SCHOOLS

School board candidates are unopposed

Posted

Four incumbents and one newcomer are running for election to the Merricks’ school boards this year, and they are just about certain to win. All are running unopposed.

The Merrick School District Board of Education oversees Birch, Chatterton and Levy-Lakeside elementary schools. The North Merrick School District Board of Education oversees Camp Avenue, Fayette and Old Mill Road elementary schools. Residents elect the members of both boards. The trustees, along with their counterparts in Bellmore and North Bellmore, choose eight among themselves to constitute the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District Board of Education.

In Merrick, incumbent trustees Dr. Pamela Bank, a pediatrician, and Dr. Nancy Kaplan, a university administrator and adjunct professor, are seeking new three-year terms. Linda Wilk, a homemaker, former teacher and co-president of the Levy-Lakeside School PTA, is a candidate for the seat that Trustee Susan Schwartz currently holds. After 15 years on the Board of Education, Schwartz has decided not to run for another term.

In North Merrick, incumbent trustees Neil Brown, a plant manager for a pharmaceuticals manufacturer, and Steve Enella, a home inspector, are seeking new three-year terms.

Following is more information on the candidates.

Dr. Pamela Banks
Age: 56
Family: Widow with four children.
Merrick resident for: More than 35 years.
Education: Medical degree, New York College of Osteopathic Medicine; masters, New York University; bachelor’s degree, Adelphi University.
Career: Pediatrician.
Involvement in schools: Merrick School District Board of Education member for four years. Also active in elementary, middle and high school PTAs; the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District’s Anti-hazing and Ethics, Athletic Fields, Curriculum and Health and Wellness committees; and Levy-Lakeside School site-based team. President of Calhoun High School PTA. Co-founder of Meadowbrook Alternative Program.
Other: Mentors first- and second-year medical students

Dr. Nancy Kaplan
Age: 46
Family: Husband, Lenny; sons Michael and Joshua.
Merrick resident for: 13 years.

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