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 Steven Schweitzer’s responses:
Steven P. Schweitzer
Years living in Baldwinsville:
“I, along with my wife, Kim, and two children, have been residents of Baldwinsville since 1993.”
BOE Experience:
“I have not previously served on a Board of Education, but understand the board’s roles, responsibilities and functions.”
Experience in the Educational Field:
“I was a part-time instructor teaching an evening class in basic electricity at OCM BOCES while working full-time as a project engineer.”
What makes you qualified to serve on the Baldwinsville Board of Education?
“I have 28 years of work experience, the last 10 years working closely with state government. My background in the engineering field, state government and private business along with my demonstrated leadership skills as a lieutenant in the volunteer fire service offers a well-rounded experience base that will compliment the existing board membership.”
What are the issues facing the Baldwinsville Central School District?
“The Baldwinsville Central School District faces two significant and immediate challenges: (1) cut in financial aid, and (2) rising costs. Also, continued improvements in communications with students, taxpayers and district employees along with routine school visits by board members are imperative.”
If elected, how do you intend to address those issues?
No one person can solve all of the issues facing the school district. I am a strong advocate for involving the community in identifying solutions. There are thousands of school district residents. I have no doubt that there are a lot of good ideas on how to deal with the issues. I will listen to the public and take ideas to my fellow board members. From there, actions can be implemented.”
When it comes to the district budget, what are your priorities?
“Priority one is to develop a budget without affecting the quality of education while at the same time minimizing the burden on taxpayers and job cuts.”
Regarding the budget, how do you propose to deal with federal, state and local cuts to financial aid?
“Unfortunately, it is a reality that schools districts across the country are facing. The key to dealing with loss in aid is to ensure that any necessary budget adjustments, both spending reductions and increased taxes, are distributed as fairly as possible. I will utilize all available resources (i.e., other school districts, New York State School Boards Association, etc.) in order to make informed decisions. Again, this problem is not going to be resolved by one person. It is going to take the collective effort and involvement of the entire community working with the board of education.”
