To the Editor:
This is a letter to Canastota School District community residents.
I would like to take this opportunity to humbly request your support of my bid to join the Canastota School Board.
I currently have 3 children enrolled in the district, 4th, 8th and 10th grades and have had one son that has graduated from Canastota.
I have no hidden agenda; I think all Students, Staff, Programs and Curriculum need to be treated fairly and consistently with parity.
For the last 4 year I have been actively attending our school board meetings and decided it was time for me to take a more active role from within the board. I believe it is a vital time for change.
I recognize the challenges our residents have with rising taxes, especially for our community members who are on limited incomes.
I will do my best to ensure the children and the community receive what we are all striving for — the best education, best facilities and best staff we all can afford. I will be seeking contributions from all of you and hope to be the community’s voice at board meetings and in policy discussions.
OUR school needs to be a place with a set of partnerships between the school and other community resources. Its integrated focus on academics, health and social services, youth and community development and community engagement leads to improved student learning, stronger families and healthier communities. This school is the center of the community and needs to be the showcase of Canastota.
I am currently working for a Fortune 500 company as an Operations Director, with budget responsibility of over $17M and over 100 employees, both management and union. I am currently serving my second 4-year term as Village of Canastota Trustee and volunteer my time with Little League, Pop Warner, Boy Scouts and the Canastota Recreation program. I am a member of St. Agatha Church, American Legion Post 140 and CNY Medical Reserve Corp.
Let me use my knowledge and experience to help our school district grow and be the best it can be.
I urge everyone to vote on May 17.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Bill Haddad, 107 Douglas Heights Dr., Canastota