Mulcahy wants to bring 'fresh perspectives' to Grand Island School Board

By James M. Mulcahy

I am running for the Grand Island School Board because I believe that it needs fresh perspectives. I have been an observer of the board for 48 years. While the names and faces have changed, the process just rolls forward: The waste of taxpayer money continues; dismissing concerns and complaints of parents continues. Nothing ever changes. I would like to help change this.

My background is in economics and finance. I earned a MA in economics from The Ohio State University and an MBA in finance and accounting from the University of Chicago. I worked for 45 years in the banking and energy fields. I have worked as an economist, financial analyst, rate of return expert (at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio) and risk officer, retiring eight years ago. Currently, I am an adjunct lecturer in economics at UB. I have taught as an adjunct, off and on, for more than 47 years.

I believe that my experience would be an asset to the decision-making by the board. One thing that I learned over my career is that, to be successful, you need to be willing to say no. Not every idea or approach is worth investing time, money or effort in. It is board’s job to keep the district focused on its core mission of educating our children. By being willing to say no, it will go a long way in enabling the faculty to teach, and the staff to provide the necessary support, while at the same time being a good steward of the taxpayers’ money.

Mike Madigan and I are both running on a 5-point plan of accountability and excellence. First, there has to be budget accountability. Our scarce resources must be used wisely. Second, an organizational review should be undertaken. Is our staff properly positioned to be most efficient? Also, we also need to see that the environment is conducive to learning. The faculty has to know we have their backs. Third, we should use our facilities better. We have a large capital investment that sits idle much of the time. Why? Fourth. Our capital planning and spending need to be reassessed. Fifth, our curriculum needs to focus on the interests of all of the students.

These are common-sense items that not only need to be addressed but there must be clear-cut measures of success identified and adhered to. As an example, referring to our first point, if we lowered the growth rate of the budget from 2.99% per year to 1.99% per year, after five years the budget would have grown 10.4%, not 15.9%. Little improvements magnify themselves over time.

Again, I believe that my skills and experience would be an asset to the board. I would be representing all of our constituencies: students, faculty, staff and taxpayers.

I would appreciate your vote on May 19.