Patch sent the same questionnaire to all candidates running for school board this year. The following response — which has not been edited by Patch — is from Michael Hatten, who is seeking a seat on the Lawrence Board of Education in an election against incumbent Nahum Marcus.
Tell us about yourself (age, town, profession, family, etc.)
(Editor’s note: See attached documents for information on Hatten’s background.)
What qualifies you to serve as a member of the school board?
(Ed: See attached)
Why are you running for the school board?
(Ed: See attached)
What is your opinion of the budget that has been presented to the community? What you have done something differently with it?
The school budget was thoughtfully put forward by Superintendent Schall and his staff. Even though I was not part of the process, I have complete confidence that the superintendent allocated precious resources appropriately.
Aside from the budget, what do you think is the biggest issue facing the school district?
The district faces significant challenges concerning teacher contracts, the # 6 school, student outcomes and the allocation of resources while exercising fiscal discipline.
What is the school district’s greatest strength?
We live in a great and wonderfully diverse district. Our unique community dynamic presents multiple challenges, but also presents numerous opportunities. Currently our greatest strength is our diversity as a community and currently our greatest weakness is our diversity as a community. We must elect a candidate that will truly be a unifier. I intend to be that unifier and change our weaknesses into strengths.
What is its greatest weakness?
(Ed: See above)
If you are elected, what is the one thing you’d like to see accomplished during your term?
If elected I want transparency to rule the day. I want student outcomes to improve. I want to address the teacher contract in a fair and equitable way. I want to continue strong support for children with special needs and finally I want to have an adult conversation (which will certainly include community input) concerning the disposition of the number 6 school.
Where do you see public education on Long Island going in the future and what role do you hope to have in it?
Would you like to add anything else?
The education of all of our children is the single most important responsibility of a school board trustee. If you believe that I am the best candidate, who will make thoughtful decisions, then I would be honored to once again represent you on the Lawrence School Board.
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