By Hayleigh Gowans
Staff Writer
On Tuesday, May 17, voters in the Fayetteville-Manlius School District will have the opportunity to elect three school board members from a group of six who are running as candidates this year.
The terms of three current school board members, Elena Romano, Kim Swanson and Daniel O’Leary, are expiring this year. Romano and Swanson will seek reelection, and four other candidates, Nancy McDaniel, Mary McGuire, Matt Napierala and Daryl Wheeler, are vying to fill these three seats.
The election will be held from7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17 at Fayetteville Elementary School, 704 S. Manlius St., Fayetteville.
The Eagle Bulletin has sent out a uniform questionnaire to all six candidates so residents can be better informed as to who they are voting for. Below are their responses in alphabetical order by last name.
Nancy K. McDaniel
Professional experience: Before taking a break to raise my children, I most recently practiced corporate law at Morris, Manning and Martin, LLP, a top 10 law firm in Atlanta, GA. There, I represented public and private companies in governance, contracts, mergers and acquisitions, and financing. Prior to that, I also practiced at a business-focused law firm in Raleigh, NC.
Education: I graduated from Gloversville High School (100 miles east of Syracuse). I then attended Duke University, where I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Policy (with an emphasis on international economic policy). Next, I earned my Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, from Wake Forest University.
Organizations/groups involved with: I am a current board member of the F-M Education Foundation. I have been on the Enders Road Elementary Site-Based Team for the past two years. For the Enders Road Home and School Association (HSA), I have served for two years as president and two more years as vice president, along with chairing various HSA committees at the same time. I also spent a year as an Enders Road computer room and library volunteer. At Eagle Hill Middle School, I have volunteered for activities, such as drama club and grade 4 visitation event. I have regularly attended Parent Council for past three years. I have also been a Girl Scout troop leader. As an attorney, I am a member of the NC Bar Association and the State Bar of Georgia.
Why do you think you would make a good member on the F-M Board of Education?
By volunteering weekly in the schools for the past five years, and as an F-M parent for the next nine, I bring a firsthand perspective on how district and state policies affect students, teachers and parents. As an attorney, I am accustomed to identifying conflicting interests and respectfully building cooperative solutions.
Please list the top three problems you believe F-M faces and how would you address these as a board member.
Facilities: The current evaluation shows F-M will have some major decisions, especially regarding three schools needing the most attention. For this, I wouldn’t only consider the final data, but also welcome community discussion without being quick to judge.
Budget: For this, I’d advocate continued pressure in Albany to increase our state aid (flat this year), so we can maintain programs and services while minimizing tax burdens.
State testing and its link to teacher evaluations: Last year I sent email blasts reaching hundreds of parents, encouraging them to contact their state legislators in disapproval of: linking state aid to evaluations, using “independent” outside evaluators and increasing the weight of state testing in reviews. I’d continue to advocate at the state level for this issue.
What is your philosophy on education?
Studies show that everyone learns differently (pace, material, method, environment). Students should learn in a way that makes the most sense to them so they can truly excel. Education is moving away from traditional classrooms; the facilities evaluation presents the perfect opportunity to see how FM could incorporate this.
Mary McGuire
Professional experience: I am a political science professor at SUNY Cortland. My focus is on public administration and policy, including education policy. I am also the director of the SUNY Cortland Institute for Civic Engagement. I currently serve on the college’s applied learning, academic grievance and curriculum committees and chair the department of political science personnel committee. I have also chaired the college’s education policy and general education committees. I am treasurer of the faculty senate. Prior to graduate school, I worked in the financial industry in New York.
Education: I earned my PhD in Political Science, MPA in Public Administration and BA in English from Syracuse University. I graduated from Bishop Grimes High School and attended Immaculate Conception and Wellwood schools.
Organizations/groups involved with: Families with Children from China of Central NY, when my daughter was younger, I was a room parent at Fayetteville Elementary and a library volunteer at Wellwood.
Why do you think you would make a good member on the F-M Board of Education?
As the parent of a 2015 F-M graduate, I have recent experience with the district. Skills I’ve built dealing with policy, curriculum and funding issues at a public college will translate well to school board responsibilities, as will my experience encouraging committees to focus on complex issues and reach consensus.
Please list the top three problems you believe F-M faces and how would you address these as a board member?
Facilities problems, particularly at Wellwood, need to be addressed steadily with consideration for students, teachers, community, administrators and parents. I’d encourage the board to evaluate analyses already completed for F-M buildings, develop viable options for public consideration, and following public input, put forward recommendations to voters. Work should proceed logically, without the pressure of crises.
FM’s excellent programs in academics, the arts, and sports, are essential opportunities that should be protected through challenging budget times.
Recent NY school funding practices have been detrimental to the budgets of districts like F-M. The board should proactively assure that elected officials are aware of the important role that successful districts play in the economy of CNY. I have lobbied for both F-M and SUNY and plan to continue.
What is your philosophy on education?
Education is the opportunity to enjoy a lifetime of learning. Excellent educations mold engaged citizens, creative thinkers, analysts, experimenters and active participants in the economy. Given a challenging curriculum, under the guidance of faculty with the freedom and resources to provide diverse learning opportunities, all students can reach those goals.
Matt Napierala
Professional experience: I am a Professional Engineer licensed in New York, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. I am the managing Engineer and President of Napierala Consulting, a civil engineering design firm based in the village of Manlius, which I established 18 years ago. Napierala Consulting is a small business providing engineering solutions to development projects throughout New York State and the New England region. In 2015 the village of Manlius recognized Napierala Consulting as the “Outstanding Business of the Year.”
Education: Bachelor of Science from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in the School of Environmental and Resource Engineering.
Organizations/groups involved with: F-M All Sports Booster Club, president from 2011 to 2014; F-M Community Sports Facility Association Turf Committee; F-M Little League, executive board member from 1998 to 2010; F-M Little League, baseball and softball coach from 1997 to 2012; and Valley Youth Hockey Association , board member and coach from 1998 to 2012.
Why do you think you would make a good member on the F-M Board of Education?
Susan (wife) and I have been advocates involved in the F-M community both educationally and athletically for 20 years. Our three children are alumni who are successful due to the core values and education they received. I believe my small business sensibility and personal mantra of putting kids first would be a great asset to the board.
Please list the top three problems you believe F-M faces and how would you address these as a board member?
Infrastructure: The buildings and grounds require continuous oversight maintenance and upgrades at a significant budget expense. As a professional engineer in the building industry for 30 years, I have both the knowledge and experience to assist the district with its many infrastructure challenges.
Family values: I believe the core education of our children starts with respect, attentiveness, attitude and behavior. While our schools can reinforce and build upon these principles, the reality is these tenets start at home. As a member of the school board with strong family values, I will lead by example and assist the district in establishing programs to further reinforce family values.
The F-M School District is a major area employer, major land owner, and operator of some of the largest facilities in town. It is a business entity with daily challenges. I will bring a small business perspective to the board with the ability to be logical, decisive and forthright with decisions to meet the best interests of our children and the tax payers in the F-M School District.
What is your philosophy on education?
Education is the gateway to opportunity. The world is interconnected and skills needed are constantly changing. We have to continue providing our children with the tools and resources, through their fundamental educational years, to ensure that each and every child has the ability to achieve their individual goals and dreams.
Elena Romano
Professional experience: Managing the MJR Family LLC and real estate holdings. Supervised accounts payable for five years for our family’s business, the Romano Auto Dealerships. Taught Suzuki Violin for 12 years.
Education: Bachelors of Science degree in Chemistry from St. Lawrence University, with a minor in Biology. Completed Suzuki Violin Teacher Training at Ithaca College.
Organizations/groups involved with: F-M Board of Education, McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Center Board of Director and current Board secretary, Immaculate Conception Church parishioner.
Why do you think you would make a good member on the F-M Board of Education?
I have served on the F-M Board of Education for 15 years. I have demonstrated strong leadership skills, open-mindedness, fairness, honesty, good character, integrity and a high commitment to the school district and community. I listen carefully and ask questions to become well informed prior to making a decision.
Please list the top three problems you believe F-M faces and how would you address these as a board member?
Maintaining consistency at the board level. Having experienced, process orientated board members with a history of the district and community can provide solid board governance to facilitate a smooth transition for success for our new Superintendent.
We have buildings that require HVAC repair or replacement. Many consider Wellwood a jewel. A holistic study and analysis of data, within an allowable timeframe, will help present a fiscally sound recommendation to our community.
Creating opportunities for each student to reach their potential while maintaining a reasonable tax rate. It’s imperative that we maintain the quality of our staff and continue to support professional development. Through collaboration between the board, administrators, faculty, staff and community we can continue to find our efficiencies and present a responsible budget.
What is your philosophy on education?
With a focus on the District’s Mission Statement, a model of institutionalized continuous improvement, collaboration, data driven decision making, and accountability positions us well to achieve the next level of academic excellence by preparing today’s students for tomorrow’s global work force while remaining sensitive to the community’s financial resources.
Kim Swanson
Professional experience: Consultant and executive level leadership. More than 25 years of experience in vocational rehabilitation and disability management.
Education: BA, English and Humanities, Columbia College. Attended Syracuse University for Master degree in Human Services Counseling. Associates degree in Business AdministrationMastery of Boardsmanship, New York State School Board Association (NYSSBA), Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS) and Mandated Reporter both Medicaid Waiver and NYS School Board, and US Department of Labor / OWCP, Certified Rehabilitation Professional.
Organizations/groups involved with: Fayetteville-Manlius School District Board of Education, member, 2013 to present. Voting delegate and policy committee chairperson; New York State School Board Association (NYSSBA), member, 2013 to present; Student Teacher Parent Association (STPA), Fayetteville-Manlius Schools, chair awards night and volunteer; F-M High School Rowing Team (Crewsters), parent member and volunteer; F-M High School Track, volunteer; National Association of Professional Woman, 2014 to present; Founder and past president, F-M Parent-to-Parent;New York State Association for Behavior Analysis (NYSABA), 2012 to 2015;Advocate for local adult with traumatic brain injury, 2005 to present; Member of Parent Advisory Council, appointed by Superintendent of Fayetteville-Manlius School District, 2009-10; Syracuse Claims Association, assisted president in organization of seminars and association events;National Association of Rehabilitation Professionals (NARPPS), 1988 to 1991; and Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, member. Member of Chittenango Polar Bears Snowmobile Club, Manlius Car Club, Syracuse Nationals Right Coast Association, Oneida Lake Region, Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) and Good Sam Club
Why do you think you would make a good member on the F-M Board of Education?
I am grateful to the Fayetteville-Manlius community and view my role as a board member as an honor and a commitment that I take very seriously. I have pledged to fulfill my oath and the FM Mission: To provide excellence in education for all students.
I represent all stakeholders and all students. I am committed to the concept of Student First, fiscal responsibility and legal compliance.
Please list the top three problems you believe F-M faces and how would you address these as a board member?
The fiscal well being of the district is a continued concern. Our district is reliant primarily on property tax. We need to continue to push our local representatives to repeal the GEA and give back to our schools the millions NYS used to fill its own budget gap. NYS no longer has a budget deficit and therefore, should give back the money to our schools. What’s at stake? Cuts. Cuts to our schools, our programs and our staff.
Common Core and standardized testing continues to be an issue. Progress has been made, however we still have work to do as decisions about testing and teacher assessments should be brought back to the local level.
Facilities. Wellwood is certainly a concern as the oldest building in our district. However, in an effort to be fiscally responsible, we need to continue to look at all our facilities for long range planning. We need to be respectful of our community and our culture when considering options.
What is your philosophy on education?
I believe in public education. I believe in achievement, but I also believe in balance. With three school aged children, I see the stress placed upon our kids and staff to achieve and the effects this constant pressure may have upon our future generation. I believe we need to refocus and reshape, creatively and efficiently, that balance of high achievement in a healthy environment for each learner and for our educators.
Daryll Fitch Wheeler
Professional experience: Retired teacher of English, reading and staff developer/teacher trainer (20 Years in NYS).
Education: Nazareth College, BA in English Literature, Syracuse University, MS in Reading and Language Arts and LeMoyne College, Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in school administration.
Organizations/groups involved with: Immaculate Conception Church, Parish Council, Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Pastoral Care Area Facilitator (four area parish visioning group), volunteer at Brookdale, Fayetteville.
Why do you think you would make a good member on the F-M Board of Education?
As a resident of Fayetteville since 1950, a graduate of F-M, the mother of seven graduates, grandmother of six granddaughters currently in four of our schools, and as an educator, I have a vested interest in our district. I have the historical perspective and a deep concern for F-M’s future.
Please list the top three problems you believe F-M faces and how would you address these as a board member?
We are very proud of our F-M School District and its outstanding record as a leader in education-not only in NYS but also in the nation. Our challenge will be to continue to maintain that standard of excellence by attracting highly qualified staff. Facilities will always be an issue as our board and community grapple with maintaining aging buildings. Tied to all of these, is the challenge of determining a budget that balances need with fiscal responsibility.
As a board member, I would study, seek expert opinions, listen to all in the F-M community as well as fellow board members, and then vote my conscience. My historical perspective and my deep pride in our district would also guide me.
What is your philosophy on education?
As a mother, grandmother and an educator, my philosophy centers on the belief that every child can learn and schools, maintaining high standards and high expectations, should strive to weave the 21st century skills into every curriculum in order to prepare students for the world they will inherit.
