Richard Buckley, an 11-year resident of Williston Park, has announced that he will be a candidate for the Herricks School Board in the upcoming May 15 school board election.

Buckley, a Choral and Drama Director for the past 16 years at Lawrence High School, is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Albany State University and a member of the Signum Laudis Society. He received his masters degree from Queens College in Music Theory and was a 1992 State Teacher of the Year Finalist and has been listed in Who's Who in American teachers in years 1995, 1996 and 1998.

Further he has been a presenter and facilitator for Educational workshops such as: Summer Theatre Programs at Southampton College, Choral Programs at Lawrence Public School and Human Rights Seminar at Nassau County Human Rights Conference.

He is married to Dr. Elaine Margarita, who is a Coordinator of World Languages in grades K-12 in the Syosset Public Schools and they have three daughters ages 6, 8 and 11. The older children attend the Herricks Center Street School.

Buckley is involved the soccer program at Herricks and is an Assistant Soccer Coach, plus he is a Fifth Grade Drama parent and is actively involved in promoting reduction of the mileage for busing children to the Middle School.

Buckley said, "The role of trustee on the Herricks Board of Education is an important one for our community. The district's record of success is truly outstanding as exemplified by our children's achievements in the recent New York State Report Card."

He continued, "As a member of this community, I feel I can help continue the record of success, while keeping in mind the tax burden that our neighbors must bear.

As a father and an educator, I am in touch with the children who are at the heart of our school system and our lives

As an educator I understand the educational process from the various relationships between the student, the teacher, the administrator, the board and the members of the community to the details of the curriculum that make our system works so well.

I am also a taxpayer in this community and understand how important is to create a fine balance between a quality education for our children and reasonable costs.

As a member of the Herricks Board of Education, I would be able to see the 'big picture' and make the tough decisions based on years of experience as a father, educator and taxpayer."

Buckley concluded, "During my childhood, my parents always emphasized the importance of education. I received a quality education and it was easy for me to make a decision to become an educator. I have devoted my career for the last 22-years in the education of children from grades kindergarten to 12 grade."

He said, "Throughout my career, I have been involved in many aspects of the educational process including aligning curriculum with national standards and assessments, shared decision marketing, implementing technology, multiculturalism and working with children of all abilities. Education is at the center of my life and all of this knowledge and experience will work to my advantage as a member of the board."

He finalized his statement by saying that the main reason he wants to be on the board is to somehow give back to his neighbors what is priceless to his family.

The school board election on May 15 will be held at the Herricks Community Center, 999 Herricks Road, New Hyde Park from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.