Harriet Barish Replaces Linda Ryan as School Board Candidate

by Joan R. Simon

(May 1, 2008) Two candidates will be running for two spots on the Mamaroneck School Board, incumbent Rick Marsico and first-timer Harriet Barish. Both have been endorsed by the Committee for the Selection of School Board Nominees (known as the Selection Committee). Ms. Barish replaces Linda Ryan who withdrew for “personal reasons” shortly after her candidacy was announced last month (see: Selection Committee Picks Two for School Board). Representatives from the Selection Committee and Ms. Ryan declined to comment further.

Ms. Barish has masters’ degrees in both social work and teaching. She has been a first grade teacher at the Solomon Schecter School of Westchester for the past 11 years. “Despite working in a private school,” she said, “my heart lies in public education.” She explained that her experience as a classroom teacher, working with students, administrators and parents, has “given me a perspective from many angles that I think can be useful on the board.” The varied issues that come before the board, she continued, have “no easy black and white answers,” and need to be “viewed from many sides.”

Ms. Barish’s two children went through the Mamaroneck school system and are graduates of Mamaroneck High School. Over the years, she has been involved with the schools, most recently as a board member of the Mamaroneck Schools Foundation.

The election for the school board will take place on Tuesday, May 20, the same day as the budget vote. (See:Budget Approved With Tax Increase of 5.75%. Because of a last minute addition of NY State aid, the tax rate increase is now at 5.41%)

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