Northport Candidate Profile: Karen Wills

Northport Patch is breaking down the candidates. We have and video introductions. Now, we are sharing their answers to questions posed to them at the 's 'Meet the Canddiates' event Tuesday, May 10 at

 The event was moderated by the PTA Council’s Jennifer LaBruna. 

Audience members submitted questions, and LaBruna confirmed that all questions were asked during the evening, with the exception of any which were redundant. 

Here we feature the answers of incumbent Karen Wills.

What do you see as the Role of the Board of Education?
Current board Vice President Karen Wills stressed the need to take a multi-year approach to setting policy. “I think student achievement is number one. Keep the focus on the kids. It’s important to set policy with that in mind.”

Do you support the budget?
Wills supports the budget “whole-heartedly”, noting that this is the third year in a row that the tax levy has been under two percent, even as the technology program expands.

Are special needs best served within the district?
“Home is where the heart is.” That’s how Wills summed up her feelings about educating students with special needs. She said sometimes the BOCES program is appropriate, but for the most part she leaned toward keeping education within the district. “We can do it best at a lower cost.”

How about a budget finance committee?
Wills said she thought a committee was already in place. “It’s you – the public.” She said the board goes through the budget line by line, which is a very open process that allows for feedback from the public.

Eight periods or AIS?
Candidate Joe Sabia was asked specifically how his support of an eight-day period would work with regard to AIS (Academic Intervention Services) students who would not be able to take an elective.

Sabia noted that core classes would be longer, which would be beneficial to all students.  “AIS is not going to be treated any differently.” 

Wills disagreed, saying, “AIS kids are most at risk. I’m not about to strip things for kids just to save money.” 

If you had the funds, what would you enhance? 
Wills spoke of full day kindergarten, thinking that if space and money were available, that would be a good opportunity to explore. 

Why are you qualified to run for the Board of Education? 
This questions was specifically directed at candidate Kristen Gavin. Wills said, “My record stands.” She did commend the other candidates for volunteering to run. “We might not agree but I commend you.”

How should technology be used?
Wills spoke of one teacher at Half Hollow Hills who allowed students to use their own preferred devices in the classroom. “This is what kids know, “ she said, adding that professional development was key. “That’s in the budget.”

If LIPA wins its tax certiairi lawsuit against the Town of Huntington, and the district loses $25 million, how would you handle it? 
Wills declined to answer, citing that it would inappropriate to attach a dollar amount since the district has filed a countersuit to LIPA’s attempt to reduce the tax assessment on the Northport power plant.

Why this 'meet the candidates' event, and not the first one? 
The candidates were asked about a Meet the Candidates night sponsored on May 5 by the Times of Northport. Wills that the PTA event was on the district calendar, and said that two weeks notice given by the Times wasn’t sufficient.

Should we push to change the way Suffolk County collects school taxes? 
School districts throughout the state issue tax warrants and collect the tax levy to coincide with the start of the school. Only Suffolk County is required to send such tax bills in December, which results in the need for extensive short-term borrowing by school districts in the form of tax anticipation notes (TANS). Although they are usually short-term notes, the interest can be substantial – hence the suggestion for a change.

Candidate Joe Gannon noted that he had brought a resolution before the board to advocate for an amendment to Suffolk County Tax Bill A03911, regarding the schedule for the collection of school taxes within the county

Wills said she is in favor of amendment and commended Gannon for his actions and suggesting that all of the 18 districts within Western Suffolk BOCES should be approached for their support. 

The Vote
Residents can cast their votes on the budget, Proposition 2 — replacement of the boilers and associated mechanical systems at the East Northport Middle School and the replacement of the front steps at the William J. Brosnan School using $900,000 from the Capital Reserve Fund — and on the four open board seats on Tuesday, May 17 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Download the movie