Don’t forget to vote on Tuesday May 21 !
By Andrew Harris
SUN: Would you be agreeable to merging with smaller school districts like Scio, Whitesville, and Andover ? Why or why not?
GAMACHE: In my opinion future mandates from the State and Federal governments will push the envelope on district mergers. The question is do you wait for the issue to be forced or do we become proactive and explore mergers. I have reviewed the feasibility study from the 2009 attempted merger between Scio and Wellsville it really opened my eyes to the gravity of a merger and the overall effect on all the stakeholders. The study is available to the public and online at https://dos.ny.gov/consolidate-school-district. While I am open to mergers, they profoundly affect the students, taxpayers, teachers, and administration and not always in a good way. Studies and committee work is essential to determine what the actual benefit would be for each school district. If the benefit of the merger could be proven and accepted by vote, I would be agreeable to a merger.
SUN: Wellsville has low test scores compared to the rest of the region according to the latest state reports. There are infrastructure improvements needed in the schools and buildings and grounds (including athletics) and we have a lot of teaching openings. There is also a budget to be done. What are your priorities as a board member?
GAMACHE: The ultimate priority of a board member is the education of our students. With that being said all concerns, whether planned through performance goals, or those that arise throughout the year are important. There is no single priority that stands out while serving on the Board of Education, there are many matters to address. To solely focus on one area or priority is doing a disservice to the district and the students we serve. The Administrators and Educators are tasked with the day-to-day needs, and it is important to support and empower them. While Administration is responsible for the day-to-day operations, as a board member we determine if the operations are achieving the desired outcome of the district. Board members, in Collaboration with School Administration set priorities with performance goals yearly and monitor these throughout the year.
As a Wellsville Board of Education member, I continuously assess if the goals that are set are being met and if the district is basing decisions and conducting itself under State and Local mandates, policies and standards.
If performance questions arise the board works with Administration to better understand the cause of the issue. Previously, the scores of the district were published by NYS upon reviewing the scores we requested a presentation on the scoring, preparation and plan moving forward. The report back was extremely informative as it showed the plan to equip the students, empower the teachers, and laid out a solid plan for the short term and long-term objectives.
The Budget Process is a major undertaking by the school Administration and is another priority for all board members. The school budget is laid out over several meetings throughout the year in open session. During open session the board reviews the budget and poses questions to the Administration. We are present for the budget hearing and approve the budget for public vote.
Another priority in my opinion is committee work. I feel committee work is essential to be able to address the many priorities of the distract and to maintain involvement in the work being completed by the administration. Committee work also allows for community members to share their thoughts on matters. When the Community, Administration, Students, and Board are working together some amazing efforts have occurred. Currently I am on the budget, safety, and capital project committees for the school district.
Public interaction is an ongoing priority, and it is generally unplanned. This can occur out in the public, before or after meetings, a random phone call and/or email, the budget hearing and open session public speaks. I have proven to be approachable and willing to listen, and I do inform the people on who they should speak with to address their concerns, as well as to follow up with Administration about the concerns brought to me.
SUN: How do you explain the historic number of candidates for a volunteer school board spot ? What is the number one reason you gathered signatures and filed a petition?
GAMACHE: I personally think it is great 3 incumbents and 10 challengers are running for the Board of Education. It shows an interest in the school district. Why are so many people running? That is their story to tell not for me to assume. I would love to see this level of interest at every board meeting not just during the election process.
I am seeking re-election to the Board of Education so I may continue to support all of students in the district, as I value education and hope that those attending the Wellsville Central School District receive the best education and experience possible. Our students deserve to attend this school to advance themselves and be as safe as possible in the process. I believe that the education received will shape our students moving forward. If this is their first stop on the way to college or this is their last educational experience before entering the workforce, the time spent in Wellsville Central School District will enhance our students as they enter the life outside of our school system. Through my last two terms on the Board of Education, I have witnessed many amazing accomplishments by our students. I ‘ve spoken to several and listened to their concerns, advancements, and what they plan on doing in the future.
I believe the key to our student’s success are those working with them in the district. The teachers, aides, and support staff are essential to the district and our students’ futures. There are some outstanding and dedicated teachers in our district. Thinking back on what shaped me as a student it was the teachers and professors along my journey made all the difference. I also see the staff at Wellsville sparking learning experiences and educational journeys for our students. I take this to heart because I have experienced what good examples do for students and what bad experiences can create. The staff at Wellsville are top notch and being able to support them as they advance our students is a remarkable experience.
I am running for re-election because I believe in our district and the path we are setting for our students.
