I read in my subscription to the PW Times that five school board candidates are challenging three current trustees. Thanks is in order for these community members stepping forward to offer a new vision to the Port Washington schools.
The January 2024 Port Washington Times expose reporting that Port Elementary schools rank the lowest on the North Shore is alarming when you see our superintendent and educator salaries average more than some peer North Shore districts.
Newsday recently showed that student absentee rates are double those found in other LI districts. Port Washington has low elementary class sizes and we pay the superintendent around a $350,000 salary, which should mirror academic success.
New school board members are needed to demand accountability that shows reduced student absenteeism, increased academic proficiency and higher ranking on the next U.S. News & World Report rankings next year.
The new school board should mirror the best practices found in Great Neck, East Williston, Herricks and North Shore school districts.
This can be done without piercing the tax-cap and by limiting central administration expenses. Many tax-weary residents are concerned. One can search www.seethroughny.net for a comparison of school districts.
Joseph Campbell
Port Washington