1. education
2. school

2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Community Education Council 21
Candidate
Umekulsoom Butt
DBN: 21K303
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant i am a co prisednt of PS 253 and try my best to attand all meeting nad work shop in school and out of
Background school, I am very involve in special education i got my disable son,s service through by court. I fight my
sons,s case by my self and i won now my son is getting all service which he needed. In addition i
worked as a poll worker in 2013.
Personal I am very socialize and hard worker and want to know how i can help my kids and people to use
Statement recources for good and high education. I also want to know the rights of parents and children.
Candidate
Davida Capers
DBN: 21K239
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant
Background
Personal I would like to participate in the decision making process of our DOE to ensure that all children are
Statement afforded in equal opportunity for their educational experience from prekindergarten to high school. I
have had two children go through the public school system and I have been very hands on with the
school to ensure that they were provided with the necessary tools to succeed.
Candidate
Sean Chin
DBN: 21K097
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant Current active (2 year) member of Community Education Council District 21 serving as 2nd Vice
Background President. Established solid working relationships with CEC member colleagues, District
administrators, PTA and SLT members, and UFT leadership.
Personal Education involves commitment from all sides - parents, students, teachers, administrators, etc. As a
Statement parent, I am committed to my children's education, offering all the help that our family can provide. As
a parent education council member, I would like to ensure our policies and future policies comply with
the mission statement of the education system. I advocate a common sense approach to policies /
standards as we strive for equity and fairness across the NYC school system.
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2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Community Education Council 21
Candidate
Yoketing Eng
DBN: 21K239
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant I was the President of CEC District 21 from August 2008 to July 2014. Before that I was the Vice
Background President of CEC District 21 in 2007. I was a Brooklyn Borough President appointee on Community
Board 11. I have rigorously defended PS 188, PS 329, and IS 303 from co-location of a charter school.
I believe that in this particular instance the co-location would disrupt the successful curriculum of the
public school. I have supported all of our schools by attending high level meetings with DOE officials
and networking with our legislators so that our schools will receive funds and services due them. When
I was President I was part of the District Leadership Team which helps to establish goals for the
schools in our district. My five children, all attended public school. My oldest child started school in
1995. I have one son in college, one son in high school, and my youngest daughter is attending Mark
Twain.
Personal As the Community Education Council President for District 21, I have established working
Statement relationships with various Department of Education officials, legislators, and other community based
organizations that support our schools. I am a people person. I am able to get along with almost
everyone. I am not afraid to work, and deal with different types of people. I am a firm believer of
parent advocacy, and collaboration with our education community for the betterment of our children’s
education. I believe in small class sizes. I believe in training our teachers to be effective. I believe that
our schools should be given the proper resources and funds to teach our kids. These kids are the
future of America. I believe that poverty is society’s worst enemy, and that a good education is the only
effective way to combat poverty. I will always fight for parents’ rights and the children’s rights to have
the best education.
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2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Community Education Council 21
Candidate
Heather Ann Fiorica
DBN: 21K228
IEP: Yes
ELL No
Applicant I have been involved in the public school community for the past 7 years. In addition to be an advocate
Background in my daughter's education, I served 4 years as Co-Pres. of PS 177 PTA and now am President of IS
228 PTA. I have organized a variety of fundraisers & social functions for the benefit of the school,
children, teachers & parents. I was responsible for adopting by-laws, holding monthly meetings,
budgeting, and providing parent outreach. I am an active member of the SLT & DLT and have worked
with parents, teachers, & administrators to make important decisions about the school. I have been the
VP & treasurer of D21's President's Council. I act as a liaison to PTAs throughout our district. I
provide assistance to PTAs by providing guidance on complying with Chancellor's regulations, bylaws,
observing elections, developing new parent leaders. I am a volunteer, certified Parent Member of the
DOE, which gives me the opportunity to educate and assist parents with the IEP process. I have been a
member of CEC 21 for 4 years and currently I am the President. I have been very active with my fellow
members in supporting our children, schools, families and teachers of our district.
Personal I would like to continue serving on the CEC because I am committed to the future of our public school
Statement system and the issues faced by students. There is a certain depth of understanding that comes from
personal experience. My daughter has struggled academically due to neurological disorders. I believe
the hook that lured me into parental advocacy was my experiences advocating for my daughter's future,
dedicating myself to doing what had to be done to ensure that she could reach her potential. I faced
uninformed specialists who were capable of seeing nothing more than limitations. I learned about the
creative and proactive use of self in facing problems that need solutions. As the parent of a child with
special needs, I am particularly sensitive to the needs of underrepresented groups. I would like to
continue being a part of a forum designed for promoting achievement and influencing educational
programs. Previous leadership opportunities have provided a strong foundation that would make me an
effective candidate for service. I am passionate about our school system. I work well with others, am
interested in establishing educational policy, and becoming better informed about issues faced by
students in the NYC Public schools.
Candidate
Osvaldo Miguel Jara
DBN: 21K090
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant I have never participated in an activity.
Background
Personal
Statement
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2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Community Education Council 21
Candidate
Magdalena Lebron
DBN: 21K188
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant I am an ordained minister and have done community work with all ages during Sandy and after. I am a
Background Coney Island resident and have worked alongside many local organizations in various projects such as
beautification, resiliency, etc.
Personal
Statement
Candidate
Anna Lembersky
DBN: 21K468
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant I have been serving as a Treasurer for PS 99 PTA for 3 years. Prior to my election into an officer
Background status, I have volunteered my time in assisting the PTA with its fundraising activities. I have volunteered
at the Disaster Relief Centers after the Super Storm Sandy assisting victims with the insurance needs as
well as FEMA related issues. I was a delegate on the Councilman Greenfield’s discretionary budget
committee as well as the District 21 President Council’s designee on the CEC. I have been 1st Vice
President for CEC 21 since 2013 thorugh the present.
Personal During the past two years I have been a part of the CEC 21 family. Writing resolutions, attending
Statement meetings within the schools’ communities, meetings with Chancellor Fariña to convey issues facing
our district and just talking to parents and various schools’ leaders became a part of my existence.
Fighting on the co-locations and other issues concerning our community have been more than uplifting
experience. All District 21 community leaders have been unanimous in their view on the current
CEC21 council – we are the strongest and the most successful council in years. I am proud parent of
the child in the District 21 and a proud community leader. If you give me an opportunity to serve
another term on the CEC21 council, I will continue to fight for our children. Thank you.
Candidate
Shahjehan Malik
DBN: 21K253
IEP: No
ELL Yes
Applicant 21
Background
Personal
Statement
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2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Community Education Council 21
Candidate
Natalya Matkevich
DBN: 21K215
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant
Background
Personal
Statement
Candidate
Anne Polizzi
DBN: 21K215
Applicant
Background
Personal
Statement
Candidate
IEP: No
ELL No
21K177
Yes
No
I have been volunteering at PS 177 since 2009 when my son was in Kindergarten. I have served on the
PS 177 PTA as Co-President for 2 terms and Recording Secretary of 1 term. I am currently serving on
the PS 177 PTA once again as Recording Secretary. In addition to snack sales, fundraisers, etc I have
co-chaired the school senior prom & annual auction for 3 years. I have been a member of the PS 177
School Leadership Team for the past 3 years. I along with my co-president was awarded the PS 177
Parent Volunteer of the Year Award in 2010 and the Bensonhurst West End Community Council
(BWECC) Parent of the Year Award in 2014.
I was born in Kowloon, Hong Kong, and moved with my family to Brooklyn, NY when I was 5 years
old. I attended public school from K through High School. I attended college and currently I am the
Assistant Vice President of Compliance and Producer Licensing for an insurance company. I am also
on the company charity committee where we have given grants to many well deserved non-profit
organizations. My husband is currently serving on the PS 177 PTA as Vice President, my son is in 5th
with an IEP, and my daughter is in 2nd grade Gifted and Talented program. It is my passion over the
years to work collaboratively with school staff and parents to insure all students receive and benefit
from a consistent, quality learning experience that takes into account the individual needs of all
students. As a parent and the PS 177 Recording Secretary I highly value parental engagement and
believe that participation is vital to provide an excellent educational experience for all children.
Claudia Quintanilla
DBN: 21K153
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant
Background
Personal As a parent, we should want to jump at the opportunity to make a difference regarding the education
Statement our children receive. If we don't try to make a difference, then we should not complain when things
don't go the way we expect them to. Whether or not you are select to be part of the Education Council,
at least you tried. And that says that you care about your child(ren)'s education.
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2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Community Education Council 21
Candidate
Lara Russo
DBN: 21K095
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant I Volunteer for school PTA
Background
Personal My Name is Lara Russo, My daughter currently goes to P.S. 095 THE GRAVESEND SCHOOL she
Statement is in the 3rd grade my other daughter will be attending the same school next year for Kindergarten. I
feel like i would be an asset to join NYC education council so I can help make Parents like myself
voices heard. I believe a students education is the most important part of there life. and I would love
the opportunity to help any way I can
Candidate
Marianne Russo
DBN: 13K430
Applicant
Background
Personal
Statement
IEP: No
ELL No
21K215
Yes
No
Citywide Council for High School Brooklyn Representative for Districts 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, and 21.
from 2013-2015. .CCHS Co-Chair of the Capital Plan committee for 2015. CCHS parent
representative at District Leadership Teams in Districts, 13.13.15.17.18.20. and 21. CPAC
representative for D 21 from 2012-2015. PTA Co-President for IS 98 2012-2014 .CEC 21 Council
Member 2010-20111. PTA Secretary 2008-2010 P.S.215 PTA Co-President 2006-2009.Learning
Leader volunteer 2001-2007. PS 215 School Leadership Team member 2001-2015.
As a Brooklyn Representative of the Citywide Council for HS I have advocated and been a voice for
High School students and their needs. As a member of CCHS I am the Co-Chair of the Capital Plan
Committee. organizing and coordinating the capital needs of NYC High Schools. I have been involved
in representing the parents' voice in school closure hearings. I spoke for parent's rights at Joint Public
Hearings. I will advocate for all students in NYC High Schools. I wish to accurately convey information
regarding changes that impact High School students and their educational rights. I strongly believe the
importance of parents' voice in the new policies being enacted by DOE. As a parent of four children
two of which are now attending college I have knowledge and experience of the issues facing children
and parents. I am a former ELL student and have personally experienced the issues that face immigrant
families. Thank you for the opportunity to serve High School students and advocate on their behalf.
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2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Community Education Council 21
Candidate
Aisuluu Sartbaeva
DBN: 06M540
IEP: No
21K303
No
Applicant IS303 volunteer media education after school, also CCELL member
ELL Yes
No
Background
Personal I am a parent, and i PTA President in school IS 303 almost 2 years. And i see how hard work teachers
Statement of my kids, for given more opportunities, and teach our children. I am gonna keep going to help
schools and teachers. Also i want to be bridge between parents and teachers. I know how difficult for
parents and teachers speciali if it is English as second language, because we are come from our country
we have two languages Russia and native Kyrgyz and we need to learn English. And i will working for
our children and parents for helping him learn more and easily.
Candidate
Matthew Septimus
DBN: 21K239
IEP: No
ELL No
22K217
No
No
Applicant I have been on PS217's SLT for the past five years. I have been a PA treasurer for PS217. I am a
Background founding member and current treasurer of the Friends of 217, a fundraising organization for the school,
I helped create the school website, http://ps217brooklyn.org and continue to be it's coordinator. I am a
professional photographer and have taught photography outreach to many diverse and underserved
communities throughout NYC.
Personal
Statement
Candidate
Pamela Siddiqui
DBN: 21K121
IEP: Yes
ELL No
Applicant I have become and advocate for my child as many parents do, out of necessity. I'm lucky enough to
Background have had an education that allows me to do the best I can for my son, to make sure he gets what he
needs to move forward, strengthening his weakness and being around people who utilize his strengths. I
have been through hearings and a few short advocacy courses, but it is being around my son that
reminds he can excel if he is challenged and we need this expectation for all children.
Personal A parent of a child with special needs automatically becomes an advocate. We have experienced many
Statement school settings and dealt with many levels of the department of education We must always be informed
and diligent so that our children have chance at a bright future, as all the children of New York deserve.
It is possible but there are no lobbyists on the parent's side, just us. We must make sure their needs are
met and that they become life long learners!
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2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Community Education Council 21
Candidate
Aleksandra Sidel
DBN: 21K100
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant Unfortunately, I did not have an opportunity to be involved within the community for my daughter's
Background age group. However, my daughter was an ESL student in K and 1st grade , I was able to help transition
her into general education classes. She is currently above her grade reading level.
Personal As I realize I may not have been of service to my community in this way, I am passionate about getting
Statement involved. My education as well as passion for children and their success makes me a great candidate for
NY City Council. Because my daughter comes from a very successful, great school, I would love to
share with other parents and administrative members on what P.S. 100 is doing. It would be my honor
to serve the community.
Candidate
Keith Wann
DBN: 21K226
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant Have been very involved with Deaf Children nationwide as I am a hearing child of Deaf parents and
Background travel as a Sign Language performer and storyteller. Involved in iTunes Apps that help teach Deaf
Children literacy.
Personal As a stay-at-home father I am very involved with my children.
Statement
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