CHRIS DIFILIPPO FOR SYOSSET SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEE 2015

SYOSSET SCHOOLS BOARD TRUSTEE CHRIS DiFILIPPO ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR RE-ELECTION

Syosset School Board Trustee Chris DiFilippo recently announced his candidacy for re-election. DiFilippo is currently finishing up his first three year term as a Trustee and will stand for re-election as part of the May 19th, 2015 School District elections.
“I have worked hard for the students, staff and my fellow parents and taxpayers of our community over the last three years. I am looking forward to the opportunity to continue serving as your School Board Trustee for another three year term,” said DiFilippo.
A longtime Syosset School District resident, Chris DiFilippo was first elected to the school board in 2012, after several years of regularly attending school board meetings and asking tough questions. As a father of two Syosset school children, a son in college and a daughter who currently attends the high school, DiFilippo has seen firsthand both the best aspects of the Syosset school system as well as areas that could use some improvements.
“We have great educational opportunities for our children here in Syosset – it’s why many of us moved here,” said DiFilippo. “But we all began to realize that even with all the academic accolades, we needed some changes in our school system.”
Over the last three years, DiFilippo has been able to effectively collaborate with his school board colleagues, always seeking ways to combine with eight other dedicated Trustees ,to promote the interest of students.
DiFilippo has consistently shown the ability to work closely and effectively with district leadership, faculty, the members and leaders of the PTA, all parents, students and the greater Syosset-Woodbury community.
During his first term on the board, DiFilippo questioned many existing methods of operations, always seeking new and creative solutions that struck a careful balance between continuing to provide our children with the best educational opportunities possible and maintaining his fiduciary responsibilities to his fellow taxpayers.“My promise when I started this journey was to be a voice for our community. I have been true to my word and will continue to be your voice on the School Board,” said DiFilippo.
In the 2013-14 school year, the Board of Education embarked on a transformation as they took on the challenging task of “cleaning house.” Chris joined his fellow Trustees in thoroughly reviewing all Requests for Proposals and other District contracts or business agreements. “We interviewed vendors, lawyers, auditors, architects, real estate brokers, Nassau BOCES and others to ensure maximum performance at less cost,” said DiFilippo. “I am very proud to have been a part of the climate for transformation, which introduced fresh leadership, ideas and ongoing collaboration with other trustees, school district administration and PTA groups.”
DiFilippo was part of the School Board team that initiated and managed one of the most significant changes in the Syosset School District in over two decades – a major shift in executive leadership at the district. “I was very proud to collaborate with my fellow Trustees in the selection and hiring of both Interim Superintendent Dr. Friedman in 2013 and our current Superintendent, Dr. Rogers – two excellent leaders who have set the course for an even brighter future for our children and our district.”
Chris DiFilippo is an experienced Trustee with a proven track record of getting the tough work done. “I am dedicated and committed to a better future for our school system and the students and parents we are here to serve. There is still more work to be done on behalf of our students and I look forward to the opportunity to continue serving my community as a Trustee for another three years,” DiFilippo said.
Some of Chris DiFilippo’s accomplishments during his first term as a Syosset School Board Trustee have included:
- Initiated the Finance Advisory Committee, the first Board Committee in over 20 years, dedicated to increased transparency and to welcome community participation.
- Led an effort to require the use of comprehensive financial documents in the school budget process, in order to show previous year’s actual expenses vs. budgeted allocations.
- Advocated to hear from important stakeholder groups involved in our children’s education at the monthly Board Meeting, including our PTA and student councils in both middle schools and the high school.
- Advocated for increased transparency, pushed for new district website with board meeting minutes, archived meeting minutes, budget information and other relevant documents related to education and spending.
- Worked with district staff to design an online inquiry process for members of the community to ask questions or voice views.
Over the next few months, Chris DiFilippo will continue to be out in the community and at school events, listening to the concerns of his fellow parents and residents. To learn more about Chris and his work as a Syosset School Board Trustee, visit http://chrisforsyosset.com/ and follow him on Facebook.