Anita Feldman Tireless Advocate for Education

Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES Board member and former president Anita Feldman has been honored numerous times for her tireless work on behalf of students. As part of the New York State School Boards Association "Do You Know Who I Am Campaign," we asked Anita to answer a modified Proust questionnaire. Here are her answers.

How long have you been a school board member?

I’ve been on school boards for 32 years, beginning with election to the Mahopac Board of Education in 1981.

What made you decide to run for the school board initially?

I was asked to run by a group of townspeople who became involved because the district needed new leadership.

What is your occupation?

I’m retired now but I worked in accounting and later in sales for the Greeting Card and Gift business.

What is special about serving on a BOCES board of education?

Do you have an hour? There are so many ways that BOCES’ serves the community, with GED programs, English Language programs, Career and Technical offerings and Special Education. It is very rewarding; and the people who work at BOCES love being there as much as I love being on the board. It is a unique place.

What is the biggest challenge you face as a board member?

The biggest challenge is costing out our services so districts can afford them in this difficult economy. Our districts are not receiving the aid they need from New York State yet they are expected to comply with more and more state mandates.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I like to travel. I’ve been all over the world: Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, China, Japan, Costa Rica, South America, Mexico, India, Canada, Europe and all over the U.S. and Canada. I've been very fortunate.

What qualities do you most value in a school board member?

I value someone who takes the time to learn about managing education. You may be involved in a business but education is a different kind of animal. You are responsible for people’s lives.

What qualities do you most value in an educator?

That they care about the people they teach as persons, that they know their subject matter and they never stop learning.

Who are your heroes in real life?

My mother was my hero, and all my wonderful friends. I am an only child so my friends always have been very important to me.

Who are your favorite writers?

Khalid Hussein, who wrote the Kite Runner. I’ve read all of his books. I love the passion in his writing.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Good health.