Former Wellsville Town Clerk seeks board seat
By Andrew Harris,
We’ve asked four candidates on the Tuesday May 20 ballot some big picture questions to give voters more insight into each potential future school board members. Voting will take place at the Wellsville Secondary School from noon until 9pm, Riverside Lobby entrance
SUN: WCSD spending on athletics, athletic facilities, and athletic administration has been hot-button issue for several years. Based on recent state academic assessments, student performance is a serious concern. Is the district allocating too many resources to athletics at the expense of academics ?
LaChance: I believe sports is an integral part of the education process. It teaches students discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship and respect. The most important aspect to me is participation by all students in all aspects of the education process of which sports are a beneficial part of. Expenditures for sports are necessary but have to be weighed in respect to the future development of students. There are many other activities at school that are extremely beneficial to all students during their time in school.
SUN: Financial viability is a concern for all Allegany County public schools. Is it time to consolidate our schools into a county school system ? Should Wellsville CSD lead that transformation?
LaChance: Over the past months I have been attending the Wellsville School Board Meetings and have been paying close attention to how money is being spent. It is clear that our district has done well at saving money and making sure our school is in good standing. If we continue to spend cautiously, I do not see our district needing to consolidate. If the time does come that we need to look at consolidation, it is not something I will take lightly. I would do my due diligence to ensure all options are explored to the fullest extent.
SUN: What is your biggest concern for Wellsville CSD and how do you plan to be part of solving that problem if elected ?
LaChance: Transparency and communication with the public has always been a big concern to me and still is. Faculty and staff deserve more support. Through supporting the faculty, the students will benefit and experience a higher level of success. I would like the school to be open and more receptive to community input. I believe consistency in the code of conduct for students, faculty, staff and coaches will help students reach the goals they need for their future endeavors in life.
I was the town clerk for the Town of Wellsville for 20 years, I feel that the knowledge that I gained in those 20 years would be a great asset to the Board of Education, teachers, children and staff. My years of experience has given me the understanding on how a budget works, applications for grants and how a board operates.
My four daughters and I graduated from Wellsville Central School. Two of my daughters are teachers, one is a mental health professional and one is a registered nurse. As you can see education has always been a high priority of mine.
I’m hoping you will vote for me on Tuesday May 20th from noon to 9 pm at the Secondary School Riverside lobby.
If I am elected I will listen to the educators, community and students in deciding the most advantageous way of disbursing the available funds to better educate and prepare students for their future endeavors.
