Preserving the “high standards of education” in the North Colonie School District is the driving force behind two men’s pursuit of a vacant Board of Education seat, which will be decided in a special election on Jan. 31.
W. Ron Von Dell and David Rosenthal, both of Watervliet, are vying for one spot vacated when Dr. Siren Chudgar took an out of state job just a few months after beginning his term in July 2011.
“We want someone that has the best interests of the students of North Colonie at heart; that’s always a priority,” said Mary Nardolillo, who has served as board president for three years. “I believe that we have two individuals that are active members of our community; neither of them have an agenda (and) I believe they just have a desire to serve the community in this capacity.”
There are nine school board members who each serve five-year terms.
District residents will have a chance to quiz both candidates on why they’re best suited for the position at a Meet the Candidates Night at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 19, in the Shaker High School Media Center.
Von Dell said he’s been on the budget committee for three years, so his familiarity with and proven interest in that oftentimes tricky process is advantageous.
“If you’re not part of the process, you’re not going to help the process, so I want to be part of the process,” said Von Dell. “I want to find ways to balance things so that the budget crisis that we’re in doesn’t affect the education for the kids.”
Rosenthal said the biggest testament to his devotion is the fact that he spent 13 years as a member of the school board before leaving four years ago.
“I have more time and my life is a lot less complicated than it was,” said Rosenthal. “I miss it, I’m still a resident and I want to continue my involvement with the school.”
The most critical issue facing the district is budget-related, said Rosenthal.
“Budgets were a lot easier back in the ‘90s when I was on originally. The cuts made are devastating and I just want to see North Colonie be able to maintain the level of excellence in providing the education to our kids that we always have, dealing with the limited amount of money that we’re facing.”
Von Dell said he would bring a “common sense approach” to the budget process.
“Evaluate each choice and make sure it’s the right choice and not just the easy choice,” said Von Dell, adding that making sure the district’s standards don’t slip despite budgetary constraints is a priority.
He currently works as a tap auditor for Time Warner Cable but he said his theatrical background would serve him well as a school board member.
“I’m used to working in a collaborative environment since I have a theatrical background where we work toward a common goal and I would bring that to the board,” said Von Dell. “… It’s all about the kids and what we can do for them.”
Rosenthal, who works at Regal Cleaners, said school board members have a responsibility to the community.
“We are the community’s voices. We are the conscience of the community,” said Rosenthal.
His biggest message outside of his qualifications for the job is to get out and vote.
“I want to make sure people get out and vote. You don’t have to be registered to vote; just show ID that you’re a resident at the polling location,” said Rosenthal.
For more information about the Board of Education, the Meet the Candidates Night or the special election, visit www.northcolonie.org. There will be a budget forum immediately following the Meet the Candidates event.
