Deer Park
BUDGET
SPENDING $116,030,732, a 3.13 percent increase from the current $112,508,977.
TAX LEVY 2.96 percent increase, from $70,806,838 to $72,906,035. This is equal to the district’s 2.96 percent tax-cap limit, so a simple majority vote is required for approval.
TEACHER PAY / PROGRAMS Includes a contractual increase of 0.75 percent and an average step increase of 2.25 percent. The proposed budget adds the full-time-equivalent of 3.6 teaching positions. It also adds a computer science class and expands of the one-to-one Chromebook program to grades five through nine.
WHEN | WHERE
7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Deer Park High School. www.deerparkschools.org
CANDIDATES
Four candidates are running for three positions, elected by seat. Anthony Henkel and Jerry D. Jean-Pierre are vying for the seat held by Keith Rooney, who is not seeking re-election. Incumbents John Gouskos and Kristine Rosales are running unopposed. Terms are three years.
Anthony Henkel
BACKGROUND Henkel, 19, is a lifelong resident of the district and a 2017 graduate of Deer Park High School. He has an associate degree from Suffolk County Community College and is a new graduate of SUNY New Paltz. He works in retail outlets for Sunglass Hut and Van Heusen. He is a board member of the Deer Park Arts Council and a transfer liaison for the Center for Student Development at SUNY. He has a brother who is in 10th grade at the high school.
KEY ISSUE "I am running for school board because I believe a younger perspective is needed for modern issues. I am the only candidate that went to school with smartphones, Common Core and modern-day problems. My project management and team leadership skills will improve the school board."
Jerry D. Jean-Pierre
BACKGROUND Jean-Pierre, 45, has lived in the district for 15 years. He is a commercial underwriter in the insurance business. He received a bachelor's degree in business administration from Hofstra University in 1995 and a master's in business administration from St. John's University in 1998. He serves on the board of St. Cyril CYO basketball in the Parish of Saints Cyril and Methodius and is a board member of DC Ray Downey-Knights of Columbus Flag Football. He is a member of Knights of Columbus. He has a son at the high school and a daughter at Robert Frost Middle School.
KEY ISSUE To "increase diversity and inclusion in teachers and administration. Empower teachers to provide proper education without constraints. Improve outreach and communication with the community and continue to provide a fiscally sound budget."
