Schools
Pat-Med BOE Candidate Spotlight: Kevin Maccabee
Q&A and video with the Board of Education candidate.
Patch asked the three Patchogue-Medford Board of Education candidates running in the May 21 election a number of questions and filmed their video pitch to the community as to why they should be elected. Below are the questions and answers with challenging candidate Kevin Maccabee, and in the media gallery is his video. A profile with incumbent candidate Thomas Donofrio went up Wednesday, and incumbent candidate Donald Atkins's profile is going up Friday, which is a different order than the alphabetical and reverse alphabetical already used for the Meet the BOE Candidate Night's Opening and Closing statements. The election is "at-large," meaning that the top two-vote getters will earn the open seats.
Patch: Why have you chosen to join the Board of Education?
Kevin Maccabee: In light of the recent economic conditions we need to find ways to continue the high caliber of education that has resulted in our teachers and students to be nationally recognized for their accomplishments. As government funding and grants are disappearing we must examine all aspects of budgetary expenses and find creative solutions to continue programs, activities and education in the same caliper that currently exists without further burdening the residents of the district. A New York State Investigation into allegations of School district purchase of computer software to influence budget voting results raises questions of fair play and honesty, basic principles that must exist and that all children should be taught. A budget should be created that works for all, not one that needs inappropriate influence of special interest groups to pass. If these allegations are true I will ask the extra questions to ensure transparency.
Patch: What aspects of your background give you an advantage in being a part of the Board of Education?
Maccabee: Firstly, I am taxpayer, small business owner and homeowner.I have been a lifelong investigator for the government and privately for over 30 years. My forte is to look into things. This multifaceted budget needs to be looked into line by line leaving no stone unturned in an effort to save money and do a better job. I have been a stone turner my entire life. I am for common sense solutions. In this economic atmosphere we need to do more with less and make decisions that are in the best interest of the students and the taxpayer.
Patch: What is the biggest issue that the Board of Education is going to face in the 2013-2014 school year?
Maccabee: To get more done with less funding and to keep our students, teachers and employees safe while providing the best education possible to compete in the international workforce.
Patch: Patchogue-Medford has suffered a lot of cuts due to state mandates, what kinds of programs would you want to bring back if you could?
Maccabee: It has been brought to my attention that some program cuts have been done behind closed doors. The big picture must be examined to ensure our students and teachers receive the most benefit from every dollar spent. Prior to restoration of any program we must first evaluate the benefit of what we are restoring and what we are taking the money from. There is no extra money - this balance must exist.
Patch: What's one thing about the Patchogue-Medford school district that the public should know more about?
Maccabee: The numerous awards and recognition our students and teachers have achieved nationally.
Patch: Why have you chosen to join the Board of Education?
Kevin Maccabee: In light of the recent economic conditions we need to find ways to continue the high caliber of education that has resulted in our teachers and students to be nationally recognized for their accomplishments. As government funding and grants are disappearing we must examine all aspects of budgetary expenses and find creative solutions to continue programs, activities and education in the same caliper that currently exists without further burdening the residents of the district. A New York State Investigation into allegations of School district purchase of computer software to influence budget voting results raises questions of fair play and honesty, basic principles that must exist and that all children should be taught. A budget should be created that works for all, not one that needs inappropriate influence of special interest groups to pass. If these allegations are true I will ask the extra questions to ensure transparency.
Patch: What aspects of your background give you an advantage in being a part of the Board of Education?
Maccabee: Firstly, I am taxpayer, small business owner and homeowner.I have been a lifelong investigator for the government and privately for over 30 years. My forte is to look into things. This multifaceted budget needs to be looked into line by line leaving no stone unturned in an effort to save money and do a better job. I have been a stone turner my entire life. I am for common sense solutions. In this economic atmosphere we need to do more with less and make decisions that are in the best interest of the students and the taxpayer.
Patch: What is the biggest issue that the Board of Education is going to face in the 2013-2014 school year?
Maccabee: To get more done with less funding and to keep our students, teachers and employees safe while providing the best education possible to compete in the international workforce.
Patch: Patchogue-Medford has suffered a lot of cuts due to state mandates, what kinds of programs would you want to bring back if you could?
Maccabee: It has been brought to my attention that some program cuts have been done behind closed doors. The big picture must be examined to ensure our students and teachers receive the most benefit from every dollar spent. Prior to restoration of any program we must first evaluate the benefit of what we are restoring and what we are taking the money from. There is no extra money - this balance must exist.
Patch: What's one thing about the Patchogue-Medford school district that the public should know more about?
Maccabee: The numerous awards and recognition our students and teachers have achieved nationally.
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