Our Platform

Leave what works. Improve the rest.

Literacy

Garden City should be a leader in literacy, yet too many students are struggling with foundational reading and writing skills. Decades of research show that structured literacy—based on the science of reading—is the most effective way to teach all children, especially those at risk for reading difficulties. We cannot rely on outdated, debunked methods that leave too many students behind. Families are left scrambling for private tutoring and possible special education misclassification, while taxpayer dollars are wasted on ineffective literacy consultants and programs that don’t deliver results.

  • We view our literacy program as a top priority. With a background in education law and literacy advocacy—including direct experience in shaping New York State literacy policy—we will insist that Garden City fully adopts a structured literacy approach that is grounded in research, aligned with state guidelines, and proven to raise student achievement. 

    ✅ Science-Based Reading Instruction – Replace ineffective programs with structured literacy that teaches decoding, fluency, and comprehension systematically.
    ✅ Early Screening & Support – Identify struggling readers before they fall behind and provide intervention that works.
    ✅ Accountability in Leadership – No wasting money on consultants and programs that don’t improve student outcomes. Demand transparency and measurable results.
    ✅ Teacher Training & Support – Ensure our educators have the tools and training to deliver research-backed instruction effectively and with fidelity.

    Literacy is the foundation of all learning, and Garden City must always commit to an approach that ensures every child becomes a confident, capable reader and writer.

Special Education

We believe that every child deserves the right support at the right time. Unfortunately, this hasn’t always happened. As a dedicated education attorney and an experienced advocate for structured literacy, we bring firsthand knowledge of how special education can work for students, families, and taxpayers alike, as well as how conflicts can needlessly devolve into expensive legal battles that could have been avoided. Our plan focuses on early intervention, clear accountability, and proactive solutions—reducing costly delays and conflict while helping ensure every child gets the instruction and services they need to thrive.

  • Our vision for special education reform includes:
    ✅ Early Identification & Intervention – Catch learning challenges sooner so students get help before problems escalate. Communicate clearly to parents regarding how their child is doing.
    ✅ Structured Literacy for ALL – Implement evidence-based reading instruction to reduce special education referrals and improve overall student success.
    ✅ Collaboration Over Conflict – Shift from a combative legal approach to a student-first model that supports families instead of fighting them.
    ✅ Smart Spending – Put resources where they matter most—directly in classrooms.

Responsible Spending

A great school district balances academic excellence with smart financial management. Garden City taxpayers invest significantly in our schools, and it’s essential that every dollar is used efficiently, effectively, and transparently to support student success. We believe in a forward-thinking approach to budgeting—one that prioritizes proven educational programs, early interventions, and direct classroom support while reducing unnecessary expenses, wasteful spending, and bloat. Across the country, the best-run school districts achieve outstanding results not by spending more, but by spending smarter.

  • Our approach to fiscal responsibility includes:
    ✅ Investing in What Works – Directing resources toward evidence-based academic programs, early interventions, and teacher support that have been shown to improve student outcomes.
    ✅ Maximizing Efficiency – Finding ways to reduce costly litigation, ineffective consulting contracts, and administrative waste—ensuring more funding reaches students and classrooms.
    ✅ Long-Term Planning for Stability – Implementing a strategic, data-driven approach to budgeting that safeguards resources for future generations of students and keeps tax rates fair.
    ✅ Full Transparency & Accountability – Ensuring clear communication with taxpayers about how school funds are allocated, with data-driven decision-making guiding every investment.

    Great schools and responsible spending go hand in hand. By bringing fresh perspectives to the Board, we can strengthen our district while ensuring that every taxpayer dollar is used wisely and effectively. Together, we can maintain a sustainable, high-achieving school system that serves students, families, and the entire community.  

Leadership & Governance

A successful school district depends on strong leadership and responsible oversight. The Board of Education’s two most important responsibilities are setting sound policy and holding leadership accountable to ensure that every decision benefits students, supports teachers, and respects taxpayers.

Garden City has a committed Board of Education and administration, but like any great organization, stronger oversight and fresh perspectives will help drive better outcomes. With our experience in education law, policy, and governance, we can provide the expertise needed to help the Board make more informed, student-focused decisions.

  • Our approach to leadership accountability includes:
    ✅ Transparent Decision-Making – Ensuring clear communication between the district and the community so parents and taxpayers always know how and why decisions are made.
    ✅ Performance-Based Leadership – Establishing clear benchmarks for student achievement and program effectiveness to measure success and make improvements where needed.
    ✅ Smarter Resource Allocation – Helping the Board direct funds where they have the greatest impact—classrooms, teachers, and proven student programs.
    ✅ Collaborative & Proactive Oversight – Supporting our Board colleagues with legal and policy expertise to strengthen governance, improve student outcomes, and build public trust.

    By bringing our unique experience and Student First approach to the Board, we can help Garden City schools reach new heights—ensuring that every child receives the best possible education in a district that is transparent, well-managed, and always striving for excellence.