Incumbent Sally Nettles decided to seek re-election to the Oswego Board of Education because she believes she still has a lot to offer the district.

Nettles is hoping to defend her seat, one of three available, against the eight other candidates running in the May 20 election. She said she has learned a great deal in the past three years she has sat on the board and believes pursuing re-election is the right decision at this time.

“This volunteer job is an awesome responsibility — not to be taken lightly, and I feel consistency on the board is a valuable thing,” Nettles said.

If re-elected, Nettles said she would like the district to develop a five-year plan to address such issues as declining enrollment, student achievement, the graduation rate, use of the education center, the budget and hiring practices. The board member said the plan should be revised each year to address changing circumstances.

“We have tried to work on some of these issues in isolation, but if we could look at the big picture and develop a plan which fits the needs of Oswego, just maybe we could make some changes that will benefit everyone,” Nettles said.

Other goals Nettles has for the district include seeing the capital project to its conclusion. She wants the district to stay on top of medium and low priorities in the buildings so they do not develop into high-priority needs. Nettles also wants a capital reserve fund to be established for future district renovations, noting she supports using local labor in such projects.

Nettles also wants to continue to build on the district’s universal pre-K program. The program is fully funded by grant money, and if the program continues to grow, Nettles hopes that in a few years, all preschoolers in the district will be able to enroll in the program.

“Research shows that those children attending pre-K have a better chance of being successful,” Nettles said. “Many students who may not have been able to have a preschool opportunity due to fiscal constraints can now be provided with this experience.”

Technological improvements are important to Nettles because she says they will keep students aligned with the 21st century and give them the competitive edge they will need to be successful in future jobs. Currently the district has 161 SMART boards which are 95 percent paid for by grants. Citing the SMART boards, Nettles believes the district should continue its implementation of this initiative to foster an engaging learning environment and cultivate a love of learning.

According to Nettles, the district’s Web site is an important communication tool. She believes it should continue to be updated, upgraded and made user-friendly to help showcase programs and successes in the district.

The first problem Nettles feels the new board of education should address is cooperation among board members. She said that the past three years have had some difficult moments, but she feels she was able to work with all board members.

“If we could agree on a process for decision making that is fair and respectful of one another, then we are more likely to make good decisions throughout the year as issues come up,” Nettles said. “The board needs to move away from the bickering and get on with the business of the district.”

As for declining enrollment and reconfiguration, Nettles said, “Declining enrollment is real.” She said that in the past five years the district has lost roughly 600 students and the district needs to deal with the issue now.

“Reconfiguration might not be the right thing for Oswego, but in the not-too-distant future, we will have to do something. I would like for the board to begin to examine all our options whether they be closing a school, moving the ed center, redistricting or something else altogether, so that we can develop a plan that is right for this district.”

She pledges to be open-minded and do her homework. Nettles also promised to listen to members of the community when she has to make her own decision about declining enrollment.

Nettles said that her 34 years in education, working as a special education teacher, will continue to help her to serve on the school board. She also currently works as a literacy volunteer in Oswego County. She has served on the district’s Audit Committee since January 2006 and was recently chosen to serve as the Oswego representative on the BOCES Board of Education for three years.

In her message to the voters, Nettles said, “I have always valued education and what is best for children and will continue to do so. At the same time, I also value all of our staff and the work they do for our students.” She noted that we are in fiscally trying times and feels she has always supported a fiscally responsible budget. Nettles said she always listens to those who speak to her and write her letters and e-mails, pointing out that there will always be someone who is disappointed in the way she voted.

“All I can do is assure everyone that I will continue to do what is best for our district, students, staff and community,” Nettles said. “Please show your support for education and vote on May 20 — your vote matters.”