LaColla Seeks Re-Election to Nyack School Board

Patch: Why are you seeking another term on the School Board and why do you believe the position is important?

LaColla: Being on the Board of Education as a Trustee and Vice President (2009-2010) has been a rewarding experience. It has also been a challenging endeavor with what was initially a steep learning curve vis a vis contract law, special education and disclosure rules just to name a few. I feel as though I, ironically enough, received my own education on how a school board can best contribute to the excellence of the school district. I am seeking another term in order to continue to apply this knowledge to add value to the educational system we provide to our children. After all, it is about them and their road to adulthood.

What do you think are the most important attributes of a School Board Trustee?

I think the most important attributes are the ability to approach any issue with an open mind and judge it on individual merits, the ability to collaborate and build a consensus among all stakeholders and communication; which includes the clear outlining of all stances on issues, being an effective listener of all stakeholders and maintaining respectful discourse with all stakeholders.

What do you believe to be the most important issue(s) the Nyack School Board will be facing?

I believe three are important. They are fiscal responsibility, the transition to a new Superintendent of Schools and making block scheduling a reality for our students.

What do you believe has been the Board’s biggest accomplishment during your tenure thus far?

I wish I could say bringing block scheduling to the high school because I can think of no greater opportunity we have had in the previous three years to increase the quality of the education we provide our students. In the absence of that success, the selection of our new Superintendent of Schools is, in my view, the biggest accomplishment in recent history.

What is your message to the voters?

It has been an interesting three years on the Board, culminating in the toughest year of all vis a vis the closed campus debate, the Superintendent search and the formulation of a difficult budget.

I want to be clear about a few key themes related to my candidacy, which are important to me and represent the type of advocate I am and will continue to be. They are:

• Consensus Building by working with my colleagues toward decisions that receive Board support through debate and compromise.
• Communication through clear outlining of stances and issues, as well as being an effective listener regardless of whether it is to the community, educators, administration or other Board members.
• Achievement by ensuring a challenging and rigorous academic environment that encourages all students to perform to their potential.
• Fiscal responsibility. In our current environment and with the changes that are looming in Albany, the thoughtful and prudent use of resources has never been more important.