School Board Candidates Discuss Major Issues, Goals

The four candidates running for Nyack School Board discussed goals, debated policy and explained their qualifications at Monday evening's forum at Nyack High School. The two incumbents— and —were joined by newcomers and .

(To read individual interviews with the candidates, click their hyperlinked names above.)

Here a brief breakdown of their stances on major issues:

Each candidate had three minutes for opening and closing remarks that bookended the evening; for the hours in between, the hopefuls fielded questions from the PTA and parents in attendance.

One major issue was the , a contentious ruling that began last summer and prevents freshman and some sophomores from leaving campus during the school day. LaColla, who has taken a stand against the policy at past board meetings, sounded off on the topic.

"The process of implementing the policy was broken," he said, noting the decision was reached without proper public input. "We missed an opportunity for a thorough debate." He added there are better ways to increase security and bolster students' well-being, like implementing universal busing.

Irvin, Jimerson and Marshall all noted they support the policy, but some still expressed qualms.

"It doesn't address the fundamental problem of why kids aren't coming to class," Irvin said.

This year's budget—which comes in at around —was also hot topic. All four candidates noted they supported the budget.

"It was difficult," Irvin said. "But the board kept the personality of Nyack."

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Voting details

When: Tuesday, May 17, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Where: Depew Manor, Hilltop Building, Valley Cottage School, Upper Nyack School