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Seven candidates discuss district priorities at Somers Central School District forum
Summary
A League of Women Voters–moderated forum gave Somers voters a chance to hear from seven candidates vying for three seats on the Somers Central School District board; three invited candidates did not attend. The forum reviewed candidates' priorities, the newly hired superintendent's onboarding and the May 20 vote.
A candidate forum co‑hosted by the Somers PTA Council and the League of Women Voters Northeast Westchester brought local voters together to hear from seven people vying for three seats on the Somers Central School District Board of Education.
The forum, moderated by Alice McNamara of the League of Women Voters Rivertown and time‑kept by Maura Rosenthal, followed ground rules set by the league. Jaywan Sheldon of the PTA Council opened the evening, telling the audience, “All of the questions I'll ask have been submitted by the SOMERS community.” Susan Polos represented the League at the start of the forum.
Candidates who participated were Yifei Chang, Chadwick Olson, Rosalind Gallino and Amanda Kandel. Michael Rittacco, Joseph Fela and Michael Rinaldi were invited but did not participate. Each candidate had one minute for opening and closing remarks, one minute to answer each question and one automatic 30‑second rebuttal, the moderators said.
In their statements and answers, candidates addressed district finances and programming, supports for diverse learners, mental health resources, the role of the board in supporting and holding the superintendent accountable and district communications with the community. Several candidates cited the recent unanimous appointment of Dr. Adam Braunstein as superintendent as an immediate transition issue for the board and district.
The moderator reminded listeners that the district's annual vote is scheduled for May 20, with voting hours announced at the forum. The ballot will include board seats, the proposed district budget and a facilities/construction proposition.
Discussion at the forum was conversational and advisory: there were no motions or formal board actions taken during the event, which served as a public information opportunity ahead of the vote.
