The Buffalo News invited school board candidates to provide a statement about why they are running for office.


The main reason I am running for the school board is that I want to continue to be a voice and an active participant in tending to the needs of the students in North Tonawanda, while still being able to ensure that we make the right decisions financially in the district. I have been active and involved throughout my children’s education. Our oldest son, Daniel graduated from North Tonawanda High School in 1991, our daughter Amber will graduate in June. Bryce, our youngest, will be entering North Tonawanda High School in September, and all three have grown through the system since kindergarten. Times are changing, the city’s population is decreasing, and the school administration has been faced with decisions to close and consolidate schools recently to close the gap, while maintaining current programs and activities. I am a firm believer that we need to be able to offer a high quality of education, combined with ample extracurricular and athletic opportunities for the students in the district, but also need to do so while negatively affecting school taxes.

There are a lot of concerns that we must make under trying school budgets, and reduced state aid, but we can continue to maintain a quality of education where the students benefit, if we continue to put their needs first. Currently active in North Tonawanda, as treasurer of the NT Lady Jacks Softball Team and a member of the North Tonawanda Football Hall of Fame Booster Club, I offer help and input as needed. What I want to do now is continue to be an active participant and a voice, take what I am doing to the next level, and do what I am able to help the students and the taxpayers. The reality is that there is no easy answer, but we cannot over extend our budget, and must work diligently to adhere to the budget set forth.