Schools

Somers School Board Candidate: Karen Frieri

Five residents are running for three open seats on the Somers Central School Board of Education, and the vote is next week. 

Voters will go to the polls on May 21, casting their ballots from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the middle school gymnasium. Voters will decide on a $83,545,682 spending plan, with a tax rate of $151.95 for each $1,000 of assessed value, a jump of 3.61 percent over this year’s $146.66 — for the 2013-2014 academic year.

The candidates are: current trustee Ifay Chang; Donna Rosenblum, who was appointed to the Somers school board in January after Anthony Cirieco resigned from his position to serve on the Somers Town Board; Joseph Marra; Karen Frieri and Richard Wagner.

Patch reached out to each candidate who replied to the same set of questions. Here are Karen Frieri's answers:

Patch: Why are you running for the Somers school board?

Frieri: I firmly believe that all students deserve to achieve at the highest academic levels. Education is the most important tool for life success and our teachers are under great pressure today given the changing dynamics of state mandates, a new reality to safeguarding our students and a changing module on teacher effectiveness.

This combined with the challenges our students face, demands that we step up and work more collaboratively and more strategically than ever before to ensure that both students and parents have access to the best academic enrichment programs and faculty support.

I intend on ensuring that our educational programs continue to be strengthened and enhanced rather than depleted because of the shadow of state mandates. Additionally, as a parent of a child that underwent a complex medical condition, I advocate for more individualized attention to the diverse needs of all our children.

Patch: Why should district residents elect you to the position?

FrieriAn ideal addition to the Somers BOE would be someone that is proficient at adopting successful policies, strategies and leadership that meet the interests of the entire district. This person should be collaborative, insightful and dedicated to serving all students, regardless of abilities. I have the educational training, accomplishments, strong consensus-building skills and passion for educational excellence across the community.

Having earned both an MBA and Accounting degree as well as Certificate in Philanthropy and Fundraising, I was provided with the tools for success. As Senior Director for PepsiCo, I was consistently recognized for accomplishments related to team building, mentoring young professionals, and consensus building.  Prior to Pepsico, I was Finance V.P. for a midsize company where I led a financial and operational restructuring, restoring integrity with disciplined and streamlined policies.  

I currently serve on the Somers Citizen Finance Committee, a group dedicated to understanding financial planning of the district.  As a member since 2011, I have discussed proposed budget choices arising from the tax levy cap since its inception. I am eager to help children and teenagers succeed in life; to have tools and personal guidance that ensure they are prepared, emotionally and socially, to participate in the challenges and fast-paced environment of today’s world.

Patch: What do you consider the top three concerns in the school district? What is your tentative plan to address those issues?

Frieri:

1. Rapidly evolving landscape for our children to learn in, to compete in and to socialize in. It is critical that parents, educators and students are better prepared for the landscape of today as well as being poised for the changes that will continue to occur. What is even more apparent today is that our students are trying to balance a much fuller plate of academic demands and time consuming outside activities along side parents whom are equally as stretched.

While technology is a wonderful tool for productivity, it has also added a new challenge. Our students are consistently exposed to information that they may not have the mental and emotional maturity to handle. Protecting children from school shootings is just one example. We need to help children decipher the images and visual transparency of terrorism and other horrific events that they are exposed to each day.

We also need to invest more time and energy to preventing our teenagers and children from inadvertently causing pain or embarrassment by the misuse of pictures or text messages.

2. Educational Excellence for all children regardless of abilities or background. Somers is blessed with children that are motivated, intelligent and community minded. As board members, we must ensure that our policies and strategies reach across differences and enable parents and faculty to work together to prepare students for successful college and university careers as well as adulthood.

Education excellence must also evolve, wherever possible, from broad-spectrum standards to individualized programs that encourage students to find the best of what is within them, to develop the confidence to actively engage in new things and to learn the traits that will help them lead in life.

3. Fiscal Management is the responsibility of the BOE and it involves not simply the protection of the financial interests of our taxpayers and the schools in our district but it also encompasses ensuring that our financial decisions have occurred with the right amount of due diligence and analysis.

Dr. Blanch has done an excellent job of minimizing reductions that would have cut into educational programs by identifying other cost savings initiatives. His extensive review of budget options and forward-looking approach has allowed the district to stay within the 2% tax levy cap. It will be critical that Dr. Blanch and the BOE replicate this amount of effort each year, ensuring we always evaluate the effects of both staying within the levy and surpassing the levy. This continued effort each year must also be complimented by a community who provides input and opinion and actively participates in elections.

It is only through effective communication, understanding and collaboration that our board can continue to make the best decisions for the entire district.

Patch: Is there anything I haven't asked that you would like the public to know about you or your candidacy?

Frieri: Born and raised in New York with parents that emphasized excellence in education, hard work and community service. My parents led by example and volunteered tirelessly at our church parish and grammar school where they held fundraisers, assisted educators and were well known for always welcoming others into our home.

I attended largest Catholic HS in U.S. (~ 2,600 students), a recipient of Excellence in Education Award, St. Francis Prep where 98% of students attend college of choice. Fundamentals of the school: peace, love and respect for individual, community and environment are pillars of my career, personal life and volunteer service.  

Education: BBA degree in accounting from Adelphi University. MBA degree with honors from Iona College, earned while working full time. Certificate degree from Heyman Center for Philanthropy and Fundraising at New York University. 

Bedford Hills franchise principal for Soccer Post, largest U.S. soccer specialty retailer. Previously worked 6 years at PepsiCo holding leadership positions, including Senior Director: Finance, Senior Director: Integration. Recognized accomplishments centered on team building, mentoring young professionals, people development and consensus building. I also worked for RailWorks as Finance V.P. and led a financial & operational restructuring. Started career at Smith Barney, making Vice President at age 26. 

I am passionate about helping children and teenagers succeed in life; to have access to the tools and personal guidance that will ensure they are prepared, emotionally and socially, to participate in the challenges of the multi-faceted and fast-paced environment of today’s world. I firmly believe that all students deserve the best education in order to achieve at the highest academic levels.

I currently serve on the Somers Citizen Finance Committee, a group dedicated to enhancing and supporting community understanding of the financial planning of the Somers Central School district. As a member of this committee since 2011, I have been participating in the discussions and proposed budget choices arising from the tax levy cap since its inception.

I have previously volunteered at Blythedale & Montefiore Children’s Hospitals as well as volunteered with youth soccer teams. I also held a board position for the American Association of University Women, a not for profit organization dedicated to helping women and girls excel. In 2005, I was given the Aspiring Leader award for my volunteer efforts.

Married 22 years to Jerry with one child: Briana, 16, who attended Somers Schools (kindergarten -ninth grade). Briana switched schools this past fall and currently attends The Harvey School in Katonah. A change that occurred subsequent to a spinal problem and lengthy recovery from neurosurgery. Moving to a smaller school with individualized programs was the best option for Briana’s continued recovery and transition back to the  classroom.


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