BOE Prez Rossi Runs on Fiscal Responsibility

Up for re-election on May 17, the current Board of Education President talks district finances, new superintendent search and more.

By Peter Verry | Email the author | 1:39pm

Five people are running for three Board of Elections seats in the Smithtown Central School District, including board Pres. Robert Rossi. In a phone interview, Rossi, who is running against Branch Brook Elementary PTA member Grace Plourde, discussed the issues he is concerned about and why he should be re-elected.

Aside from your status as current BOE president, what relationship do you have or have you had with the school district?

I’ve been with the school district in the capacity of the booster club for many years. I was heavily involved in the booster club for probably 10 or 11 years – I was the treasurer, I was the president of the booster club for a while. I also coached soccer in Smithtown for many, many years, for 10 years or better.

What issues are you most concerned about?

The financial situation of the state, which trickles down to the school districts is a major concern because we don’t know where we’re headed, we don’t have any concrete information from the state as to what’s going to happen next year. Without knowing where the state is going with the revenue for school districts and whether or not they’re going to impose a cap makes it difficult to operate or to put any kind of financial situation for the following year.

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