To the Editor:

My name is James Hubbard and I am a native of Potsdam and a graduate of Potsdam Central High School ‘93. Many of you may know me; some do not.

I am running for the Potsdam Central School board in the upcoming election on May 15 and I would like to take this opportunity to say a few things to the residents of Potsdam.

Having been born and raised here in Potsdam I have seen many changes, not only in the village and town overall, but in the schools.

With the current budget crisis being faced by schools throughout New York State, it is more important than ever that decisions concerning the various aspects of our children’s academic experience, curriculum, services, programs, extracurricular clubs and athletics be carefully considered and studied so that we can provide the most beneficial experiences and services to the students and the faculty/employees of Potsdam Central School with the ever growing concern of budget cuts and state ordered mandates.

The children of the Potsdam School District should not be lacking or wanting for anything when it comes to their education despite fiscal limitations. It is up to the board and the community as a whole to work diligently to see that they have what they need when they need it.

I have experience in working for the federal government and now working for New York State at SUNY Potsdam. I am all too familiar with budgetary restrictions, cost-cutting measures and the ever present need to “do more with less.”

If elected to the Potsdam Central School Board, I plan to work closely with the other board members to ensure that we continue to face the fiscal challenges and continue to serve the students and employees of the Potsdam Central School district in an exemplary manner. All that any of us can promise is to try our best to address the issues at hand. I ask for your support in the upcoming election and please get out and vote on May 15.

James Hubbard

Candidate for PCS School Board