Hello neighbors. My name is Michael Lockett and I am running for trustee of Nyack Board of Education. I am a 10-year resident of Nyack and have one son. My wife and I picked this area to build our family because of its diversity, openness and quality schools. You have not let us down.
As the son of an educator, I am firm believer in the benefits of public school education. While public school is taking a hit at the national level, I feel we have an obligation to ensure every child is given an opportunity to learn and succeed.
My candidacy is about five key goals: I want to make sure each student regardless of race, economics or disability has an inclusive nurturing environment that fosters their success both academically and in life. I want a district that upholds high educational standards for students and gives all students the means to achieve them. I want to make the relationship between the district and the community stronger and more vibrant. I want a more transparent system that allows both parents and non-parent tax payers a means to gain information about the schools and budget. Finally, I want to increase and/or strengthen programs and services designed to help families and students in need.
To ensure that the diversity of our neighborhood is nurtured and fostered to allow success academically and socially. I support the districts efforts in educating staff with the “Undoing Racism” workshop. Unfortunately, these workshops alone will not do the trick. The next step is to give our teachers, administration and students the tools to create a more inclusive environment.
School Election Day: May 16
The Nyack Schools Budget and Board of Education Trustee Election is Tues May 16, 2017. Polls are open from 7a-9p.
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.
We need to truly look at the issues surrounding the achievement gap for minority children. When a child’s aspirations are taken away or diminished at an early age, we are not only putting them on a path to underachieve in school, but also a handing them tougher road in life. We can do better. I would push to create more programs like the SOAR mentoring program, which partners middle school kids with community members.
As I canvassed the neighborhood to hear what you need and want for our schools, I was surprised to find out that many of you don’t know who your school board trustees are, nor what they do. As a school board trustee, I will continue to actively listen to parents, teacher and the community to ensure we are collaborating for a better community and school system. My top concern is our children. I will ensure they are all taught what they need to succeed academically and in life.
It has been an honor to meet so many of you and hear your thoughts, concerns and ideas. I have taken up this campaign because I care about our kids and our community. The future of our community depends upon our children. Let’s work together to give them the best education possible.
For more information about me and my candidacy, please visit me on Facebook at Micahel Lockett for Nyack School Board or on my website at MichaelLockettForNyackSB.com. The School Board and Budget vote is this coming Tuesday, May 16, 2017.
See also:
- Tuesday, May 16, 2017 Budget Vote And Board Trustee Election, NyackSchools.org
- Nyack Schools Board of Education Candidate Statements
- Beth Davidson, 5/7/2017
- Leeann Irvin, 5/9/2017
- Michael Lockett, 5/14/2017
- Jennifer Marraccino, 5/14/2017
- James Marshall, 5/13/2017