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Summary and Sample Ballots for Budget Votes and Board
of Education Elections to be Held on May 17 in Each Lewis County School
District
Published: May 14, 2022 at 08:45
p.m.
By: Nick Altmire
Lewis County, NY- Budget votes and
board of education elections will take place across the state on Tuesday,
including the five districts that are located within Lewis County. A
summary for each district is included below, along with each district’s
sample ballot.
BEAVER RIVER CENTRAL SCHOOL
Polls open 1 PM to 8 PM in the BRCS Auditorium
2022 Beaver
River Central School Sample Ballot
2022 Beaver
River Budget Newsletter
Voters in the
Beaver River district will be voting on a $19.1 million budget, which
includes a 4.9 percent increase in appropriations from last year. If
approved, district taxpayers would see a 2 percent increase in the tax
levy. There will also be a proposition on the ballot seeking to increase
the annual funding for the Croghan Free Library by $5,000, to a total of
$50,000 annually.
There are four
candidates vying for one seat on the board of education. The seat is being
vacated by Samuel Chamberlain, current board president, who is not seeking
re-election. The following profiles for the four candidates were included
in the school newsletter:
Mr. Andrew
Chartrand, is a hydroelectric power plant operator and has three children who
attend or will attend the district Stepson Owen (12th grade), Quinn
(Pre-K), and Noah who will attend Pre-K in the Fall. Andrew graduated from
Beaver River Central School and also from the
Universal Technical Institute. Andrew believes the biggest issue currently
facing our district is the lack of indifference with teachers and
counselors voicing and teaching their political views. A school is a place
of education, not a place for some teachers to push their views on
students. A school should be neutral ground across the board.
Ms. Jessica
Clemons, is a sales manager, and has two children attending the district,
Elodie (2nd grade) and Jemma (5th grade). Jessica graduated from SUNY ESF
with a B.S. in Environmental Studies, Clarion University, PA with a MLIS in
Library Science and from Penn State University with a MGIS in Geo. Info
Systems. She has been a Girl Scout Troop Leader and served as president for
the NYLA Special Education & Academic. She currently serves on the
board for Naturally Lewis LCDC. Jessica believes that A K-12 education is
the most important foundation our society can provide to children. This
should not be a burden placed solely on teachers' shoulders. It is the
responsibility of our community to support, encourage, plan, and engage
with each other to do the very best for our young people. Our biggest
challenge going forward is preparing these students for a changing world.
This includes offering paths for professional, trade, college bound, and
those that need time to explore and consider various options. Every student
should have the support they need to thrive at school and beyond. I want
every child to feel supported and taken care of as individuals who are part
of an inclusive community with health resources as readily available as
extracurricular resources. I grew up in a rural community and understand
how the school is a hub for many of us. I am a parent, active in the
community, and have had various professional experiences leading
organizations through change. I’ve taught at the college level, designed
courses, contributed to accreditation efforts, and built financially
sustainable programs that benefited students and faculty. My background in
education and business will be a benefit to all in the district.
Mrs. Sloane
Schweitzer, is a patient account clerk and has two children at
home, McKinley (3 yrs. old) and John (1 yr. old). Sloane graduated from
Beaver River Central School with a Regents diploma and attended Herkimer
County Community College. Sloane believes BRCS needs to have more electives
available for students to see what they are interested in and to prepare
them for their future. Trade schools should be more encouraged along with
practical classes for real life issues. The rules need to be enforced by
all staff, not just a few appointed ones. I will fight for additional
classes. We just need to be a more competitive educational school.
Mr. Jamie Zehr, my wife is Kimberly and we have 3 beautiful children who all attend
Beaver River Central School. Hailey is in 6th grade; Drew is in 3rd; and
Avery is in 1st. I graduated from Beaver River in 1992 and I have spent
most of my 47 years residing in the Beaver River School District. We as a
family are involved in our community and with our school- we attend and are
actively involved with our local church; and our children are involved in
various clubs associated with Beaver River (the musical, FFA, band, chorus,
and various sports clubs). Beaver River Central School and the education of
not only my children but all children is very near
and dear to my heart. What is the most important issue facing our district?
For me, it’s first and foremost that God has been removed and is being
replaced with lies and perversions. Other issues facing us are: 1. Gender
identity: I believe that biological males belong in boy’s lockers
rooms/bathrooms; biological females belong in female locker
rooms/bathrooms; and discussion cannot take place with a student without
parental consent. 2. Curriculum: I strongly oppose Critical Race Theory
(CRT). As a board member I would request to develop policy to ensure this
isn’t discussed or taught at BRCS. Our students need more options provided
to them academically. 3. COVID Concerns: Many new staff were added this
school year. Concerns I have: What’s the long term
plan for these new positions? Will our taxes increase to accommodate these
new positions once COVID money is gone? I strongly oppose a mandatory COVID
vaccine and masking our students. Both should remain personal choice
between parent and child. 4. Athletic Fields and general maintenance: I
would like to see more attention given our athletic fields and our campus.
5. Miscellaneous Concerns: Staff pushing their beliefs onto students. It is
their job to teach, not to indoctrinate. Should I be elected as a board
member, you can be assured I will advocate for the overall well-being of
students at BRCS. I will be a voice for you and your child(ren) during a time
when these voices have been mostly silenced.
COPENHAGEN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Polls Open 12 PM to 8 PM in the Gym Foyer
2022 Copenhagen
Central School District Sample Ballot
2022 Copenhagen
Budget Newsletter
Voters in the
Copenhagen Central School District will be voting on a $11,985,523 budget, which
includes a $310,601 increase in appropriations compared to the current
year. If approved, taxpayers in the district will see a 1 percent increase
in the tax levy.
There is one seat
up for election on the school board, with incumbent Alfred E. Tomaselli
being the only candidate on the ballot. Mr. Tomaselli included the
following message in the district newsletter:
It has been an honor to serve the
Copenhagen Central School District as a BOE member since 2007. I would like
to thank the Copenhagen community, teachers, support staff, administration,
BOE members, and students for all the support, patience, and hard work that
continually sustains and builds on the reputation of Copenhagen as one of
the very best schools in the area. CCS has done very well with its very
limited resources due to the
community support and exceptionally
dedicated and qualified staff. The challenge is never over, but with your
support, CCS will continue to overcome while providing students the best
education and school experience possible. While I had three children
graduate from Copenhagen and no longer have children attending the school,
I am committed to utilizing my experience on the BOE in further support of
the Copenhagen Central School District Students, Staff, and Community. I
retired from the military in 2014 and have worked as a Teacher at a PK-12
school ever since, giving me additional insights into the challenges and
issues.
I would be honored to continue to serve
this great community as a member of the BOE.
HARRISVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Polls Open from 1 PM to 8 PM
2022 Harrisville
Central School District Sample Ballot
2022 Harrisville Budget Newsletter- NOT AVAILABLE ON DISTRICT
WEBSITE
Voters in the
Harrisville Central School District will be voting on a $11,321,461 budget.
There is one seat up for election on the school board, with incumbent Parish
Atkinson running unopposed. Voters will also have two additional propositions
to consider, one to purchase two new buses and the other proposing a $5,000
funding increase to the Harrisville Free Library. Harrisville does not any have
budget documents /information or any recent newsletters available on the district website.
LOWVILLE ACADEMY & CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Polls Open 12 PM to 8 PM in the High School
Auditorium
2022 Lowville
Academy & Central School District Sample Ballot
2022 Lowville
Budget Newsletter
Voters in the
Lowville district will be voting on a $28,758,099 budget, which includes a
2.4 percent increase in appropriations from the current year. If approved,
taxpayers in the district would see a 4.98 percent increase to the property
tax levy. There are also proposition on the ballot to purchase three new
school buses and a proposal to increase funding to the Lowville Free
Library ($20,000 increase to a total of $100,000 annually) and William H.
Bush Memorial Library in Martinsburg ($5,000 increase to a total of $40,000
annually).
There are three
schools board seats up for election, with each of the three incumbents
having challengers to their re-election bids. The seat currently held by
James Farquhar is being challenged by Charlotte Sullivan. Incumbent
candidate Stephanie Houser-Fouse is being
challenged by Jonathan C. Gillette, and the seat currently held by Amy
Marti is being challenged by Dr. Raymond F. Higby,
Jr. The following profiles for each of the candidates were included in the school newsletter:
Board of Education Election
The Lowville Academy Board of Education
is made up of nine trustees who serve three year
terms. Board members serve as the community’s representatives in all
matters of instruction, operations and finance and are assigned to several
committees. Each year, three Board of Education seats are up for election.
This year, there are six candidates running for three board seats. Current
board members Mr. James Farquhar, Mrs. Stephanie Houser Fouse,
and Mrs. Amy Marti are running for reelection.
Mr. James Farquhar of Pine Grove
Road is completing his seventh year as a member of the Board of Education.
Throughout his time on the Board, Jim has served as a member of the
elementary, middle school, and transportation committees. Mr. Farquhar
works for the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation-Wildlife
Division in Albany. Jim and his wife Lori have two children who are
graduates of LACS.
Mrs. Stephanie Houser Fouse is seeking
re-election for her third term as a member of the Board of Education. Mrs.
Houser Fouse has served as a member of the
policy, personnel, elementary, middle and high
school committees throughout her time on the Board. Stephanie works at
Lewis County Public Health. She and her husband Benjamin run a small farm
on the Rector Road where they live along with their two children who are
students at Lowville Middle School.
Mrs. Amy Marti is seeking
re-election for a second term as a member of the Board of Education. Mrs.
Marti has served as a member of the personnel, transportation, elementary
and middle school committees throughout her time on the Board. Mrs. Marti
has served children and families in Lewis County for the past 32 years and
currently serves as the Executive Director for Lewis County Head Start. She
and her husband Mark have two children who are graduates of Lowville
Academy.
Mrs. Charlotte Sullivan is running for
the board seat currently held by Mr. James Farquhar. Mrs. Sullivan and her
husband Jacob have two children who attend Lowville Elementary School. Mrs.
Sullivan is a wife, mother, hostess at Jeb’s and an administrator for
ALCCL. Mrs. Sullivan’s interest in serving on the board is “simply because
our children and teachers need to be heard, and I want to listen and be the
voice that speaks up for them. I also love our hometown and want to be a
part of our flourishing school.”
Mr. Jonathan Gillette is running for
the board seat currently held by Mrs. Stephanie Houser Fouse.
Mr. Gillette is employed with Pioneer Seeds and lives in Lowville with his
wife Kasia and 3 children who are students at Lowville Academy. When asked
of his interest in serving on the school board, Mr. Gillette replied “I am
looking to be more involved with my children’s education. I will strive to
have an educated opinion and make rational decisions that will best serve
our community.” In his free time, Mr. Gillette enjoys snowmobiling and
spending time with his family on the lake.
Dr. Raymond Higby,
Jr. is running for the board seat currently held by Mrs. Amy Marti. Dr.
Higby is the owner of Complete Care Chiropractic
in Lowville. He and his wife Ria have one son who is a student at Lowville
High School. Dr. Higby is a 1987 graduate of
Lowville Academy. He is also involved with Boy Scout Troop 162 and is a
board member of Double Play. He states his interest in serving on the board
is to “help students be successful in their learning and experiences in
school and to become more engaged in serving the community”.
SOUTH LEWIS CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Polls Open 12 PM to 8 PM in the High School Music
Suite
2022 South Lewis
Central School District Sample Ballot
2022 South Lewis
Budget Newsletter
Voters in the
South Lewis District will be voting on $28,540,102 budget, which includes a
1.93 percent increase in appropriations. If approved, taxpayers in the
district will see a 1.95 percent increase to the property tax levy. There
will also be propositions on the ballot to purchase three new school buses
and a proposal to establish a new 10-year capital fund not to exceed $5
million.
There are three
candidates vying for two school board seats up for election. Incumbents Andrew
Liendecker and Dawn Ludovici are seeking re-election,
while challenger Sarah Metott is trying to secure
one of the seats. The top two vote getters among the three candidates will
earn seats on the board. Profiles for each of the three candidates, published in a
flier on the district website, are included below:
Andrew Liendecker: I grew up in Lyons Falls where I attended
Lyons Falls Elementary and graduated from South Lewis Middle/High School.
After graduation, I took some college classes in Computer Science and
Programming and then enlisted in the United States Navy. I was stationed
for four years on the Aircraft Carrier USS Coral Sea CV-43 in the
Mediterranean Sea. After completion of my military service, I worked as a
graphic artist designing advertisements for the Watertown Daily Times and
the Journal and Republican. In the summer of 1994, I moved to Prescott
Valley, Arizona, and worked at Ruger sandblasting pistol frames until I
began my career in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning). After
living in Arizona for 14 years, my wife, Michele, and I moved back to the North
Country with our daughters, Abigayle and Izabelle.
We felt that it was time to return to our roots, to be nearer to our
families, and to raise our girls in the quiet, rural setting that we had
known and had grown to appreciate. We now reside in the Village of Turin,
and I commute to my Sackets Harbor office at Lawman Heating and Cooling,
where I have been employed as an HVAC Project Manager since 2008.
In 2012, I was elected to the South Lewis
Board of Education and currently serve as its President. I feel that my
past experiences and accomplishments provide a perspective and knowledge
that has been helpful to the Board of Education and trusted by its members
and stakeholders during my 10 years of service. I look forward to further
representing the South Lewis community by working with the Board to
establish policies that best serve the South Lewis School District.
Dawn Ludovici: Hello, my name
is Dawn Ludovici, and I am running for a second term on the South Lewis
School Board. My husband, Mike, and I have lived here for 26 years. I am
retired after 34 years in education which included eight years serving the
South Lewis CSD, first as Glenfield Elementary Principal and then as Director
of Curriculum & Instruction. From 2004 until my retirement, I served as
Assistant Superintendent of the Jefferson-Lewis BOCES.
Throughout my career, I have partnered
with parents, school personnel, the State Education Department, and
community/business leaders to develop and deliver cost-effective,
educational programming for students, preschool-aged to adults. This year
marks my 23rd year serving on the Lewis County Head Start Board. I am a
member of the Glenfield United Methodist Church, where I have provided
children’s programming. Through my membership in the South Lewis Lions
Club, I have been able to assist children and adults in accessing eye
exams/glasses, to conduct annual Pre-K/Kindergarten vision screening and to
recognize South Lewis Falcon Scholars.
Over the last few years our school
community has experienced some major challenges and at the same time
achieved some major goals. As a board member, while considering varying
public opinions as well as the board’s financial responsibility to our
taxpayers, my primary focus has remained on providing South Lewis students
with a well-rounded, high-quality education and any supports they have
needed to experience success. I would consider it an honor to continue
serving on the South Lewis Board of Education.
Sarah Metott: Hello, my name
is Sarah (Kraeger) Metott,
I was born and raised in Constableville and
attended SL until graduation in 2003. I left the area for higher education
and employment opportunities and brought those experiences back in 2011 to
settle down and raise my family in the place my husband, Mike, and I have
called home. We have two children, Olivia (5) and Lane (3). I currently
work for the Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome NY and established a
small business in 2019 as an Architect supporting small commercial and
residential projects in the area. I enjoy the outdoors, camping, running,
and crafting. I love to be involved in the development of children and their
futures. I am the Chair of the Policy Council and Treasurer and Secretary
of the Parent Committee of Lewis County Head Start, being involved for the
last two years. I enjoy being active in the community and serve as the
Secretary of the Moose River Fish & Game Club. Additionally, I serve on
the Lewis County Planning Board which began January of this year.
I am interested in becoming a member of
the SL BOE because Olivia will begin her SL education in the Fall and Lane
in a couple years. I felt now is a great time to start to be part of their
education, learn and better understand the district and educational goals
and be a spokesperson/liaison between the community, parents, teachers and
the BOE. I look forward to the opportunity to serve the community in
another capacity and supporting the hardworking educators and support staff
that make SL great. Thank you all for your consideration as a candidate!
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