Thoughts On Candidates For ECSD School Board

[Beekeeper 13]

As a teacher, I got a postcard telling me which 3 candidates I should vote for in the upcoming School Board election...I have no clue..Who is running?  Can anyone tell me anything about the candidates?

 

[Twin Tiers Living 428]

From the ECSD website, here are the candidates:

Michele L. Johnson

Education Summary
AS Accounting – Midlands Technical College, Columbia, SC
BS Accounting – Limestone College, Gaffney, SC
MPA- Keller Graduate School of Mgmt.
MSE- Adult Education- Elmira College, Elmira, NY

Career Summary
Elmira Native and resident with a 30+ year career that includes Financial Analyst, Administrative Director, CFO, and CEO roles. Currently operating as a Sr. Leader and Community Engagement Specialist.

Why I want to Serve on the Board of Education
"I’d like to be re-elected to the Elmira City School Board because I value our community and the important role of education in our children’s lives. As a board member, I’ve learned the multitude of ways we support student success and I’m excited to be part of continued opportunities to help them achieve."

 

Michael S. Hamilton

Education Summary
Notre Dame High School Class of 1979
Corning Community College 1981-83
Accredited Buyer Representative 1999 (ABR)
Graduate of Realtor Institute 2005 (GRI)

Career Summary
NYS Licensed Realtor Since 1995
Owned and Operated Hamilton Home Realty & Associates 2005-2013
Elmira/Corning Board of Realtors President 2010
Elmira/Corning Realtor of the Year 2008
Elmira/Corning Board of Directors 2008-2022
NYS Board of Directors 2016- 2022
NYS Association of Directors 2016-2022
NYS Association of Realtor Political Coordinator (SPC) 2014-2022

Why I want to Serve on the Board of Education  
"A quality education FREE from political or ideological influences, is the driving force of a FREE society."

 

Michael A. Thomas

Education Summary
Williamson Jr Sr High School (1982-1985)
US Naval Nuclear Power School
Numerous College Courses
Multiple Trade School Classes
Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout

Career Summary
US Navy Veteran
Elmira City School District; Maintenance Mechanic (32 years of service)
Elmira City School District CMCW Union Leadership (6 years as President)
East Hill Volunteer Fireman

Why I want to Serve on the Board of Education
"Perform my civic duty to ensure the district provides the best education for all students inclusive of diversity safety and fiscal constraints. Be an advocate for parents and taxpayers concerns."

 

William J. Finnerty

Education Summary
Notre Dame High School Class of 1991 NYS Regents Diploma
Le Moyne College May 1995 Political Science
Alfred University December 2002 Masters – Education

Career Summary
Elcor Health Services – HR Coordinator
SCT BOCES – Adult Education Counselor
Chemung County DSS – Investigator/Counselor
Horseheads Central School District – Secondary Social Studies Teacher

Why I want to Serve on the Board of Education
"I want to ensure that all children of the district have access to the same opportunities and give the taxpayers a school system that they can be proud of."

 

Gerald A. Holleran

Education Summary
Advanced Certificate of Aerospace Studies, USAF Air University, AL. 1998
USAF Air War College, Air University, AL. 1996
USAF Air Command and Staff College, AL. Top Tier Graduate. 1993
Master of Science Degree in Management. Troy State University, AL 1989.
USAF Squadron Officer School AL. Distinguished Graduate. 1986
USAF Officer Training School, TX. Distinguished Graduate. 1979
Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. University of Central Oklahoma. 1977
Associate Degree in Educational Philosophy. Oklahoma City University. 1975
NYS Regents Diploma. Penfield High School, NY. 1973

Career Summary

Education

SUNY Cortland Student Teacher Supervisor, Secondary English, 2021 to present.
NYS permanent dual certification in Secondary English and Special Education.
Completed 21 years, English/Language Arts instruction; retired, ECSD, 2020.
CCC Certificate of Recognition as a “Teacher Who Inspires,” 2019.
CCC Colleague Award for “Exemplary Educational Contributions to Students,” 2018.
Broadway Middle School “Teacher of the Year,” 2005-2006.
Intervention Specialist, GST BOCES Alternative High School, 2003-2004.
Writing Program Instructor, Elmira College, 2001-2003.
Head of Chemung Valley Montessori School, 1999-2001.

Military Service

United States Air Force, Lieutenant Colonel, retired, 1999.
Advanced through a host of assignments throughout the United States and Europe.
Recognized as Field Training Group Commander of the Year, 1992.
Recognized as Military Training Instructor of the Year, 1986.
Awarded highly selective, merit-based Master Instructor Rating, 1984.
Awarded Commander’s Badge, Master Maintenance Badge and Missileman Badge.
Awarded USAF Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters (outstanding mission accomplishment x 5).
Awarded USAF Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster (exceptional duty performance x 2).
Awarded USAF Achievement Medal (act of heroism).

Why I want to Serve on the Board of Education
• "I was born, bred and raised in Elmira, the youngest of six children in an Irish-Catholic family. The core philosophy of my life has been the concept of service before self for the betterment of all."
• "Following military service, the Elmira City School District provided me with a rewarding teaching career while providing and excellent quality of life for my family."
• "I firmly believe I have a personal responsibility to give back to our community."
• "I’ve been honored to serve as a board member for the past three years. As a Chairperson of the Policy Committee, I’ve witnessed the amazing efforts of teachers, staff and district leadership to overcome a myriad of obstacles related to educating our students."
• "If given the opportunity to return to the school board, my goal remains to identify positive and innovative ways to best serve the future needs of every student in our district."
• "I have been and will continue to be an advocate for higher wages, increased staff recognition, smaller class sizes and safer buildings."

[Adam 458]

i would ask youself what current members have done to improve local education, then use that to determine if they deserve re-election

[Chris 2,774]

As a follow up, here’s the results: