GREENE – Less than a year after receiving his high school diploma, Greene graduate Ethan Day is vying for a seat on his alma mater’s school board.
Rather than seeing his young age as a disadvantage, Day, who is currently studying political science at Binghamton University, believes it is one of his strongest assets in the election.
“I can offer a unique perspective on the needs of the district,” the well spoken 19-year old explained.
Because his own school experience is still fresh in his mind, Day said he believes he can offer insight into the student thought process, as well as what is and what isn’t working at the school. Such as the effectiveness of programs and curriculum, and the impact of proposed cuts.
As a college student who creates his own schedule, he said he has the time to devote to the board. And as both a graduate and resident of the Greene district, with two younger brothers enrolled in the Middle School, he says he has a vested interest in the continual success of the district.
According to Day, the most pressing concern facing the Greene Central School District is the fiscal crisis facing it and other school systems across the state. The challenge, he explained, is “balancing cuts with the high standards of education we have in Greene.”
“We have to look closely at how we make cuts,” the board candidate said. “We need to make the school fiscally responsible.”
Day commended the current board for their work in developing a budget for the 2010-11 school year which spread the burden of reductions across the district. Going forward, he said he would like to continue that approach.
“I think more cuts are inevitable for the district,” he said, and he would like to continue to use that approach.
Day feels strongly about maintaining the wealth of extracurricular activities offered by the schools, and said he hopes the community will “pull together” to continue supporting them in future budget years.
Extracurriculars like Footlights and student government, he explained, “are more than just activities; (they) are part of the learning process.”
It was through one of these organizations at Greene High School, Interact, which allowed Day to start giving back to his community. He was president of the student group, which is affiliated with Rotary, during his senior. In that capacity, he helped organize the club’s annual Rake-a-thon, a can drive in conjunction with student government, and a fundraiser in support of research to combat childhood cancer. He and his fellow students also helped sort, pack and deliver Rotary Baskets at the holidays.
While Day admits he was initially concerned how Greene residents would respond to his candidacy because of his age, but those fears have been assuaged by the strong support he has received.
“They know I love this community and want the best for it,” he said.
Day is well aware of the time commitment required of school board members, as his father Keith served on the board for 6 years when he was growing up.
“He encouraged me (to run),” Day said, of his father.
Day will have stiff competition on Tuesday, as he is one of five candidates vying for three vacancies on the board. Incumbent School Board President Christopher Cox and board member Helen Hunsinger are both seeking re-election, and the names of challengers Justin Fitzgerald and Ellen Sherwood will also appear on the ballot along with Day’s.
It is the most choice Greene voters have had in recent years. Both last year and the prior May, the district has had fewer candidates than vacancies. In both elections, they relied on write-ins to fill the last remaining seats.
Polls will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday in the Middle/High School Auditorium Lobby.