Bedford Central board candidates answer questions

By JEFF MORRIS

With only two candidates running for the two open seats on the Bedford Central Board of Education, the election is essentially uncontested. Nonetheless, The Recorder wanted to give Erin Hayes and Leo Sposato a forum to answer questions relevant to their desire to be district trustees. Here are two questions and their responses.

The Recorder: What specific steps do you think the BOE should take to prepare for implementing the special education study and the upcoming Dual Language Bilingual Education study?

Hayes: I think we should begin by ensuring both studies are approached collaboratively at the building level. Forming committees that include administrators, teachers, staff, parents — is critical to making sure recommendations reflect the unique needs and culture of each school community. From there, the district should develop a thoughtful implementation plan that prioritizes recommendations, establishes realistic timelines, and considers staffing, facilities, and financial impact within the broader district context.

I also think it’s important to recognize that meaningful programmatic shifts are already happening. Both studies should also be viewed through the lens of our MTSS [Multi-Tiered System of Supports] framework to ensure students are receiving support early and effectively. 

Additionally, the district’s restructuring of special education into a unified PPS [pupil personnel services] department overseeing both 504s and IEPs is an encouraging move toward stronger integration between general and special education services. Most importantly, implementation planning must always be viewed within the districtwide context. 

These are important initiatives, but no single initiative can consume resources at the expense of other student needs or district priorities. Thoughtful balance, communication, and long-term planning will be essential to successful implementation.

Sposato: I have to tell you that I am directly involved with those decisions and steps now. I am a member of the curriculum counsel and I have the greatest respect and complete faith in Amy Fishkin, Dr. Glass and Dr. Carey. The reading/literacy assessments have been reported and the growth is outstanding. 

The decisions that are made are made for the growth of all our students. We should be very proud of our rich selection of programming that includes gems like the dual language, art, music and athletic programs. 

The Recorder: How do you think the district can ensure equity between the elementary schools while maintaining the existing “neighborhood schools” concept?

Hayes: I strongly support maintaining our neighborhood school model because each of our elementary schools has its own unique culture, traditions, strengths, and community identity. Those differences are valuable and should be preserved. At the same time, every child in the district deserves access to a high-quality educational experience, regardless of which school they attend. To me, equity does not mean making all five schools identical. It means ensuring all students have access to strong academics, enrichment opportunities, support services, arts and music, technology, and safe, updated facilities. I think the district needs to be honest about where disparities exist. Some school communities have greater fundraising capacity or outside resources than others, and over time that can unintentionally create gaps in opportunities for students. The district should work collaboratively with school communities and PTAs to identify those gaps and determine where additional district-level support may be needed. Transparency is also important. Families should understand how decisions are made around staffing, programming, and resources so there is trust that all schools are being supported fairly. Ultimately, I believe we can pursue equity while still respecting what makes each neighborhood school special. The goal should not be to erase the individuality of our schools, but to strengthen all of them so every student and family feels supported and proud of their school community.

Sposato: The BOE and the administration, along with its teachers and staff, I believe, work to help every child — not just their children. As a BOE member, it is important to listen to all the voices in the community and to make decisions that help everyone. All our kids will go from the local elementary schools into the middle school and into Fox Lane to be part of the dynamic, rich tapestry that makes up Bedford Central School District. No decision is made in a vacuum and decisions may not always be perfect, but I believe that our intentions are true and the changes are making a dramatic difference and giving all our students the opportunity to reach their potential. This is an ongoing mission and one that I treat with the utmost care and respect.