Part of the answer is "If not me, who? If not now, when?" The Bethlehem schools have given our children a lot; I'd like to give back. But there are some specific reasons why I think I'm an excellent fit for the School Board.
Currently there are no educators and no scientists on the BCSD board. Electing me would bring a member with first-hand knowledge of what makes a difference in the classroom and in teaching.
I also bring a data-driven approach to policy, expenditure, and outcomes. My training and expertise are focussed on impartial analysis of outcomes: what makes a difference? What are the facts? I am used to assessing complex sets of data and studies, identifying which treatments and interventions have the best results, and testing what will work best in specific situation - in this case, for BCSD and for our students.
I've been working with undergraduate students, at all stages from freshman to senior, for more than twenty years: I have first-hand knowledge of what's needed to succeed in post-secondary education and beyond. For instance: I have a 100% record of placing students from my lab who were seeking an MD into medical school. I've worked on student admissions. I've mentored several high school students in psychological and neuroscience research. In short: I will fill an important gap in knowledge and expertise regarding teaching and student excellence both in K-12 education and beyond.
How do we best manage the risks of drug abuse and addiction? How do we best support and protect student mental health, especially during the stresses of adolescence? What are the benefits of promoting e.g. music and sport as components of a well-rounded education? All of these questions are within my areas of knowledge and expertise.
I've spoken multiple times to middle- and high-school students on topics like preparing for med school, being a scientist, the impact of music on the brain, and so on. I organised and ran Pi Day math/science celebrations at Glenmont Elementary for several years. During the pandemic homeschool period, I gave BCMS science zoom lectures on rat brains and what we learn from them... and so on: wherever there was a need. One of the biggest compliments I received as a parent volunteer was Mike Klugman, as our younger son graduated from BCMS, joking that we should adopt a younger child so that he could have the McNays around for longer. Parent support is critical to the success of BCSD: I've seen what helps get parents and families actively involved and engaged in their child's success. Several board members have school-age children: I think that's ideal.
I've been active in community science outreach: speaking at local libraries, giving a 'Science on Tap' brewery talk, working with the local Society for Neuroscience chapter to promote brain awareness, and so on. When the Times Union had community blogs, I wrote (including on school board issues) for the Bethlehem blog. Being able to communicate with diverse groups and promote engagement is a key skill for a board member.
One thing that I think BCSD does especially well is support well-rounded students, promoting excellence in both academics and extracurricular activities. I coached soccer from U5 to U14 for many years; I've volunteered for tasks as varied as timing XC races, chaperoning music field trips, or organising a spelling bee - again, whatever has been needed to maximise opportunity for BCSD students and the community.