The League of Women Voters sponsored a program at which the community could hear the candidates for the Manhasset Board of Education on Tuesday, May 1. The candidates for the two seats are Barbara Donno, Reuben Cohen and Michelle Impellizeri. As moderator, Joyce Fieldsteel reminded the candidates and the audience, the League does not endorse candidates, but sponsors informational events such as this one. After drawing lots to determine the order of appearance, Barbara Donno spoke first.

Mrs. Donno, a graduate of Duquesne University with a master's from Hofstra, has served on the board of education for six years, with increasing levels of responsibility. She is presently president of the board and said that she has found the experience invaluable. She and her husband, Rob, are the parents of two children. She is a former elementary school teacher in Smithtown and her children have attended Manhasset schools. Mrs. Donno was a volunteer before she was elected to the school board. She said that she has made a strong commitment to the schools in terms of time, energy and dedication. Of special importance to her are the issues of class size, the language arts and special education. She stressed the importance of long-range planning and of communication between the board of education, the administration and the community. Mrs. Donno is also the board's liaison with the Manhasset Athletic Association and the Booster Club.

Michelle Impellizeri has a bachelor of arts and a master of arts in education from St. John's University. She is presently a teacher. She is the mother of four children, two in Shelter Rock School. She said that she believes that someone who has children in the system "has a better idea and understanding of the needs of the school than those without children in the school." She said that she sees drugs and alcohol as serious problems in the Manhasset schools and said that there needs to be more awareness in the community so that every parent understands the seriousness of the situation. "As a parent and as a taxpayer I want our money spent wisely," Mrs. Impellizeri said. She also said that she feels there is a gap between the schools, parents and the school board and would "like to tighten this gap."

Reuben Cohen, an investment banker, has a bachelor of arts from Brown and an MBA from the Wharton School. He and his wife, Jean, are the parents of a son in the high school. His interest in school boards began when he was a student in Great Neck and was elected to represent his high school as a non-voting member. He said that he believes that in a community such as ours, being on the school board is one of the most important ways one can be of service. He referred to his long-term involvement with the budget and facilities CAC committees but focused his comments on other things. "I care that we have quality programs for all our kids," he said. "I care about the total child and that we offer a healthy balance of academic and extracurricular programs. I care about the arts and interscholastic athletics as well as the theater program." He said he is supportive of testing but is concerned that we don't allow state mandates to dilute our record of academic excellence "by teaching to the test." His leadership style, he said, is collaborative and he is a strong advocate of creating consensus.

After making their opening statements, the candidates responded to questions from the floor. In response to a question as to what the candidates would stress if they had to pick one item of importance, Mrs. Impellizeri said it would be to bring drugs and alcohol under control. Mrs. Donno said that it would be to provide a support system so that all students can meet state standards. Mr. Cohen said it was a difficult question, but said that it would be not to allow state mandates to dictate to Manhasset education community.

During her opening statement, Mrs. Impellizeri said that she believes it is important that the business of the school board should be "student centered, not corporation centered." A questioner asked her to enlarge on that. "I don't want to worry about the bottom line," she said. "I'm not financially unresponsive, but I believe there's too much paper work."

In response to a question as to whether state standards should apply to all students, all three candidates said that they should, but all agreed that extra support would be needed for some students.

A question was asked as to how the candidates would help special education students. Mr. Cohen said that we need to know more. He added that the school had hired additional staff this year. Mrs. Donno said, "What we need to do is start with proper diagnosis and aim for inclusion from K through 12. Through AIS (Academic Intervention Services) we are trying to catch it at the beginning." Mrs. Impellizeri said that "we are doing a lot but there is more to be done. We should only hire teachers with special education certification to do it."

In general there were no areas of major disagreement among the candidates. All agreed that the schools need more athletic fields, that state standards will be met and that although the schools are excellent there is work to be done. Mrs. Fieldsteel thanked everyone present for a "wonderful meeting."