Irvin Seeks Election to Nyack School Board

Patch: Why did you decide to run for a seat on the Nyack School Board?

Irvin: I believe in the uniqueness of this district. I chose to move here so my children will be exposed to the racial, religious and socio-economic diversity Nyack offers. My young children are learning to relate to people in all walks of life and will, as adults, be citizens of the world due to the experiences they have had in Nyack Schools. 

The decision to run for this position is not one I take lightly. Many people have asked why I would want to run for the Board this year. My response is simple: it is time for people who want to be involved to step up and lend a hand in crafting a solution for our district. I am one of those people. 

What individual perspective do you believe you can bring to the position?

I have lived in this district for over 35 years—I attended Nyack Schools and now am a working taxpayer with children in Nyack Schools. I am actively engaged in school leadership through my involvement with the PTA, the Parent Council and through participation in Board committees. Through this, I have developed contacts in various groups in the community who have their fingers on the pulse of community concerns. I believe tapping into this resource, both for information and encouraging mobilization among these people, is a strength I can bring to my service as a Board Trustee. 

Professionally, I am a litigation attorney. I have spent many hours listening to both sides of a controversy, focusing attention on the truly germane issues and fashioning compromises palatable to both parties. This skill set has been honed through years of professional experience resolving some very significant disputes. The competing voices of our Nyack community share similar features to these disputes and I believe these skills will serve me well as a Board member.

What do you think are the most pressing issues facing the Nyack School District right now and in the immediate future?

Clearly, the budget constraints and what next year’s funding gap will be are a large concern. More difficult decisions on how we spend our money are going to have to be made. But a less obvious yet equally pressing issue is the perception of a lack of communication between our current board and members of the Nyack community who feel they are not being heard. The upcoming budget decisions necessitate a higher standard of disclosure on behalf of the Board of Education to all the members of our district. As a Board member, I will reach out to the people who have elected me for input throughout the whole decision process. I will encourage communication by whatever means is appropriate and practical to help address and change the current perception that the Board is making decisions without responding to large segments of the community.

Should you be elected, what would you hope the School Board can accomplish?

In my other answers, I’ve stated some practical things I would like to see the Board accomplish. Philosophically, I would like to see an increase in a sense of camaraderie between the various groups in our district, and to develop future plans that all have participated in and contributed to. Nyack truly is a unique district—the many people who have different views who live under different circumstances create a rich fabric of experience for those who live here. If we can somehow embrace this diversity and incorporate what is valuable in all segments represented, the result will directly impact our children, enabling them to be better equipped to respond to the diverse world beyond our district.   

What is your message to the voters?

I consider the title “Trustee” to be exactly that. If elected, I am duty bound to act on your behalf and to represent your interests to the best of my ability. My personal vote is only one of all the votes in the district. If you ask, I will meet with and communicate with you. (If you do not ask, I may contact you anyway.) And I will strive to make sure you feel heard, to let you know your opinion counts and to show that the Board is responsive to your concerns.