Our family set up roots in Larchmont when my husband was being transferred to New York and our two boys were three and one. I was born in Egypt and raised in France, attended graduate school in Michigan and have resided in Washington DC, Detroit, Birmingham, and Zurich with my husband. Although moving between countries and cultures was an adjustment, it enriched my life in countless ways and presented opportunities to join with and contribute to the communities where we lived. We chose Larchmont/Mamaroneck after a fellow expat said “you need to check out Larchmont/Mamaroneck. It’s the best place to raise your kids!” Both of my sons attended district schools starting in elementary school. Our oldest graduated from MHS last year and is attending the University of Michigan, and our youngest is a sophomore at MHS.
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the American University in Cairo and an MBA from the College of Business at Lawrence Technological University. Before becoming a full-time mom, I worked as an engineer in the construction industry where I developed strong analytical, communication and conflict resolution skills.
Why are you running for Mamaroneck School Board?
I’ve spent the past 10 years engaged in the schools through my involvement in several PTA units, serving as PTA Council President, Special Education PTA (SEPTA) President, Hommocks PTA Treasurer, Chatsworth PTA board member and MHS PTA board member. Through my PTA leadership roles and as a community member, I have attended many School Board meetings, lobbied our legislators for additional NYS funding, advocated as a parent member at CSE meetings on behalf of students seeking special education services, and learned from families and students about the issues facing our schools. I also serve on the board of the friends of the Community Counseling Center. I would like to use my knowledge and skills to further serve the community as a School Board Trustee. Please visit my website https://www.amynofalforschoolboard.com/ to learn more about my background and involvement in the community.
What is the biggest issue facing our schools and how can you help address it?
The issues facing our schools are intertwined and therefore it is difficult to separate out just one. For example, delivering high quality and engaging opportunities for students while staying fiscally responsible to taxpayers. If I were to be elected, I will analyze decisions based on a number of factors, but I will always keep student support and engagement at the forefront. Students must feel they belong and there should be multiple points of entry to meet a range of interests and needs. This requires professional support and learning opportunities for teachers, engaging and personalized curriculum, and curriculum coordination between grades and schools and across disciplines. In addition, students must have opportunities to participate in a variety of activities including clubs, athletics, music and the arts. These opportunities are vital to ensure that all students make connections to one another and to their school.
We cannot ignore the impact of COVID on students, families and District staff. The past two years of COVID restrictions from social distancing to masking to hybrid or remote learning have profoundly impacted students both academically and socially. We need to make sure that our teachers and students are given the support needed to fill in learning and socialization gaps.
During my ten years as a PTA and SEPTA leader, I came to deeply understand the complexity of a school system and the importance of utilizing resources to ensure that every student is engaged and supported. I will continue to be a staunch advocate for all students if elected and will use both my background and experience to analyze data to measure what the District is doing well as well as what areas we can make even better.
