Barbara Trapasso: My Motivation is to Serve the Children

Barbara Trapasso is seeking her fourth term on the Garden City school board, running unopposed in the May 21 election.

Trapasso has already served nine years in this capacity, the last five of which as vice president. The position is a three-year term.

The real estate attorney and mom of three says her motivation is to serve the children. "Children are the future and I am happy to have a part in their quest for knowledge and as a member of the board, laying the foundation and building blocks for all students to achieve to the best of their abilities," she said.

Trapasso also believes that as a parent, "you must show your children that you are involved in the community."

"The most rewarding part of this position is the fact that I work with extremely intelligent, dedicated individuals, both paid and volunteer and we, together, set the vision and goals for the district," she said. "To me it is very gratifying to hand a diploma to a child knowing that they are ready to embrace college and the real world after graduation."

Balancing the needs of the students while dealing with declines in both state and local funding, the tax cap and unfunded mandates from the state is always the toughest issue the board as a whole must face, according to Trapasso.

"It is easy to want to add and enhance programs, the challenge is reviewing each and every program and budget line to ensure Garden City remains a high performing district while balancing the cost to the community," she said.

She encourages residents to attend school board meetings to learn about district programs, student achievements and see "where their money is going."

"The board encourages all residents to comment on district issues, which helps the board know the pulse of the community. Additionally, input from all residents helps create a budget that is palatable to all," she said.

The Western Property Owner's Association (WPOA) nominated Trapasso for the seat in January. She and her husband moved to Garden City in 1995 and have three children, two of which are still in the school system (their oldest is a Garden City High School graduate now attending SUNY Geneseo).

School board elections coincide with the school budget vote on May 21.