Timothy O’Connor Questionnaire Response
Why do you want to serve on the Board of Education?
As a Shaker graduate, attorney, NYSUT member and and lifelong North Colonie resident, I look forward to further advancing the district’s reputation for academic excellence.
I was approached by a number of parents last July who suggested that I consider running for School Board. In the first half of last year I attended one dozen combined Principal, Superintendent, and Board of Education meetings and hearings. This was during the same time frame in which I was working with my Shaker classmates in planning our 40th reunion. A number of those classmates, and neighbors as well, encouraged me to run for School Board. However, when R.P.I. Professor Dr. Michael Trinkala, Ph.D., my former Shaker High physics teacher, strongly encouraged me to run for school board, I knew I had the championing I needed.
What do you see as the role of the Board?
I would like to assure that the North Colonie Central School District affords all of its students a nurturing and supportive educational experience. As a member of the School Board I will not be a rubber stamp for the decisions of administrators. I take seriously my obligation to make unbiased and independent decisions to assure that we do not lose sight of our most important asset – our students.
What do you think the goal of public education should be?
Trends involving big data, information technology, artificial intelligence, and emerging blockchain technology is already impacting higher education and students at the secondary levels of education. Educators and school districts must be as aware of the emerging trends. Public education should also be committed to preserving the humanities and shaping students who are adaptable in our ever-changing world.
How have you been involved in our North Colonie schools over the past two or three years?
I have advocated on behalf of a number of students in the past 18 months and have met with numerous teachers, administrators, building contractors and parents. Having attended a number of hearings with Principals, the Superintendent and the current Board of Education, I feel there is a need for an independent thinker. As the only attorney member of the Board of Education, if elected, I feel that I can make the difference. I love this District and want to see it stay on top.
What do you think is the biggest challenge our North Colonie schools face over the next five or ten years?
Serving its growing and diverse student body with the full implementation of the Common Core standards and critical thinking appeals to educators. The NCCSD is faced with challenges including educational policies, demographics, achievement gaps, and finances. Towards this end, I am certain that my expertise in law, dispute resolution, school district matters, teaching and the financial markets will advance the better good. Further, as my commitment to transparency and greater communication, and my dedication to a cause that is greater than any one person is something that will benefit the entire community.
I. Recruit, fairly compensate, and retain qualified teachers
II. Creation of a Family and Student Ombudsman Office and a mediation and dispute resolution process to assist families through special needs, scholastic, and disciplinary disputes. Litigation and the Courts should be a last resort.
III. Complete overhaul of existing student disciplinary procedures to promote fairness, honesty, and transparency
IV. Promote clear testing protocols and procedures for all tests and assessments administered to Students
V. Provide and promote a community college educational path for students disinclined to pursue a four-year college education
VI. Assure that non-college bound students are provided with productive educational resources and training opportunities
VII. Welcome new residents and first generation Americans into the school district to assure diversity and inclusiveness
VIII. Assure that school building and athletic facilities are updated, repaired, and expanded to continue our long tradition of academic and athletic excellence
IX. Provide a state-of-the-art technology integrated curriculum
X. Complete budget transparency, including future projections of all cost components to protect the District’s bond rating
XI. Encourage a mentoring and tutoring program for our students by tapping into our valuable resource of seniors, retirees, and volunteers
XII. Mandate district wide voting at the traditional neighborhood elementary school polling places throughout the district in all Board of Education and budget votes
How would your experience allow you to help the district meet that challenge?
In 2004, I co-founded the innovative securities arbitration clinical instruction in the “Securities Arbitration Clinic” which was funded by a grant from then Attorney General, Eliot Spitzer. This program was designed to afford pro bono representation to exploited low income and elderly investors.
I am currently teaching two honors courses in the Financial Market Regulation Program at SUNY Albany’s Business School in the Massry Building, addressing emerging trends in technology within the financial markets. I have also mentored many young people over the years. For some, the mentoring involved ongoing meetings with guidance counselors, teachers, and administrators.
I have interfaced with school districts in a number of capacities over the past 32 years in matters involving public bidding, employment, student discipline, tax assessment, and election matters and I feel I can bring this experience to the Board of Education. If elected, I would be the only lawyer on the Board of Education.
What is your position on the bond issue (Proposition 2) on the ballot on May 16? What was your position on the bond issue that failed in December?
I favor both the upcoming budget and bond votes. Last year’s bond issue failed due to poor public relations, timing, weather and voter dismay. Addition upgrades to Shaker High School are next in line. I have met with representatives of Turner Construction and they feel that there is a silver lining in the failure of the larger proposal. In the interim time period since the failed larger budget vote, a number of logical changes to the plans for Shaker High School, have already been made and will surely prevail with the proper community involvement and outreach.