Schools
Looking Ahead: Port Chester School Board Gets Set For 2012-2013
State-mandated programs, especially those that are unfunded or under-funded, were a major problem.
As the Port Chester Board of Education selected its , vice president and welcomed a new member during the reorganization meeting, the members started looking forward to the 2012-2013 school year.
Jim Dreves, who has been a member of the Board of Education for 21 years was elected president by a 3 to 2 vote over Carolee Brakewood. Anne Capeci won the vote for Vice President by the same margin over Robert H. Johnson.
, who was sitting in on his first meeting, cast his vote in favor of Dreves and was confident in his decision.
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“We have a lot of big things coming down the pike and it certainly does not hurt to have someone as experienced as Mr. Dreves sitting [as President],” said Corbia. “There were good comments regarding both candidates for the position but I just felt at this time two veteran people [Dreves and Capeci] would be better.”
Dreves, who was just v this May, understands the difficulty that lies ahead and is happy to be the person to help navigate through the tough times.
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“I am glad that they elected me president,” said Dreves. “My first goal is to bring trust back to this board and my second is to bring the board to a consensus. I’ve had experience doing this several times before as president. I expect a very difficult year, the budget is going to be just as tough if not tougher than last year. And with that we need all five board members pulling together.”
The was a major issue for the Board to handle. In the end, several positions were cut and state-mandated programs, especially those that are unfunded or under-funded, were a major problem.
“My goals for the next year are to pass the next budget, to make sure we get mandate relief from Albany and to make sure we keep the programs and positions we have. We cannot take a step backwards and that’s the reason I ran for the board the reason I am happy to be President again.”
Dreves was confident, but not overly optimistic about the year that lies ahead.
“I certainly hope [we can reach those goals],” said Dreves. “If not it will be a very difficult time in the Port Chester School District. We need to reach those goals.”
