Little concerned with class size, education costs

Richard James Little Jr.

Grand Island Dispatch, April 29, 2005

Richard James Little Jr., 32, is employed by BHNT Architects as a project manager and has been in the architectural field since June 1989.

He and his wife, Sonja, have three children, ages 9, 7 and 5, who attend or will attend Sidway and Huth Road elementary schools. “I feel it is our responsibility to ensure their future,” he said. “Education, community and the economy are all major parts of the environment our children will grow up in.”

Little received his associate’s degree in applied science from Erie Community College South. He received a degree in architectural technology in 1995. He has attended Millard Fillmore College of the state University at Buffalo.

Little has been a Grand Island Little League coach for more than four years. He has coached T-ball, baseball, softball and soccer. He enjoys outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, camping and hiking.

Little has also been involved in school board issues. He has attended meetings, asked questions and has spoken out on the issues.

And he has met with school district staff and discussed education issues with other parents.

Little attended an Erie County Association of School Boards workshop for prospective School Board members in March.

Little said issues of concern to him include class sizes, testing standards and data retrieval.

“To what extent do we test and gather data before it has a negative impact on education and development of our children?” Little asked.

His other concerns include ongoing capital projects, increasing state and federal mandates; and rising costs and the impact on the Grand Island taxpayer.

“Becoming a school board trustee is another opportunity to be an active influence on our children and the community we live in,” he said.