Q&A with Blind Brook School Board Candidate Ryan Goldstein

Rye Brook residents will vote on a 2013-2014 budget this May 21 and they will also have the opportunity to cast their vote, if they choose, for uncontested school board candidate Ryan Goldstein. 

Goldstein is running for a three-year term to fill Sheri Zarkower's seat. Zarkower has decided not to seek re-election this year. 

Rye Patch asked Goldstein the following questions about his run for school board and goals for the school district.

• Why are you running for BB school board?

I have lived in Rye Brook for more than six years during which time my wife and I have been proud to be a part of this community and have felt blessed that our children will be able to become educated in the Blind Brook school system. As it has become evident from the growing budgetary issues in previous years, without budgetary relief, many difficult decisions will be on the horizon in the future. I want to be part of that decision making process so I can help ensure that the Board deliberates in a manner that considers the importance of preserving our great school system and the community interest as a whole.   

• Why should district residents elect you to the school board?

Over the past three years, I have been a member of the Citizen’s Financial Advisory Committee during which time I have had an opportunity to become versed on how the school budget is formulated and managed from year to year. In addition, I have come to understand the importance of making board decisions with transparency, of maintaining the high integrity of our school system and of representing the sentiments and interests of the community.

• Do you have-- or have you had-- children who attend/attended BB schools?

Currently, I have two daughters in the elementary school and a third that will begin kindergarten in 2014.

• What experience-- either personal or professional-- do you have that makes you a strong candidate to serve on the Blind Brook Board of Education?

As well as my work as a member of the Citizen’s Financial Advisory Committee, I have run my own general litigation law practice in New York City for the past thirteen years. I have also been an instructor at Hunter College for the past twelve years teaching various courses including tort law, mock trial and LSAT preparation. Previously, I was also the President of a Pro Bono Committee with the New York City Bar Association. Collectively, my experiences have allowed me to refine my leadership skills as well as become proficient in prioritizing and managing various tasks and objectives.

• What do you consider the three top concerns in the district?

The three top concerns that the district faces are: 1) The security of our school buildings; 2) the Teachers’ Contract negotiations; and 3) Mandate Relief.

• What is your tentative plan to address these issues?

As for Security, I intend to contribute to the process the current board has already started- auditing the school buildings and implementing practical safety and security measures that are cost efficient and effective for our children and school district in the manner that considers the recent events.  I will also remain a strong advocate for additional mental health training and awareness in our schools and through this community.

As for the Teachers’ Contract negotiations, I intend to participate in good faith negotiations that lead to a new contract reflective of the tremendous importance that our excellent teachers have on our children’s education, as well as balance the need for changes that consider the harsh economic times that our district, as well as others, now face.

As for Mandate Relief, I will attempt to create a citizen’s committee, made up of community volunteers, that can work with the various other school districts throughout Westchester and Putnam counties, as well as with our elected representatives,  to continue to raise awareness and create pressure in Albany that Mandate Relief in the near future is vital to maintaining the excellence in our school system.    

• How do you think the mandated 2-percent tax cap will impact the future of education?

The tax cap will continue to limit our school district’s ability to spend on various programs and services which the School Board and the Superintendent would otherwise want to offer. And without any previously promised Mandate Relief, it will undoubtedly lead to some cuts in programs. With Mandate Relief and a new Teachers’ Contract which properly balances the needs of the teachers and our school district, the tax cap would merely act for its intended purposes which is to further regulate local school spending and protect from significantly increased property taxes.    

• What is your opinion of the proposed 2013-2014 budget and the impact of the cap on the tax levy?

I believe the Proposed 2013-2014 budget is an excellent example of cost effective spending and successful prioritizing for the educational needs of our school district despite how most of the district budget is expended by Mandates and Salaries.

• What organizations/groups do you belong to?

Along with my current membership with Citizen’s Financial Advisory Committee, professionally, I am also a member of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association.

Is there anything we haven't asked you about that you would like the public to know about you or your candidacy ?

As a Board member, I would make all decisions that consider the needs of the community as a whole, not the interests of a few. I will always try to balance the immediate educational needs with the likely effect that those decisions may have on the long term impact of our school district. When making decisions, I will utilize all available information, including the opinions and sentiments of the community, the administrators, as well as those of my future fellow Board members.