Schools

B-BP BOE Chief: Why I'm Running for Re-Election

The following is a letter Bayport-Blue Point Board of Education President James March provided to Patch on why he's seeking re-election to the board.

To read a full profile of March, click here.

Voting on board members and the budget is taking place today at the high school until 9 p.m.

Friends of Public Education,  
 I am asking for your support this Tuesday May 21st, as I seek re-election for my sixth term as trustee for the Bayport-Blue Point Board of Education.  My position is the only seat being challenged in the upcoming election because I believe having been the President, and hence spokesperson for the School Board, makes me a natural target for the frustrated property taxpayers amongst us who do not fully understand the dynamics behind the oppressive increases we all are experiencing.  My opponent would have you believe that I am not sensitive to the plight of residents who are unable to afford these continuing increases by pointing out I was not in favor shifting additional funds to go further below our allowable levy cap (3.61%).  I would counter that with I truly believe that I am this community's best option for potential tax savings while preserving academic integrity at the same time.  Before I explain that, let me state what I am in favor of: 1) First and foremost I am an advocate for public education as I believe a free and adequate education is the cornerstone of democracy. Therefore, I place the children's needs first, so provisions must be made in a fiscally responsible manner.  I equate the importance of education in our society on a par with national security and healthcare. 2) I support staying within the confines of the tax levy cap, because I believe property taxes are regressive and do not take in to consideration a person's ability to afford them.  That said we need to find alternate sources of revenue to replace this unfair burden because one thing is for certain, a quality education does not come at discount prices (particularly if we want to attract our best and brightest to enter the field). 3) I am in favor of closely examining the infrastructure of the district and determining its essential needs.  Budgets over the previous ten years, dating back to our $35.5 million bond which addressed issues at all five buildings, have cut back on buildings and grounds expenditures (i.e. maintenance & staff) to the point where I am reminded of similar neglect in the early 1990's.  I would assess those critical needs, including consideration for at least one synthetic turf athletic field because I feel it is not a luxury but rather a safety issue w/potential cost savings and compile it in to a bond for the community's consideration. 4) I support setting the bar higher academically which includes promoting the Common Core Curriculum, but I do not support the assessment method of high stakes testing.  I believe it not only places undue stress on students and staff but also hampers creativity in the classroom.  I want to explore enrichment opportunities and an International Baccalaureate program provided it serves a majority of our students and not a select few.  I support maintaining a business program and occupational education opportunities that offer career options for those students not necessarily suited for higher education. 5) I promote a safe school environment, but do not believe that is achieved by arming guards or placing bars on windows and entrances, but rather by understanding what promotes violence through profiling and early intervention and having a trained staff capable of recognizing and dealing with it. 6) I support our co-teaching program but believe the current model needs to be reassessed to perhaps implement it more thoroughly at our elementary level rather than being confined to a single building. 7) I want to protect the extracurricular opportunities currently offered the student body, because I believe this district is the ideal enrollment size necessary to afford such opportunities to its students, thus continuously producing diverse and well rounded graduates. These are my top priorities amongst a wish list that you might ask how can we possibly afford to do so in such economically challenging times.  My answer will include the explanation that I earlier indicated would come.  I have been part of a Board and Administrative team that has had the vision to foresee the approaching fiscal cliff that public education is headed for.  Careful and conservative planning has put us on a path to sustain the quality of education this community expects, mindful that subsequent employee contracts w/benefits must stay within the parameters of a levy cap.  Our Business Official has a clear sense of what it takes to operate at this level, that is why I am reluctant to divert from his recommendation how to utilize our reserves until we can stabilize all costs moving forward. If we stay on this prudent track, I predict we will become a model school amongst what already are the best schools in our country, and in turn our property values will  enhance comparatively.  It is no secret that educators choose to settle their families here because they recognize the value that the residents place on its school system.  At the same time we attract quality personnel because of this demonstrated stability. Meanwhile, I am aware of cost saving measures in the way of mandate relief at both the State and Federal levels that would translate in to substantial taxpayer savings.  Those decisions can only be made by our Legislators who will need the political will to enact such legislation, and that can only come from public pressure that outweighs special interest groups.  That is where my experience of networking with these decision makers and the knowledge of which mandates to challenge them on, gives my constituents the better chance of seeing real savings.  I have seen progress on issues that we have previously been told would never change, so now is not a time to take a step backwards.      While my opponent has admirably embarked on an aggressive door to door campaign demonstrating a willingness to dedicate his time, I instead continue w/my Board responsibilities averaging 24+ hours a week advocating for the students of this district and all of Long Island.  Those of you who know me realize that I am approachable, so although I am asking for your trust in my judgment, I will gladly explain in depth my reasoning for decisions that I have made and the ones that I hope to be able to make in the future, with your continued support.  In return, you have my promise to continue offering my time at the best of my ability.  Please remember to vote 7am until 9pm @ the High School Gymnasium this Tuesday May 21st.   Thank you in advance for your consideration of my request and please forward it to potential voters if you are in agreement.  

In all sincerity,
Jim March  


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