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Community Corner

Plainview Old-Bethpage Board of Education Candidate Kevin J. Rea

Members of the Plainview Old-Bethpage Community,

My name is Kevin Rea, and I am a candidate for the Plainview Old-Bethpage Board of Education. I am a third generation and (save for two years) a lifelong resident of Plainview. I have attended Plainview schools, my mother (Kathy) is very active in our district’s PTA, and my three siblings (Megan, 17; Brendan, 14;& Timothy, 11) are in Plainview schools. I have strong ties to this community and its people; that is why I believe I am uniquely qualified to become a board member.

I would like to share my background to better communicate why I am running. I am currently a voting member of the State University of New York Board of Trustees, chaired by former Comptroller H. Carl McCall. I am the only voting member not appointed by the governor, and I represent 467,000 students throughout SUNY. With an $8 billion dollar budget, 64 campuses, and 88,000 employees, I (along with the other trustees) am responsible for ensuring the success of the largest system of higher education in the United States. In addition, I serve as a trustee on the Higher Education Services Corporation,whose primary job is the allocation of the Tuition Assistance Program, one of the largest need based grant programs in the country, among other scholarship opportunities. Although I am young, I have experience in education that very few possess that will guide me during my tenure on the Board of Education.I will take the knowledge I have gained helping to oversee these large and successful enterprises and use it to benefit the community and its schools.

There are many reasons that I have decided to run, but three stick out the most in my mind. The first is transparency, ensuring that our town is informed about the decisions we make and why we made them. The second reason is the financial piece.Everyone knows that due to a myriad of reasons, our district is going to have to make tough decisions about our fiscal future. I have the experience to make those choices, helping to lead an organization that has seen a reduction of 33%in its state support in less than five years. My third reason is that I would like ensure that we are providing our students with the skills they will need after they graduate. I have come to understand what is expected of a high school student after personally working with colleges for several years. I will advocate that the board devote resources and implement policies that will make POB a place where all of our students leave with the skills necessary to be successful.

The years ahead will be filled with opportunities and challenges for our great district. This requires board members with strong convictions, knowledge of educational policy, and the ability to get the job done. With the experience I bring to the table as well as the energy I can provide, we can make sure that the Plainview Old-Bethpage school district’s best days are yet to come. Thank you and I invite you to ask any questions or concerns you may have.

Be sure to visit www.facebook.com/KevinJRea to learn more about my candidacy.

Kevin J.Rea

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