To the Editor:

After 21 years as the executive director of the New York State School Boards Association, I retired in 2019 and became a member of the Voorheesville Central School District Board of Education. My four-year term will end in July 2024. I intend to run for re-election this May.

I remain very proud of Voorheesville, where I have lived for over 25 years, where my three sons graduated from the district high school, and where two of my grandkids are enrolled in the elementary school.

As the only retired grandparent on the board, I see myself as representing an important segment within our school community. Given that I’m not moving anytime soon, I have my health, and I would rather volunteer my time than get paid, I suppose I meet the prerequisites.

Being an incumbent is said to be an election advantage, assuming one has made some worthwhile contributions while in office. I believe I have been a positive influence.

For example, I fully supported our board’s wise decision to minimize “learning loss” by maximizing in-person instruction for kindergarten through fifth grades during the pandemic. 

I successfully advocated for the board’s unanimous vote to introduce a Universal Pre-Kindergarten program when a state funding opportunity presented itself.

I helped guide approval by the board for revamping our early reading program, the foundation for every child’s learning and development.

I joined my board colleagues and superintendent in adopting an improved superintendent evaluation procedure as well as the purchase of new technology to improve school-bus safety.

Having the opportunity to cast my vote for a much-needed capital improvement project that will transform the Voorheesville Elementary School was especially rewarding. 

It may sound self-serving, but a compelling case can be made that membership continuity of an experienced, unified, forward-thinking, independent school board is critical when complex decisions are made that will significantly impact educational outcomes, school safety, staffing, budgeting, and community support.

For example, later this year, the New York State Board of Regents is expected to introduce new high school graduation standards that will lead to multiple pathways to graduation, and eliminate or reduce the use of Regents exams as a graduation requirement. Our school board must embrace positive change while protecting the rigor and relevance of our academic programs. 

Undoubtedly, there will be added pressure on school resources given constantly evolving regulatory requirements associated with students’ mental health, school safety, climate change, and staffing. Add to that the transformational impact of artificial intelligence on teaching and learning as we know it. One can’t easily walk away from school board service when challenging developments like these are on the table.

My pledge if elected again is to help the Voorheesville School Board maintain high academic standards, carefully anticipate district needs, support well-researched innovations, and target resources for every student to learn and develop into the person each is meant to be. 

Timothy G. Kremer

Voorheesville