Meet the candidates for the North Merrick School District Board of Education

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Ed Corona

My wife Marianne and I have lived in North Merrick for 26 years. We have a grown son living in Philadelphia and two college-aged daughters attending SUNY Oneonta and St. Joseph’s University.

I believe my unique qualifications provide me with the skills and experiences to be a successful school board trustee. My 34 years of teaching high school math provides me with the knowledge of how public school districts operate. As the coordinator of Nassau County High School Track and Field, I have worked with administrators from all the school districts in our county. And as a retired person, I know the challenge of being a resident living on a fixed income.

My three years as a trustee on both the North Merrick and the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School Boards of Education have taught me how to listen to and work with administrators, my fellow trustees and the people of my community.

I am proud of our accomplishments during my term on the board. The past two years we produced school budgets that had budget-to-budget increases that placed in the top four lowest of the past 20 years. We’ve enhanced our technology and created new programs such as our Mental Health and Wellness Coalition for students and families.

Like all residents in North Merrick, I am concerned about the effects that this pandemic has had on our children and our community. Help me provide the students in North Merrick the experiences they deserve to prepare them for a successful future.

Tracey Miller

I am running for the Board of Education in North Merrick again because of my commitment to education. When I first ran for trustee three years ago, I spoke with Norbert Billig, a long-serving trustee who said, “Keep it about the children and everything will work out fine.” And that is what I feel I have done for three years.

I am committed to keeping and furthering the transparency of this board. We are committed to public discussions as shown by our work sessions regarding curriculum and programs in our district, our open budget meetings and the board's willingness to answer questions during public comment whenever possible.

Our budgets have always come in under the budget cap and balanced the interests of the taxpayers and the children that we serve. I am proud of the programs our school district offers to all children; excellence for all is more than a buzzword in our community

As a lifelong resident of North Merrick, I was educated in these schools as were my children. I feel that my service to the board is something I do with pride for my community. In addition, I have been involved in other North Merrick activities such as PAL and CYO soccer, the Boy Scouts of America Troop 351 and Calhoun football. I look forward to continuing to serve my community on the North Merrick school board.

Lisa Katz

I have lived in North Merrick with my husband Glen for 21 years. I have three children; two currently attending the district’s schools, and a recent college graduate.

I served on both the Bellmore Merrick Central High School District and North Merrick School District Boards of Education three years ago. During my time on the board, I worked with three different superintendents and was fortunate enough to serve alongside knowledgeable trustees who had more than 20 years experience. During that time, I gained valuable insight on the importance of being fiscally responsible

I know how important it is to listen to all residents I would be representing. When I served in the past, I took the time to speak to residents after board meetings. I believe that an effective board member is one who is transparent; in fact, everything a board does needs to be done in the public with few exceptions.

I am an advocate for public education and have represented our community at legislative hearings and in front of the New York State Commissioner of Education. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has stated that state funding will be reduced and public education will be re-imagined. Going forward, the decisions made at the state level will have an even more significant impact locally. As a trustee, I will look for creative ways to maintain our current programs and retain our teachers and staff.

I understand my role is vital to provide oversight for the district. It is a balancing act that I believe is crucial to ensure our children are educated and the taxpayers’ funds are properly managed.

 Hali Herman

I am thrilled to be running for a seat on the North Merrick Board of Education. North Merrick is a very special place and if elected, it would be my honor to serve as a passionate and dedicated advocate to help to continue to deliver a top-notch education to our children while remaining fiscally responsible and sensitive to our taxpayers.

My husband Michael, a New York City teacher, and I have been North Merrick residents since May 2006. Our children, Brian, 23, and Elizabeth, 18, are graduates of the district, having attended at Camp Avenue School, Merrick Avenue Middle School and Calhoun High School.

For over two decades I have volunteered in all things school- and youth-related, including our local PTAs, Girl Scouts, and BBYO. Professionally, I work for a case management program within New York City’s Department for the Aging, providing supportive services such as Meals On Wheels, homecare companions and financial guidance to the aging-in-place population.

As a trustee, I believe it is important to listen to and work with stakeholders to deliver a solid, enriching education to our children while being fiscally responsible to everyone living in North Merrick. I want to work with fellow board members to maintain continuity and support growth in educational opportunities, while being cognizant of spending as we begin facing, what looks like, challenging financial times ahead. I trust that if elected we can do great things together. I hope I can count on your vote.