The following is a statement by Jeff Borowick, the Roslyn Board of Education member who is seeking re-election to the BOE on the Tuesday, May 16 election."

"While I have been a member of the Roslyn School Board for the past year, my involvement with our district's educational and fiscal procedures dates back three years, to the breaking news of our hometown scandal. Attending the budget presentation sponsored by the high school PFA in the spring of 2004, it was blatantly apparent to me that Frank Tassone misrepresented the net benefits component of the budget. Due to my extensive background in business, finance and insurance, I was one of the first to challenge Tassone on the numerous financial inaccuracies in the proposed 2004-05 budget.

"Working closely with Anthony Annunziato and others on the Forensic Audit Committee, I suggested changes that would result in millions of dollars of administrative savings without adversely impacting educational programming and quality. In concert with other civic leaders I conducted three community budget review meetings, with hundreds in attendance, in order to help the community better understand the fiscal issues at hand. Insisting upon transparency, these meetings resulted in the successful passage of the budget in June 2004, after its initial defeat in May.

"I am a certified public accountant (CPA), attorney, and licensed employee benefits insurance agent. For the past 13 years I have served as the regional vice president of one of Long Island's largest employee benefits administration companies, specializing in cost effective employee benefits solutions for affinity groups, collective bargaining units and large employers. Due to my professional expertise, I offered my services, my time, my e-mail address and even my home phone number to any community member seeking clarity on budget related issues. Many residents suggested that I run for the school board believing in my ability to make a strong contribution.

"As a member of the Roslyn School Board for the past year, my personal mission has been to balance educational excellence with fiscal prudence. As such, I have initiated and demanded immediate and complete objective review of all current school programs and policies. Furthermore, I have recommended that specific target dates be set for the release of periodic reports, enumerating the comprehensive review of all core curriculum and instructional methodology.

"As the strongest advocate for transparency, I have continuously requested that central administration post all financial information released during public meetings on the district website in plain English. I have seen numerous community members express their views during public comment sessions at board meetings. As such, I have called for open community forums, separate and apart from the scheduled Board meetings, allowing for a fuller discussion to take place on educational issues.

"I currently serve as the board liaison to the Budget Advisory Committee and to the Citizens' Audit Advisory Committee and as a rotating member of the following committees: Curriculum and Instruction, Transportation, Capital Improvement, Student Welfare, Legislative Affairs, Sponsorship, and the Compensation and Benefits Sub-committee.

"On behalf of the Roslyn School District, I have been working with Tom Suozzi, and others, focusing on school district financial and property tax reform, in order to reverse the long-term inequity in state aid received by Nassau County school districts in general, and Roslyn in specific. This effort will bring tax relief to all taxpayers. In addition, I have recommended several countywide school district administrative cost-saving initiatives in the areas of: centralized payroll services, medical insurance, dental insurance, and bond counsel. If implemented, this will result in additional monies available for programming and curriculum. Complementing this, I am strongly advocating for a long-range Education/Business Plan to address: educational program enhancements, the physical plant, maintenance issues, capital improvements, alternative sources for educational funding, funding requirements for current district employee benefits, and statutory retirement benefits.

"As an 18-year Roslyn resident and parent of three daughters, I am very proud of my history of community involvement. I served as a Roslyn Little League coach for almost a decade, and Booster Basketball Coach, commissioner, league president and board member for the past eight years until my election to the Roslyn School Board. Additionally, I am in my eighth year as treasurer of Temple Beth Sholom's Men's Club, and my 11th year on Temple Beth Sholom's Religious School Board of Education, lending my expertise to the school's finances and budget.

"If re-elected, I will continue the efforts I started some of which are: To integrate technology with instruction; to create career opportunities with Career Day Work Study and Internships; to enrich the opportunities for Special-Needs children; and to pursue Pouring Rights Contracts to supplement funding for athletic programs.

"The Roslyn School District is at a pivotal point in our recovery," Borowick concluded. "With your support, and with my integrity, passion, professional capabilities, leadership skills, business acumen and vision, I promise to continue the initiatives that I started in 2004, to protect all members of the Roslyn community. As the only independent candidate, I can guarantee a fair and equitable representation for parents of all children in the system, as well as the majority of the taxpaying community. My singular goal has been, and will always be, the business of education."