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042205 Head of board to step down
By ABBY LUBY
Bedford Central school board president Paula Kumar decided to step down from the board after serving for six years. That leaves three seats available on the board, one of which will be sought by Mount Kisco resident Eric Karle, who announced this week that he will be running.
"I have mixed feelings about leaving the board, because I've enjoyed working with my colleagues," said Ms. Kumar. "After six years, it's time to do different things in my life. I feel I'm leaving the board in a good place, and the work we've done has been fruitful."
and are currently held by Ms. Kumar and Mark Slivka. The third seat is for the unexpired term of Jason Black, which has 13 months remaining on it and is currently filled by Mark Chernis. Mr. Chernis was appointed by the board last September until the next election, when Mr. Black moved out of the area. Mark Slivka has submitted a petition for the unexpired term of Jason Black.
Mr. Chernis has filed a nominating petition for the seat currently held by Mark Slivka. In July, at the organizational meeting of the board of education, a president and a vice president will be selected for the 2005-06 school year.
Mr. Karle has submitted his petition for the third seat. He has lived in Mount Kisco for 18 years, and his four children are ages 7, 11, 14, and 17. Mr. Karle is a chiropractic physician who practices in Harrison. His wife is a teacher in New Rochelle.
"I would like to see the bond project through," said Mr. Karle. "This is a great district. When we built our house, it was half on the Bedford side and half on the Chappaqua side. We decided to stay on the Bedford side."
Mr. Karle said he understands the frustrations of trying to get projects funded and then completed
"Projects could be held up for all sorts reasons, like the SED [New York State Education Department] delays. But you use the funds the best you can. The board has done a great job. I'm hoping I can do just as good a job as they have done.
Ms. Kumar, also a Mount Kisco resident, has been on the board since 1999. Last year she was elected by the board to serve as president for the remaining year of that term. Mr. Slivka, a Pound Ridge resident, was voted in as vice president last year and has been chair of the finance subcommittee.
Mr. Chernis, who lives in Bedford Corners, joined the board in December 2004.