A historic ten new candidates seek election to school board
By Andrew Harris
In what could be the largest school board election in the history of Wellsville Central Schools, an impressive field of challengers are seeking three open seats. These ten new candidates join the three incumbent board members who are seeking re-election.
From the Wellsville Central School monthly newsletter, each candidate who has successfully petitioned and will appear on the ballot submitted a written statement. Candidates are listed in the order they will appear on the ballot on Tuedsay May 21:
Trish Haggerty
My name is Trish Haggerty. I grew up locally, attended SUNY Geneseo earning my BA in Communication/Marketing. I spent 13 years living in NC working for Simpson Racing, in NASCAR, ending my tenure as VP of sales. My husband, Sean, and I moved home in 2010. Currently I serve as Executive Assistant to the President at Alfred State. I am part of the Executive Leadership Team, President’s Council, and College Council. I have served as President of the Wellsville Girls Softball Association for the last 4 years, a league serving over 120 youth in our area. I’ve coached my children, Gavin & Brielle, in baseball, softball, and soccer for over 14 years. I am running for school board to represent parents like me who feel there has been a depreciation in the overall student experience at WES/WHS. We need to balance fiscal responsibility with the success and happiness of our children.
Jason Mattison
I’m Jason Mattison and I am a candidate for the Wellsville Central School Board of Education. I am married to Vicky and we have five children. I am a lifelong resident of Wellsville.
I am employed at Siemens-Energy where I lead the Repair Operations for North and Latin America. My experience leading world class collaborative teams to drive improvements, and break down barriers, fits well with the challenges we face in the school system today.
I have seen firsthand the challenges our students, teachers, and administration face since before Covid, and the aftereffect that currently persists. The effects of Covid, along with the changing tax base, necessitate changes in our leadership approach. This all starts with transparency.
I look forward to leveraging my business and leadership experience to drive transparency, collaboration and accountability between our board, administration, students, and community.
Trent Robbins
My name is Trent Robbins, I am running for school board. I was born and raised in Wellsville. I then received my bachelor degree in Agriculture Business from Alfred State in 2020. I am currently a Crop Consultant for Nutrien Ag Solutions as well as an owner of Dry Creek Dorpers. I participated in athletics and coaching. I have always had a desire to serve my community. I take this opportunity very seriously as it will impact future generations of students. I will be an advocate for students and parents and would welcome community input to address issues and solve problems. I believe the role of the board of education is crucial to the success of the school. My goal is to continue to help make sure we have a successful and fiscally responsible school for future generations.
William Benz
NYS Assembly Bill A276b if passed and enacted will give agents of New York State in every public school the power to administer to every child regardless of age any medication, injection or surgery with NEITHER parental consent NOR EVEN notification. This is yet another egregious effort by government to destroy parental rights, medical freedom, informed consent and medical privacy. Daily Clout has published reports on their website based on the Federal Court mandated FOIA release of Pfizer’s research documents for the mandated action of everyone’s familiarity.
If we don’t speak, practice religion, assemble, press and demand redress of grievances, we will be the modern day equivalent of the German people marched through the camps by Eisenhower showing them the results of their blind eyes, silent complicity and acquiescence to a gross and evil authority. Please vote for me, Bill Benz. Attend school board meetings. Demand justice. Enough is enough.
Jill Vossler
I live in Wellsville with my husband, three children, and two dogs. I am a third grade teacher at Genesee Valley Central School, and former employee of the Wellsville School District.
I am running for the school board because I believe the district has lost sight of what truly matters. Our children deserve a quality education, compassion, and understanding. Our teachers deserve to work in an environment that is supportive. With the help of like-minded parents, educators, and board members, I believe Wellsville can achieve these goals.
Shane Vogel
Wellsville has been my home for nearly 40 years. I have enjoyed my time here and would like the opportunity to contribute to our school system as a member of the school board. I have spent the last 26 years running and owning businesses in our community. During that time, whether through Pizza King, or while coaching baseball, basketball and soccer, I have had the opportunity to work directly with many of our youth. I feel as though I have a good perspective and open mind to work with our district members in the best interest of our students, as well as the Wellsville community.
Jenise Cicirello
My husband and I reside in the Village and (combined) have 3 children – all of which have attended or currently attend WCS. All 3 children have participated in athletics and other extra-curricular activities provided by the school. I work for the court system and have 29 years of experience in the legal field. I have chosen to run for School Board because I want to be a voice for my children. I will also advocate for their peers to ensure that all of our children have the best school experience possible. Given that my children are current students and I often interact with other parents, I will be able to provide insight on issues that may need more attention or a complete policy change. My job routinely requires me to collaborate with multiple agencies and I welcome the opportunity to do so with other Board members.
James Wixson
I’m Jim Wixson, 50 years old, a lifelong resident of Wellsville, and graduated here in 1991. I have 5 children who graduated from Wellsville, and 8 grandchildren – 3 of whom are students in Wellsville now. My son is the music teacher in the elementary school. I worked at Alstom in town until 2006 when I took a medical retirement, then volunteered mentoring teens with Youth for Christ for nearly 13 years. In the past I have served on the board of directors for Youth for Christ and the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Now, I would like to use my time to serve the community on the school board and help ensure that our youth can get the quality education they deserve. I will be fair and unbiased when voting on any and all issues presented to the board.
Timothy Dannheim
As a Town of Wellsville resident whose children have graduated from Wellsville, I am committed to upholding the traditional values of our school and maintaining fiscal responsibility. By prioritizing basic education as the foundation of our school system and holding a firm belief in the importance of financial stewardship. I ensure that taxpayers dollars will be spent wisely and efficiently to maximize their impact on Wellsville students’ education. I believe in focusing on basic core subjects like math, science, and literacy to provide students with essential skills they need to succeed. By ensuring accountability and transparency, I aim to empower parents to actively participate in shaping their children’s future. Working together to strengthen the school and ensure every student receives a quality education.
Robert Gilfert
I’m Rob Gilfert. My wife, Hope, and I have lived in Wellsville for 34 years. I’ve spent my career as a podiatrist interacting with the public and have served on the Board of Jones Memorial Hospital for approximately 10 years.
Wellsville is a terrific community to be part of and a great place for kids. Our three children graduated from Wellsville High School. They were well-prepared for their futures.
If elected as a member of the School Board, I hope to do my part in helping to maintain this level of excellence. Our students deserve challenging academics that fit their needs and will prepare them for the workplace or the college experience. Our young people have exceptional talents that can be cultivated in many extracurriculars. Finally, taxpayers should have accountability from the Board on wise use and proven outcomes of their tax dollars.
A reminder on the calendar for our coverage of this very interesting election:
We will be providing you the balance of candidate statements today and will follow up with a series of questions for all candidates to answer in writing for the week of May 5 thru May 11. All candidates are provided the opportunity to publish one full page “letter to the editor” from May 12 thru May 17, published in the order they are recieved. To maintain sanity within the editorial board and the readership, we will not be allowing any politcal advertisments or letters of support from the public.
