Meet the Freeport school board candidates

This is a historic budget that in over three decades of my career I’m proud to present.”

Kishore Kuncham, Superintendent

Get ready, Freeport residents, because it’s almost time for the Board of Education election on May 16. This year there are five candidates vying for two seats on the board. Residents will also have the opportunity to weigh in on the proposed budget for the 2023-24 school year.

At present, the school board comprises President Maria Jordan-Awalom, Vice President Sunday F. Coward and Trustees Shuron U. Jackson, Ronald J. Ellerbe and Vilma I. Lancaster. Ellerbe’s and Lancaster’s three-year terms are ending, and Ellerbe is seeking re-election.

The candidates

Joseph A. Smith is a parent who is raising four boys, one attending Freeport High School, two attending BOCES schools for those with special needs, and one who will start Kiddie Club at the Freeport Recreation Center in the fall. Smith said he is passionate about building the district’s efforts when it comes to mental health support; furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives; and fostering an environment where all children can learn and thrive.

Scott Richardson is a married father of three children who graduated from Freeport public schools, with one grandchild currently attending. He works for the village’s electric department as an oiler/tech. Richardson said he wants to continue boosting morale and uniting students, parents, teachers and community. He said he is committed to working with the current school board with a common purpose, the success of Freeport students.

Stephanie Rodriguez is a married mother of three children. She worked in the community as a day care provider for eight years until 2020, and is now the owner of Goosehead Insurance. Rodriguez said her main objective is to uplift, support and empower students during their academic careers. She also plans to start new fundraising programs at no additional cost to parents.

Sonia Dixon is a married mother of four daughters with over 20 years of volunteer experience with Freeport youth. Currently serving on the Nassau Region PTA’s executive board, Dixon said she wants to continue the work the school board is doing. She also wants to listen to the community more about their concerns and needs to enhance community engagement.

Ronald J. Ellerbe has served on the board for over 25 years. He has also held positions at Nassau BOCES and the county Planning Commission, indicating his commitment to education and community development. Ellerbe is also a past president of the Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association and has volunteered as a Little League coach. Ellerbe said he is dedicated to improving the district for all students, and intends to continue the work he has done during his time on the board.

The budget

The proposed budget for the 2023-24 school year is just under $238.8 million, an increase of slightly more than $29 million increase over the current year.

Projected revenue is set to increase by $29.1 million thanks to a record increase in state aid. There is no tax levy increase in the spending plan; in fact, there is a 0.12 percent decrease.

“This is a historic budget that in over three decades of my career I’m proud to present,” district Superintendent Kishore Kuncham said. “Finally, after over two decades of our advocacy, the foundation aid has been fully funded, bringing our fair share to Freeport.”

The district saved taxpayers $6.5 million in interest by refinancing outstanding bond payments. And despite spending roughly $6,715 less per pupil and collecting about $11,270 less in tax levy per student than the average school district in Nassau County, the district completed $29.2 million in projects at no cost to taxpayers, by using capital reserve funds. The schools also implemented district-wide improvements through an energy performance contract.

The district received over $37 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act and the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund, which will be used over a three-year period for learning loss recovery, after-school and summer programming, and capital project upgrades, including ventilation improvements and enhancements to program-related spaces such as classrooms and athletic fields.

Proposition No. 2, for a Capital Reserve Fund, would earmark $2.5 million for capital projects, without any additional costs to taxpayers.

The proposed budget includes new high school course offerings including artificial intelligence, American Sign Language, sculpture classes, music technology, AP African American Studies, AP precalculus, and studio broadcasting.

It would also fund additional English Language Arts and Social Studies curriculum materials, expanded music and athletics programs, modular cafeteria furniture, and flexible furniture in learning spaces.

The district has several ongoing and planned projects, including the installation of security vestibules at several schools, the replacement of classroom doors at two schools, and HVAC replacement in the Freeport High School auditorium. Locker rooms, public address systems, wellness spaces, athletic fields and playgrounds will also see upgrades and renovations, and there will be masonry restoration, exterior brick repainting and replacement, window replacements and work on sidewalks, parking lots and fences districtwide.

The budget vote and trustee election is scheduled for Tuesday, May 16, and residents must register to vote by May 11. Voter registration is available on school days between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the administration building, at 235 North Ocean Ave.

For more information, contact the district clerk at (516) 867-5209, email mfranklin@freeportschools.org or visit the district website, freeportschools.org, which has voter registration forms and absentee ballot applications.