Michael Morrisey is the father of three students in the Plainedge Public Schools - a second and fourth grader at John H. West and a pre-k student at Eastplain. He is also the lucky husband of Laura, an Assistant Principal in the New York City schools. Between them, Mike and Laura coach three youth sports teams and Mike serves on the PGSA/PBSL Board. You can usually find them on a field or in a gym. They bought their first home in the Plainedge school district and have worked hard to imbue their children with the same values that had attracted them to Plainedge in the first place - hard work, fair play, and a strong sense of community.

Mike put his Masters in Public Administration to good use during his six years with the New York City Public Schools, serving under two Chancellors. His time there included stints in the Chancellor's Strategic Response Group and the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. Both roles required a deep understanding of educational policy and practices and offered insight into how effective communication and community engagement strengthens schools and the community together. A further two years in the office of a university president provides Mike with a comprehensive view of education. He knows what it takes to prepare students for future success in college, career, and community

His platform as a candidate for the Plainedge School Board is clear: without transparency and accountability in our school system, it cannot succeed. Without parent and community empowerment, there can be no transparency or accountability.

"As a parent of three kids in Plainedge schools, I understand both the challenges and dreams of our families. Every child in Plainedge deserves access to an education that prepares them for their future, wherever that future takes them. The foundation of a thriving community is built on a high quality education system, and I am dedicated to creating an environment here in Plainedge where every student can flourish, reach their full potential, and be prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead."

transparency

When all stakeholders - including parents, teachers, and the community - have access to clear information about policies, budgets, and school performance, they are empowered to actively participate in shaping the district's educational environment.

The U.S. Census Bureau reported that New York State continues to lose residents. At the same time, the average home value in Nassau County continues to rise. The combination of a declining population and rising home prices means that our district is at a crossroads. The Plainedge community deserves a school board that will rise to this challenge.

This situation calls for a fully transparent strategic and capital planning process that takes into account these shifting demographics while having the hard conversations about where our district is now and where we want to go. All stakeholders need to be involved in a process where we set clear goals and make informed decisions to improve student outcomes.

When this process is open and accessible, parents, staff, and community members can all see where resources are allocated and how their input is valued. This transparency can not only build confidence in the school district's leadership across the board while encouraging collaboration and innovation.

Accountability

Accountability is crucial to maintain the high standards of education we expect in Plainedge and ensures that our schools prioritize students' academic success, well-being, and foster continuous improvement. Everyone from administrators and educators to parents themselves are responsible for student outcomes. Accountability means not only setting high expectations but also ensuring that they are met.

Unfortunately, persistently sub-par New York state test scores only underscore the need for more accountability in our schools. These scores provide a clear measure of student achievement and can reveal disparities that require immediate attention. In fact, I urge every parent to utilize the resources that New York State's Education Department offers parents to track their district's metrics. I have linked their Parent Dashboard in the footer of this site.

These scores should be a wake-up call to reassess our approach. Stagnant test scores - despite the implementation of the new Next Generation Learning Standards in 2023 - indicates that current strategies are not yielding the desired results, and it is crucial to reevaluate and adjust our methods. Plainedge needs a school board that will hold administrators accountable for their effectiveness in delivering these standards.

Parent empowerment

Parent and community empowerment fosters transparency, encourages accountability, and ensures that institutions are responsive to the needs and expectations of students and families. Without effective and meaningful engagement of parents and the community as a whole, there can be no true transparency or accountability.

When parents are empowered to actively engage in their children's education, whether through involvement in parent-teacher associations, active attendance at school board meetings, or participation in decision-making processes such as committees or task forces, a culture of openness and collaboration is cultivated. This empowerment extends beyond merely being informed; it means actively involving parents in shaping educational policies, programs, and initiatives.

Empowering parents and communities is about fostering meaningful partnerships that drive positive change. When parents and communities are empowered, they become active participants in the educational process, working hand in hand with schools to create environments where all students can thrive.

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