Letter to the Editor: 'Great to Hear' Navarra Running for Mineola School Board

It was great to hear that Patricia Navarra is running for a position on the Board of Education. She willhelp to provide the type of leadership needed to lead the District through these difficult financial timeswhile preserving our educational programs.

I first met Pat when we were members of the Committee for Community Consolidation (CCC) whichresulted in the current school configuration. I was an older member of the Committee who no longerhad children in the School District. What impressed me as an outsider, a person who previously knewfew members of the Committee, was the passion and commitment of the team members to educationalexcellence but with a realistic understanding of the financial implications. Pat was a prime example ofthis philosophy and a standout member of the Committee.

As a team, we were able to analyze multiple scenarios finally proposing a compromise solution. We hadbeen given a very difficult task based on the school locations and re-configuration costs. Throughoutthe process, the major emphasis was on providing consistency in educational programs for all of ourstudents. Pat was instrumental in helping to drive this point home to the team. Her commitment todedicating her life to education was obvious and contagious.

All one needs to do is pick up a newspaper and read about the turmoil many other school districts aregoing through and the potential impact on their educational programs. This results from leaving thestatus quo until the tax rate increases become prohibitive. We would be in the same position withoutthe reconfiguration.

For the above reasons, there is only one choice in this election and I strongly support Patricia Navarrafor the School Board. I ask you to join me.

Sincerely,

Rick Ueland
Mineola