Meinhardt states his case for re-election to school board

To the editor: My name is Mike Meinhardt and I am running for re-election to the Warwick Valley Board of Education. I have served 12 years as a volunteer board member and have been board president the last two years. I have tried to serve the community and all of the students to the best of my ability with energy, honesty and the absence of an agenda for any particular group. As a taxpayer, I can certainly share the frustration felt by rising taxes. Please know that the Warwick Board of Education has been in the forefront to pressure our legislators, both state and federal, to change the way our public schools are funded. I have been one of many Board of Education members to serve the Warwick School District which, over the past 12 years, has risen to the top of its class in test scores at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Warwick now uses benchmarks which are more statewide than local to measure our students’ performance. Important also are the numerous state and national recognitions given to Warwick students in extra and co-curricular areas of art, music and athletics. This happens as a result of pro-active district (Board) goals and the work of a dedicated staff and administration. I believe that Warwick is receiving a good value on its investment in education and this has proven out not only by the accomplishments of its graduates but also in the historical rise in local property values. As a board member, I have supported efforts to find a balance between the funding of school programs and the very real worries of taxpayers like ourselves. I am not running for re-election to the Board with a particular group or agenda in mind. Each Warwick School Board member is only one of a nine-member board and this board, as a whole, should represent all students and all community members. I am proud to have served 12 years on our Board of Education. I have brought the commitment in time and attendance necessary to effectively hold the position and have always maintained a willingness to listen to opposing viewpoints. One must have the humility to put personal feelings aside for the overall good of our district. As in any organization, there is and always will be room for improvement. I won’t be one to deny this, and I will not be a person who only chooses to vent frustrations, but rather I am pro-active in trying to fix problems and seeking solutions. To all candidates running for the Board of Education, you have my utmost respect for what is often a thankless job. The time and energy commitment is demanding in order to be an effective member. I have served on the board for many years with Debra Holton-Smith and Paul Caskey and I could not speak more highly of two individuals who serve for the betterment of the entire District. More important than my candidacy, or the candidacy of any one individual, however, is the need for everyone to come out and vote on May 15. While I am asking for your support, I am, more importantly, asking for your participation. Thank you. Michael Meinhardt Candidate for Re-Election to the Board of Education Warwick Valley Central School District