Three Baldwinsville Board of Education seats are up for election this year with four candidates vying for the three seats.
The candidates are incumbents Lawrence Ordway (current vice president) and Joan Reeves, as well as contenders Kenneth Dwyer and Steve Schweitzer. Current board member Greg Hudson has decided not to run.
Residents will have the opportunity to cast their votes during next week’s budget vote and board election. The polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday May 18 in the auditorium of Baker High School at 29 E. Oneida St. in the village. Once elected by the public, the board members will elect the president and vice president during the annual organizational meeting in July.
The Baldwinsville Messenger recently interviewed the candidates to see what issues they feel are facing the Baldwinsville Central School District. Featured below are candidate Kenneth Dwyer’s responses:
Kenneth Dwyer
Years Living in Baldwinsville:
“I am a lifetime resident of Baldwinsville and a 1994 graduate of Baker High
School.”
BOE Experience:
“Though I am not a board member, I am eager to serve the school district by offering fresh ideas and an additional perspective.”
Experience in the Education Field:
“I received my certification in technology education and have worked as a substitute in all grade levels.”
What make you qualified to serve on the Baldwinsville BOE?
“I am a graduate of Baldwinsville schools. I hold a B.S. in criminal justice and worked in law enforcement for three years. I am a small business owner and run my own professional photography studio. In addition, I am a current homeowner and taxpayer, as well as a parent of two future Baldwinsville students.”
What are the issues facing the Baldwinsville Central School District?
“There are two significant issues: (1) Striving to maintain quality educational programs while balancing the needs of taxpayers; and (2) Continuing to improve communication between the board, the community and school staff.”
If elected, how do you intend to address those issues?
“I would advocate more dialogue between the B.O.E., the community and the staff regarding district priorities and spending. I would like to see the board conduct a survey of the community and staff members regarding educational programs and professional development initiatives.”
When it comes to the district budget, what are your priorities?
“To maintain our existing educational opportunities while making sound and reasonable fiscal decisions.”
Regarding the budget, how do you propose to deal with federal, state and local cuts to financial aid?
“I will continue to support Baldwinsville’s effort to address the unfair and inequitable NYS school aid formula through our membership with both the CNY and NYS school boards associations. In addition, I am an advocate of exploring alternative funding sources. Further, we must seek more opportunities to share services with local municipalities.”
