To the Editor:
I am writing to offer my strong support for the candidacy of Tim O’Connor for North Colonie Board of Education.
Tim knows the Board’s job is to provide independent oversight of personnel and procedures, and to protect the interests of children and families.
I am sad to say current board members, including Tim’s opponent, fail to perform these duties, as seen most clearly in the rejection of the diamond-plated bond measure in December. If our board had acted as independent overseers of that process rather than simply rubber-stamping the district leadership’s most wild-eyed notions, that embarrassing situation could have been avoided.
Anyone with children in North Colonie schools knows of instances in which the needs of their children, were run over by school administrators, only to be treated with contempt when they complained. Rather than viewing these families as valued community members, they view them as enemies to be put in their place.
Unfortunately, the board sees its role as blindly supporting district personnel. At both board and committee meetings, every vote is unanimous – North Colonie leaders do not tolerate differences of opinion.
As a parent, my children have had wonderful experiences with their teachers across the elementary, junior and senior high school levels 99 percent of the time; I am, and have always been, a big supporter of North Colonie Schools. But, at the highest level of leadership, this district is arrogant, has a destructive attitude and has been allowed to grow and fester to the detriment of many families.
I urge all to vote for a truly independent candidate on May 16. That candidate is Tim O’Connor.
Joel Bloom,
Loudonville
