For the past 12 years I have had the thrill of living in a community that stands by me daily however there was no way for me to prepare me for their overwhelming endorsement of my candidacy for the Herricks School Board. 4,065 taxpaying residents came out in the pouring rain to vote on the Herricks school budget and a new board of education member. These voters represented parents, senior citizens, and empty-nesters from the many communities that make up the Herricks school district.
I decided to run for the school board to offer new ideas and perspectives to the challenges our community would be facing. I enjoyed the six weeks of the campaign, meeting people and listening to the concerns of their neighborhoods, families and children. Our focus was on moving the community forward, offering a new viewpoint for the future of everyone that lives here. This focus remained steady and firm and developed as I spoke to and listened to the variety of issues over the many months that preceded my decision to run for the vacated school board seat. I heard concerns of ever rising school taxes, the need for greater communication with our staff, finding new ways to sort out our residency issues, maintaining our quality education for all the students, preserving the values of our homes, and most importantly listening and acting in accordance to the needs of all the residents of Herricks.
Culmination of our efforts came on Election Day. Many community members approached me on the steps of the Herricks Community Center to say that they had not voted in decades. I want to express my appreciation to each and every one of you who came out and were part of what appears to be a record number of votes for a Herricks School Board member in the past 30 years. On a rain soaked day so many came out to cast a vote of support to begin a new era for the Herricks School Board.
My family and I are humbled at the overwhelming support offered by the voters and all our dear friends in the great community. I stand ready to serve and do the best job possible for all the residents but I can’t do it alone. I encourage all of you to come and take part in the process, attend the Board of Education meetings and let your voices be heard.
I look forward to taking my place alongside the board members who have been serving the community for years. Together, I know we can make a difference.
Jim Gounaris, Trustee-Elect
Herricks School Board
