By M. Lisa Monroe
Express News Staff

There are four people running for two seats on the Town of Webb Union Free School District’s board. In Webb school board elections, candidates must declare which seat they are running for in the election.
Patty Josephson and Kathy Nahor are the incumbents and are both running. Bob Seager is running for Josephson’s seat, which has a five year term. Guy Greco is running for Nahor’s seat, which has a four year term.
The election is Tuesday, May 20, and voters will also decide on the school budget and two proposition: to approve a capital project and to increase funding for the Old Forge Library.
PATTY JOSEPHSON
Patty Josephson grew up in Old Forge and has worked as a teacher and coach in the TOW UFSD. She is the mother of four children, her oldest is a sophomore at Cornell University. Her other two sons and one daughter attend TOW. Josephson works part-time at the Home Aide Services of the Central Adirondacks (HASCA) as an administrative assistant.
Why do you want to be on the school board?
I am running for a second term on the school board because it keeps me involved in the life of the school. Five years ago, I never would have believed that I would ever run for a second term. The time commitment and stress can be overwhelming at times, but it has taken me almost five years to feel comfortable on the board. I feel the community is very supportive of the school and they show this by attending sporting events and concerts. The local newspapers are also good at featuring the school and students, which is nice for friends and family that live out of town.
What experience do you have?
When I first ran, I was very frustrated with a lot of things. I had gone to every board meeting for at least two years and figured I was already putting in the time. Five years later, I still get frustrated, but I have a lot of respect for my fellow board members, and we have worked hard to improve the school and community relationship.
What do you think is the most important issue facing the school today?
There has been a lot of talk about declining enrollment, but that ended up not happening last year. There have traditionally been cycles of both high and low numbers. We have to be very careful not to make quick decisions to cut positions or programs, because once they are gone, it is hard to get them back. The board is constantly looking at how any decision will impact the students. As always, if you ever have any questions or concerns about what is happening at the school, please let us know.
KATHY NAHOR
Kathy Nahor has lived in the Town of Webb ever since she was three years old. She has one daughter, who graduated from TOW and is currently a sophomore at Syracuse University. Nahor teaches in a neighboring school district. She has been an educator for 20 years.
Why do you want to be on the school board?
I want to continue to serve on the board because over the last four-plus years, I’ve witnessed a lot of progress towards improving our school. I am most pleased that the school is now more open and welcoming to the community. I would like to continue to help keep the school moving in a positive direction.
What experience do you have?
I believe my experiences as an educator, a parent, a community member and a board member offer a valuable perspective to the group discussions and decisions faced by the Board of Education. I’ve served on the board since 2004.
What do you think is the most important function of a school board member?
An individual board member’s most important function is to work as part of the team to further the board’s main functions of educating our community’s children while maintaining fiscal accountability.
What do you think is the most important issue facing the school today?
Maintaining programs.
BOB SEAGER
Bob Seager has lived in the Woodgate area since 1979 and has owned land in the area since the 1950’s. He has one daughter who graduated from the TOW, which she had attended since kindergarten. He is retired from the phone company and volunteers with various organizations. He served on the school board for almost 12 years starting in 1992.
Why do you want to be on the school board?
So that our part of town has a voice. I still think I have something to offer the district.
What experience do you have?
I served for 12 years on the board. I left when I became the Forestport town supervisor. I take a common sense approach.
What do you think is the most important function of a school board member?
We have to look at more than just the educational aspect, we have to look at the funding, too. I was listening to the Utica station this morning and it’s going to take millions of dollars to overhaul the Utica school system, but they said not to worry because it will be funded by the state! Well, who’s the state? We are!  You could put four students through community college for what we pay per student. Also, we have to make sure there’s discipline in education. Discipline being a priority.
What do you think is the most important issue facing the school today?
There’s a multitude of them. Just asking the people to fund a budget is tough. A lot of people were hurt with this re-evaluation.
GUY GRECO
Guy Greco did not return our questionnaire. J