Running uncontested in the Tuesday, May 18 district election, Jericho Joint PTSA Council Vice President Barbara Krieger will fill the vacancy left by outgoing School Board President Flora Greenberg. Also returning without opposition is incumbent Robert Goldsmith.

A Jericho resident for over 12 years, Krieger has three children in the school district, ages 6, 10 and 13. She joined the Jackson Elementary School PTA when her first son enrolled in class, eventually becoming school board liaison, treasurer and, finally, president from 1996-98. Currently, she is serving as treasurer on the Jericho Middle School PTSA Board.

Krieger's ties with charitable organizations include the local Chaverot chapter of Hadassah, where soon after moving to Jericho she served as board treasurer for several years. She has also been the Jericho education chairperson for the Birchwood Civic Association for six years.

Krieger will become the third new Jericho Board of Education member in the last two years, joining Hilari Cohen and Toni Meliambro. All three women will have come directly from PTA leadership positions. "It really is showing the quality of work done by the PTA on all levels," said Krieger. "It shows the strength and respect of the PTA as a whole."

Krieger said that throughout her PTA work, she has developed a "strong rapport" with other concerned parents. Residents tend to like former PTA members on the board, said Krieger, because parents feel they are addressing "people who know what happens on a day-to-day basis in the schools."

The newcomer said that the other board members have thoroughly embraced her candidacy, and that she looks forward to her administrative training.

Goldsmith said, in an interview with the Tribune, "The years in the past have brought great success for students, families, faculty and the community of Jericho, but the future holds more promise and excitement that I can imagine."

He continued, "Walk into the future, where educational dreams and expectations will be surpassed by a community totally dedicated to its children."

Which board member becomes the next board president will be decided in July at the administration's organizational meeting. A candidate must receive two nominations, and then be approved by a vote of the board.

All school board terms last for three years.

The district vote will be held from noon to 10 p.m. in the Jericho High School gymnasium. Residents will also vote on the school and library budgets.