It’s a race for Hen Hud trustee seats

Five Candidates Vie for Two Seats On Hendrick Hudson Board of Education

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By Steve Pavlopoulos

Hendrick Hudson High School students Hannah Quigley and Connor Prokopiak, both members of the Peer Leadership program, got real world experience Tuesday night as they served as co-moderators of the candidate forum in front of a crowd of over 60. In doing so, they hit upon two pillars of the district’s strategic plan (student engagement and real world experiences) and were able to participate in an important process that impacts the district.

The forum was hosted by the PTA Advocacy Committee at the Hendrick Hudson Free Library. The questions posed were all submitted by residents and vetted by the PTA Advocacy Committee. A total of 21 people submitted 94 questions, up from 13 people submitting 34 questions at the last forum. 

 

Candidates, left to right, Frank Dominguez, Joanna Harbolic, Alea Vorillas, Tomica Dietrich and Amelia Silverman (Photos by Steve Pavlopoulos)

Trustee Alixandra Philbin, who serves as vice president  and Trustee Cory Notrica will see their terms end on June 30th. Each seat is for a three-year term that will run from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2026. The two new trustees, along with the five incumbent board members, will be charged with bringing on a new full-time superintendent, balancing the budget, evaluating the efficacy of the Princeton Plan, implementing the Diversity Equity and Inclusion initiatives as part of the strategic plan, and supporting the mission of the district. 

 On the ballot are Tomica Dietrich, Frank Dominguez, Joanna Harbolic, Amelia Silverman and Alea Vorillas. Candidate bios are conveniently located on the district website and attendees of the forum were all given the contact information for each candidate to reach out with further questions between now and the election.

The forum was live-streamed and archived for viewing in its entirety on the district’s YouTube channel.

A divided Hendrick Hudson School District was among the big themes at the forum. Covering a range of topical questions, the candidates spoke about the need for civility, transparency, accountability, equity, accurate data, fiscal responsibility, smart budget strategy, communication, and the universal goal of making all the district’s schools excellent while addressing the needs of every student. 

In their opening statements, each candidate laid out their connections to the community and reasons for getting involved. Dominguez cited his experience with unions, “Being involved in a labor movement, naturally, I felt an urge to get involved and help where I could.” Harbolic explained she’s a “data-driven person who can look at all sides of the issues and come to an informed decision.” Vorillas said her strength lies in, “finding innovative solutions to complex problems and getting to the ‘why’ through listening and empathy.” Dietrich said she, “Wants the best for my son. It’s a priority to raise him in an environment that allows him to grow and flourish.” Silverman said that, “Education is my passion” and “making sure we are always meeting students where they are is always at the forefront of my advocacy.”

The vote will take place on Tuesday, May 16 at Frank G. Lindsey Elementary School from 7 am – 9 pm. If you have not yet registered to vote, you may do so in person with Carmen Koch, District Clerk at the School District Administration Building, 61 Trolley Road, Montrose, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., up to five days before the vote.  You are also able to check your registration status by calling the District Clerk at (914) 257-5112.