Freeport School News
May 2002 • Candidate's Page

As I stated at the P.T.A School Board Candidate’s Forum, on Wednesday, May 16, 2002:

1. I will help create a 10-year master plan to improve student performance. This plan will be updated every 2 years.
2. Annual Auditing of this plan, for 3 years.
3. Create iron clad contracts for the Superintendent, Asst. Superintendents and Principals, so they will stay 10-15 years.
4. Create a healthy, happy, professional environment, so that senior administrators, senior/tenured teachers and others will want to stay in Freeport or come back to Freeport to work.
5. Reward Outstanding Performance by teachers, staff and students.
6. I will be the people’s advocate.

It’s time to replace the "Failed Leadership of Renken/Ellerbe. During the forum, Mr. Ellerbe stated that during his tenure and as President of the School Board, Freeport Schools lost ten million dollars. Why would you want to reelect him? When asked, "What should be done about the shortage of therapists, for Special Education Students," Mr. Ellerbe said each family should make a special request to the school board for assistance. I said I would seek county, state and federal funding for therapists.

Under the Renken/Ellerbe tenure, the NYS Dept. of Education is rating Freeport Schools 2002, as "Failing and Declining."

This is the Renken/Ellerbe Report Card: Failing/Below Average:

1) Freeport H.S. is on the NYS "Watch List" for poor performance for 2 years in a row. Renken/Ellerbe

2) Dodd J.H.S is now on the NYS "Watch List" for poor performing schools. Renken/Ellerbe

3) School Taxes have gone up over 30%. Renken/Ellerbe

4) Jim Brown and other highly respected teachers and administrators have left the Freeport School system. Renken/Ellerbe.

5) Over 3 School Superintendents have quit in the past 5 years under Renken/Ellerbe.

6)The High School drop out rate has gone from 2.4%, 2.6% to 2.9% under Renken/Ellerbe

Renken/Ellerbe gave us a fantasy laundry list of wonderful things they are going to do. But, "Where’s the Beef?" They have a "Laundry List, but No Soap." We should see through these empty words like the child saw through "The Emperor’s New Clothes."

Ellerbe/Renken said they’re going to do this and they’re going to do that. Why haven’t they already done it? They've been involved with the school board for over ten years. Look at where we are -- on the NYS Dept. of Education "Watch List" for poor performing schools.

Go to the NY State Dept. of Education web site and check the rating of Freeport Schools. Then decide Who to Vote For.

The task ahead is an enormous one. I am approaching it with a sense of resolve and determination that will be unmatched by any other school board member. Our children are our future, our hopes, our dreams and our legacy. The community must work together to save our children, our school system and our future.

I will work effectively and cooperatively, with the school board, the staff and the community to make the Freeport Schools the best in the state and the nation.