Support H-W school budget, and Ditchek Korman and May for board

Hewlett-Woodmere’s proposed $103.24 million budget includes a 2.37 percent spending increase, but also retains items important to district residents such as the Discovery program for gifted students and the 10-period high school day.

District officials worked hard to hold the line on taxes, and the increase for the average homeowner is $280. We think they deserve the support of residents who should approve this budget.

Three candidates are vying for two seats on the Hewlett-Woodmere Board of Education onTuesday: incumbent Trustee Teena Ditchek Korman, PTA Central Council Co-president Cheryl May and 13-year Hewlett resident Scott McInnes.

Ditchek Korman has proved herself a worthy board trustee for the past nine years, and will no doubt continue her efforts to maintain and enhance the district’s programs, events and services. Her strong record of involvement includes the Hewlett High School PTA, the Parent Advisory Committee at the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library, Project Bulldog and the Hewlett-Woodmere Alumni Association.

A graduate of Hewlett High School, Ditchek Korman continues to dedicate her time to her community and to students in the district. She can often be seen at school events and programs.

Her passion for the students extends beyond the classroom: She is a wellness, health and safety advocate. She recently instituted cancer screening and education for every high school senior. She also lobbied for the automatic external defibrillators that are now in every building and that have saved lives in schools.

Ditchek Korman is not afraid to ask tough questions at board meetings or to act as an advocate to ensure that the district is running effectively and students are getting the programs and services they need. As a taxpayer, she is concerned about district spending and will make sure tax dollars are put to good use. She is an asset to the board.

For her part; May has the experience and knowledge of issues residents look for in a school board member. As the liaison between the Board of Education and district parents, she is approachable, available and connects with both students and parents.

May has a master’s degree in business administration and seven years of involvement with the PTA. She is passionate about Hewlett-Woodmere students and about ensuring that everyone in the community has reason to be proud of the district.

We commend May for her idea to reinstate services such as speech therapy for students who need them and for her focus on district spending. As a former director of military sales at PepsiCo, her familiarity with budgets would be of great benefit to the board.

With three children in district schools, May already spends most of her time at school events, games and programs, so we have no doubt that she would continue to be accessible to her constituents as a trustee. Her experience, commitment and dedication would make her an excellent member of the board.

Scott McInnes, too, is a first-rate candidate, and has done his homework when it comes to spending and budgets. He would certainly stretch every district dollar. We encourage him to remain active in the workings of the district, and perhaps make another run for trustee, but on Tuesday our choices are Ditchek Korman and May.