The future of education for Staten Island students was at the fore of Thursday’s luncheon at Lavelle Preparatory Charter School in Bloomfield.
Although they sat on opposite sides of the aisle in Congress, former Staten Island Rep. Vito Fossella, a Republican, and his successor, former Rep. Michael McMahon, a Democrat, who shared the keynote spot at the luncheon, put aside party views to agree that the future of education lies in putting children first.
“We share in common the idea that the children in our district deserve the best education,” McMahon said.
“We put the kids at the center,” agreed Fossella. “Whether you’re a Democrat or a Republican, if you’re not putting the kids first, you’re in the wrong business.”
The two, who both served in the City Council before heading for Washington, agreed also that the future of education rests on forging a strong partnership among parents, teachers, principals, administrators, businesses and the community.