Q & A with Kelly White, Montauk's Only School Board Candidate

Kelly White is running unopposed for another five-year term on the Board of Education. She is just finishing her first term in office. Read why she wants to continue her work.

Q: What was your motivation to seek another term?
A: I very much enjoy the work. We have a cohesive board with common goals and I love the fact that I can give back to the very school I graduated from and served me so well. Montauk School is a wonderful and nurturing environment and a place I dearly love.

Q: How old are your children and what grades are they in and at which school?
A: My daughter, Erin (11) is in sixth grade and my daughter, Megan (8) is in third grade.

Q: How many years have you taught at the Amagansett School?
A: I have been at the for 17 years. When I began at the Amagansett School, I taught fifth grade for about five years and then took on administrative duties. For many years, I was the Director of Programs which encompassed responsibility in many areas. This is my first year back in the classroom and again I am teaching fifth grade.

Q: How does your professional experience impact your role on the Montauk School Board?
A: My professional experience allows me the opportunity to assist in making informed and thoughtful decisions. My very first degree was in global marketing which affords me a business sense. Thereafter, I received a bachelors and masters in teaching and later a masters in school district administration. Through my job experiences and education, I have strong knowledge of school law, special education administration, district policy, curriculum planning, NY State requirements, school budgets and other areas.

Q: What do you feel are your best accomplishments as a member of the Montauk school board?
A: My best accomplishments, I think, are bringing to the board my professional background and experience as well as the thoughts of a parent, community member and taxpayer.

Q: What do you feel are your best qualities that you bring to the school board?
A: I feel I am energetic, careful, considerate of all viewpoints and dedicated to the continued improvement of the school.

Q: What are the challenges that face the Montauk School Board in your next term and how do you plan on approaching them?
A: Challenges that face any school board include ensuring the best education for our students in these rapidly changing times. We must also balance that responsibility with the ever changing requirements of the State as well as maintaining fiduciary responsiblity to the citizens.