I am writing to express my support for school board candidate Michael Tretola.
Mike brings a point of view currently under-represented on our Board of Education.
As a parent of a child receiving special education services, he understands the unique needs of that student population. As a wealth management advisor, Mike also understands the financial implications and fiscal realities of improving the way special ed services are delivered to our students.
Through his advocacy for his daughter, Michael has gained an insight into the inner workings of our district and knows that for many years, the Port School District has struggled to meet the academic, social and emotional needs of our special education students.
The lack of appropriate programming routinely leads to out-of-district placements of many of our most vulnerable kids. Not only do these placements put a significant financial burden on taxpayers in tuition and transportation costs, but it also places a burden on the students who are bussed out of the district, with some children riding a bus up to an hour each way to arrive at an appropriate placement.
Mike understands that increasing the offering of appropriate services in the district would allow more of our out-of-district students to be returned home with a significant cost saving to the district and the taxpayer.
I’m a fiscally conservative community member and am encouraged to see Mike running for our Board of Education. I believe his involvement will ensure proper stewardship of our tax dollars, while at the same time improving programming for our most vulnerable special needs children.
Frank J. Russo Jr.
Port Washington
Mr. Russo Is President of the Port Washington Educational Assembly.