A ten-year resident of Roslyn and an active member in the district's Parent Teacher Association, Karen Bodner is now running as a candidate for the Board of Education.

Ms. Bodner said that her family moved to Roslyn in 1991, mainly because of the "excellent reputation" of its school district. "Ten years later, with a child in the Middle School and a first grader at Harbor Hill, our opinion of the Roslyn schools has not wavered," she said. "With the implementation of new State Standards and Assessments, and escalating costs of education, it is imperative that we maintain the quality of our education in the most cost-efficient manner."

As with other candidates for the school board, Ms. Bodner acknowledges that Roslyn has long been identified with high rankings on assessments and students being accepted at top colleges. "What is equally important," she said, "is to recognize the importance of our programs that do not necessarily translate into a letter or number grade." Ms. Bodner listed programs "promoting tolerance...and sensitivity," plus those that ensure that "students feel safe and secure while at school" as being a high priority.

"Programs that inspire children to respect their fellow student must be expanded in the earlier grades," she continued. "Offering appropriate support for those with special needs, formulating enrichment programs for the gifted, and delivering the best possible instruction for all students are ongoing concerns for the board of education. Meeting all of these goals requires not only serious budgetary planning, but also effective time management."

Ms. Bodner also said her experience as an attorney would make her well qualified to serve on the school board. For 13 years, she worked as a litigating attorney, while eventually managing the law firm she was employed with. "My legal education and experience sharpened my analytical skills and taught me to identify issues and solutions," she said. "As a seasoned attorney, I am accustomed to reviewing voluminous material, isolating the salient facts and formulating effective strategies." That, she claimed, is "an indispensable skill for any member of the board of education."

After leaving her full time legal practice, Ms. Bodner became active in the Parent Teacher Associations at the Heights, Harbor Hill and the Middle School. She has served on PTA committees and district-wide committees, plus as co-president of the Harbor Hill PTA for two years. Ms. Bodner currently is co-president of the Roslyn Middle School PTA. "This has afforded me wonderful opportunities to act as a liaison between parents and administration, and has given me insight into how effectively the Roslyn system functions," she said. Ms. Bodner has also served on the Parent University Committee. "I strongly believe we should inspire our children to be lifelong learners," she added. In addition to her other duties, Ms. Bodner serves on the board of a support group of parents with children on the autism spectrum.

In short, Ms. Bodner maintains that her experience in the PTA, her legal background, and her desire "that every child in the district be given the opportunity to flourish and reach his or her potential" makes her well qualified to further serve the Roslyn community as a member of the Board of Education.

The election will be held Tuesday, May 15 with voting taking place at Roslyn High School, located on Round Hill Road. Voting hours are from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.