Briarcliff's Joan Austin Likes the Challenge of Competing

A former teacher and avid reader, Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES Board member Joan Austin likes the challenge of meeting the demands of the educational marketplace. Here, we interview Joan as part the New York State School Boards Association’s “Do You Know Who I Am?” campaign.

 How long have you been a school board member?

I was a member of Briarcliff Manor’s school board from 1982 until 2001. I was appointed a BOCES board member in the fall of 2000.

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

I was a young mom living in Briarcliff, and I was involved with a lot of volunteer groups, in particular the Girl Scouts, and a group came to me and asked me to be part of the board. I used to teach, so I think that’s why they asked. Education has really been the passion of my adult life.

What is your occupation?

I work part-time as a tour guide at the Rockefeller Estate. It’s a fascinating place to work, with all the art collections and the history of the Hudson Valley and of the Rockefeller family.

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

It’s very different from serving on a local school district board. BOCES serves a much more diverse population with a broader scope. Because districts choose our services, BOCES is really entrepreneurial. We respond to the marketplace. I like that we have to compete. We have to be cost-effective.

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

I think a big challenge right now is limited resources. We cannot do everything, and we constantly have to prioritize. Every district is facing this. Another big challenge for BOCES is the ignorance about all the programs we have. People are locked into thinking BOCES is just about special education or vocational education, but we have the Future School Leaders program, the Center for Educational Leadership, and many college-bound programs for students as well.

What do you do in your spare time?

I am an avid, omnivorous reader. I like to read everything, but I am particularly interested in the classics. History is my field, so that really interests me. I’m also involved in my church. I keep active by playing tennis and walking at least five miles a day. I love music—especially classical music. My husband is retired, so we have been traveling a lot. We’ve been to the Antarctic, the Amazon, and we were in Africa in the fall.

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

Good judgment. As board members, we have to prioritize. We have to be willing to put emotion aside and listen to other points of view.

What qualities do you most value in an educator?

Also good judgment. You have to have vision, imagination and an incredible knowledge of the intricacies of state law. You also have to be self-critical.

Who are your heroes in real life?

Historically, I would have to say George Washington because of what he did to form and lead this country, and, of course, Lincoln. Churchill is one of my heroes as well. In modern times, I would say Nelson Mandela because of his ability to forgive and move on to do great things.

Who are your favorite writers?

The 19th century novelist George Eliot. And Shakespeare, because he knew humanity so well. Wallace Stegner, the historian and novelist, is also a favorite.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Spending time with family. It’s also great to just sit in the yard on a nice day, reading a book with my black lab next to me.