Twelve years ago today, I was elected to the Herricks school board. I had been an active resident for 12 years at that time and had served on various groups within the district.
Those groups include Denton Avenue PTA, Herricks District Council, the Herricks Community Center Advisory Board, both Girl and Boy Scouts, districtwide food service and bus committee, Language Immersion Committee, as well as the committee to bring Full Day Kindergarten to the District.
I was also a constant fixture at the Herricks school board meetings.
What prompted me to run for the board at that time is still what inspires me today: education excellence for every student districtwide. I knew I could make a meaningful contribution because I cared about our children and community.
I believed then, as I do now, that education needs to be as far-reaching as possible, as collaborative as possible and accountable to all. There should be no barriers, gates, or blocked access for any student.
Every student deserves the best we can offer; we owe that to them and their families. I am proud of our 99% high school graduation rate. I am proud of all of us who reside here sharing in the accolades on the excellence of our school district.
What I am most proud of is our community and its ability to be respectful and tolerant to all who live here. Our district is a binding force for every resident and together we celebrate as one!
Your vote in support of my candidacy will allow us to continue our great work with the community and our fellow board members to bring new programs, upgrades and awards to our district while respecting the taxpayer’s ability to continue to afford to live here.
All my decisions are based on balance for the betterment of all our students.
My experience and knowledge of our school district’s “personality” is particularly crucial as we try to find balance and direction during the challenging educational and financial issues we are now facing. I believe that now more than ever Herricks needs to be focused on Community, Collaboration and Continuity. We are Herricks strong!
On May 16 I ask you to cast your vote for me at the Herricks Community Center from 7 a.m.-9 p.m.
James Gournaris
Manhasset Hills
