It is thrilling for me to vote for Kim Keiserman for New York State Senate because I have seen firsthand her ability to listen to others, advocate with enduring commitment, and diligently work toward improving her community. One cause that is clearly near and dear to her heart is her dedication to strengthening our public schools. Kim’s informed, balanced and persistent advocacy in Port Washington has truly helped to strengthen our school district in order to support the needs of all of our children.
Over the years, Kim and I worked closely together through AGATE (Advocacy for Gifted and Talented Education), and she and I connected deeply around a number of issues in education, including the importance of improving opportunities for first-generation students. Kim’s leadership in AGATE pushed the organization to advocate for broadening enrichment opportunities for all students, as well as creating greater equity in our academic programs.
Concerned about the diversity in gifted education in Port Washington, she pushed to improve the screening process for our fourth through sixth grade gifted program to be more inclusive to ENL students, and raised questions around equity at every chance she could. She made sure to invite a speaker to address DEI in Gifted Education, which was a successful district-wide event. In addition, Kim made translation services a top priority and ensured that AGATE events shifted to become more open and accessible.
During my time volunteering with Kim, I have gown to have great respect and admiration for her not only as a fierce supporter of our public schools, but also as an unwavering leader who clearly sees the purpose of public education in meeting the needs of everyone, no matter what their unique needs are. Rather than pitting one group against another, as if we are all playing a zero-sum game, Kim understands the big picture and works toward better outcomes for all.
Her work in the Port Washington community has given her a front row view to not only the challenges within our schools but the great opportunities our public schools bring. Having closely followed the budget process for so many years, Kim is also well-versed in the very serious financial hurdles our schools face in order to educate our students. Above all, Kim appreciates that diversity brings strength to our public schools and with this core belief we will certainly be well-served with her in Albany.
Join me in voting on June 25 for Kim Keiserman, a fierce advocate for our public schools.
Nancy Ziselman
Port Washington