardless of zip code.”
Here are a few of the other policies I support and things I’ve helped accomplish in my time on the Board.

  • I worked with community leaders in support of Dr. Montesano’s effort to de-track NMS by revamping the ‘Honor’s curriculum into the technology infused child-centered 21st century learning model.   I supported this effort 100%.
  • Over the course of a year I encouraged our BOE and Superintendent to our HS Guidance Dept. Ultimately your entire BOE voted for a restructure of our High School Guidance Department resulting in a new Guidance Director and revamping of the entire guidance dept.
  • I strongly and vocally supported of $21.3 million bond initiative resulting in improved facilities and new athletic fields at our High School.
  • I participated in and supported providing training district-wide for staff and BOE to acknowledge and understand institutionalized racisms’ impact in educational settings via the Undoing Racism Training by the People’s Institute. This training has been embraced by our Superintendent.
  • I sourced a model at a NYSSBA workshop which resulted in the district funding of college tours for HS and MS students to address the college aspiration gap for children who may never consider college.

I have learned that public service is one of the best ways to give back to society. Board service has afforded me an opportunity to give back as I never thought. And conversely, it has given me an appreciation for the hard work our district staff, teachers, PTA do each and every day to serve our students.
We all know our young people are being confronted with new challenges–cyber-bullying, suicide ideation, pressure of class rank, under-age drinking, opiate addiction, etc.  If re-elected, I will continue to work with our BOE to keep us focused on our district mission to equip ALL students academically and socially with competencies consistent with 21st century education: critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, communication, cultural/global awareness, compassion/empathy and content mastery. I will particularly focus on social justice programs that address the many social pressures confronting our youth to make our district even better.
The Budget and Trustee vote is May 16, 2017.
See also:

 


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