Irvington School Board Candidate's Profile: John Dawson

1) How long have you lived in Irvington? Do you—or have you had—children in the district?

• I have lived in Irvington for 30 years.  My wife is a lifetime resident.  Our 3 children have gone through Irvington Schools, the youngest graduates this June.  I have a nephew in Kindergarten

2) What experience—either personal or professional—do you have that makes you a strong candidate to serve on the Irvington Board or Ed.? 

• I have been in education for over 30 years and have a Masters degree in Educational Administration.  Besides being on the Board the last three years, I have been on the Board of IVAC, (and was Captain for 2 years), and have been on advisory boards in Yonkers schools.

3) What issues facing the district do you feel most strongly about? (property taxes, curriculum, services for students with special needs, academic or extra-curricular programs etc.)

• The biggest issues facing our district are: Creating a vision for where the district is going, (and figuring out how to measure success of the vision), dealing with the Tax Cap, APPR mandates, Common Core Standards, creating meaningful measures with which to evaluate teachers and administrators, playgrounds and playing fields etc.

4) What is your tentative  plan to address these issues?

• Our job is to give what he needs to collaboratively create a vision and implement it.  All of the rest should fall into place within that framework.  It may mean prioritizing objectives and being patient, but, hopefully, all will be addressed over time.

Final thoughts: 

• It is disappointing to me, that in spite of the wonderful anti-bullying program that district and community have developed, we have witnessed vicious  attacks on people running for a volunteer position.  The lies, innuendos, and misstatements have been hurtful should be unacceptable in our community.

Candidate has already answered the same questions. This week, we'll also profile: Della Lenz, Robyn Kerner and Maria Kashkin.