Marcellus Board of Education members Jeffrey Crysler and David Kelly’s terms are expiring, but both will run again in the upcoming election.
Donald F.X. Keegan has resigned his spot, and whoever is elected will finish out his one-year term.
Ryan Riefler and Thomas T. Van Nguyen are running for election, also. The two with the highest number of votes will be elected to three-year terms, while the third will finish out Keegan’s term, according to the superintendent’s office.
The polls will be open from noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday, May 15, at Marcellus High School’s Groeling Auditorium.
Ryan Riefler
Why are you running for election?
I am concerned about what the future of the Marcellus Central Schools holds for not just my children, but for all of the children in the Marcellus School District. As the economic strain has enveloped our community, I have seen programs cut, teachers nearing burn-out and public opinion divided over where to spend the dwindling funds. As expressed at the two community budget forums this year, the status quo must be abandoned and new ideas formulated. I have great pride in this community; I went through the school system, and I made a conscious decision to raise my family here. I am not willing to allow one of this community’s greatest assets, our school system, to slowly slip into mediocrity.
If elected, what are some of the things you’d like to see accomplished during your term?
The board of education decides upon policy that it feels best directs the district and its students. I would like to accomplish the following:
Sustainability. This district needs to stop thinking in one-year budget cycles and adopt a plan for sustainability. There is a wealth of ideas that the members of this community have that never make it to the board for consideration. I hope to re-instill the trust necessary for students, staff, faculty, parents and residents to voice their thoughts and understand that they will be taken in earnest.
Academic opportunity. I am tired of the idea of maintaining programs. If this community is to continue its rich tradition of producing outstanding students, we need to provide them with the means to distinguish themselves on college admission forms or for preparation for going into a trade.
Fiscal management. While we must expand course selection and extra-curricular opportunities, this has to be done in a responsible fiscal manner. Furthermore, the district needs to continue on the path of transparency that it has begun; the community needs to be made aware of how funds are used.
What would you say are your best qualities that you will bring to the Marcellus BOE?
I am a patient, methodical individual who listens to the entire problem before suggesting a solution. I am hard working and I do not accept sub-par performance. If it is worth doing, it is worth doing well. I speak my opinion about an issue regardless of whether it is popular or not. I seek other people’s opinions, especially when their thoughts are contrary to my own. Finally, my persistence is perhaps my greatest asset. When confronted with an obstacle, I find a way to accomplish my task.
Is there anything else you’d like to say about the election, your platform or anything regarding the board?
I do not favor rushing into things. Over the last year, I have attended every board meeting, with the exception of one, every community forum and every budget workshop. I wanted to become informed about what is happening in the district, and I wanted to make sure I was prepared to take on the responsibilities of being a board of education member. In addition, by participating in the board meetings, community forums and budget workshops, I have been reminded of the resiliency of the Marcellus community and its commitment to our children. I feel we have all the necessary tools to overcome the problems we are facing, and I am prepared to take an active role in that process.
Dave Kelly
Why are you running for re-election?
I am running for re-election because I care about the well being of the school district and students and the community.
Public education as we know it is changing. Curriculums, teaching strategies and students themselves are different today than decades ago. The changes present a great opportunity for schools to evolve and improve.
Involvement with the MCB BOE allows me a chance to be involved with district policies and many important aspects of the direction the school will take.
And I always remember that the main reason to run is to strive to make the process better and help all students reach their full potential.
If elected, what are some of the things you’d like to see accomplished during your term?
1. Advocacy for public education. We must strive for fair and equitable distribution of state aid.
- More harmony and cooperation within the BOE, administration and staff.
3. Focus on increasing the academic standards and performance of students, administration and staff. People want to succeed; we must provide everyone with necessary resources.
4. Continued improvement of the budget process to be transparent and efficient.
5. See the district become more comfortable with new state directions such as Common Core, APPR and mandates.
6. Successful completion of union labor agreements for fair agreements on salaries, benefits and conditions.
7. Setting a strategy of dealing with declining enrollments.
8. Set a direction for possible capital improvement such as improvement to high school science facilities.
What would you say are your best qualities that you will bring to the Marcellus BOE?
1. The realization that I am not a professional educator and that I will take the time to learn about the changing face of education.
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I understand the board is a policy making group and I will not be involved in micromanagement of tactical or operational aspects.
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I am fair and willing to listen and evaluate different situations. I make decisions based on what I feel is right and what the majority of the community would support.
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I do not have any agendas or personal missions that will influence my behavior.
5. I believe I have the listening and communication skills necessary to interface with other board members, the school staff and the community.
- And finally, I enjoy spending the time required to help the students.
Is there anything else you’d like to say about the election, your platform or anything regarding the board?
No, other than I thank the community for their support over my last four years. It’s been a privilege.
The school district in totality is doing a good job in education, and nurturing our students in a positive and safe environment.
Certainly as with everything in life there can be improvements.
I ask the community’s support for another term to represent you on the MCS Board of Education.
Jeff Chrysler
Why are you running for re-election?
This was a very difficult decision this year. I have been on the school board for 12 years and have enjoyed the experience. I believe with the current fiscal status of the state that my experience on the board can provide a huge asset to the Marcellus School District.
If elected, what are some of the things you’d like to see accomplished during your term?
The number one goal has been and always will be the continuous improvement of our academic accomplishments for each and every student.
What would you say are your best qualities that you will bring to the Marcellus BOE?
My experience of the board, the management of the financial situation and my involvement with the faculty committee to expand and improve our outstanding campus.
Is there anything else you’d like to say about the election, your platform or anything regarding the board?
My only platform is to assist in the process of providing the best educational experience to everyone in the Marcellus Central School District.
Thomas T. Van Nguyen
Why are you running for election?
I run because I would like to see our students achieve the excellence in education.
If elected, what are some of the things you’d like to see accomplished during your term?
If elected,
A. I will work to make the educational achievements of all students a top priority.
B. I will work to make the budget process more transparent to the taxpayer.
C. I will work to keep the superintendent and administrators more accountable for students’ education.
D. I will work to make the schools operate more efficiently and economically.
E. I will work to make the board of education more accessible to the public.
What would you say are your best qualities that you will bring to the Marcellus BOE?
I am a clinical assistant professor in the Family Medicine Department at SUNY Upstate Medical University.
Is there anything else you’d like to say about the election, your platform or anything regarding the board?
They are included in my answers to the second question.
