Wellsville School Board and Budget vote is May 19 from 12noon to 9pm
*We posed four questions to both candidates on the ballot for Wellsville CSD School Board, they are included at the end of this reaction to the questions by Heather GIll,
One of the things I am most proud of in my professional (and volunteer) life is the fact that when a parent of a child with special needs or a family who is just struggling to get on solid ground, needs help figuring out what they should do next – the answer is often to call me. I have made a literal career out of listening to families in our community. But I do more than listen; I sit next to parents on hard days, and I help with problem solving and planning for the future. It is an incredible privilege to be invited into someone’s home, to sit at their table, and hear their stories. There is a significant discrepancy between what I hear parents say is a priority, and what I hear the online community, the board, or the district prioritize.
For example, The Sun sent me an email asking 3 specific questions. Each question is focused on finances in general, and nothing relating to any issue that directly impacts students or their wellbeing. I am running because, as a parent – the parent of a child who went through the CSE program, I am an advocate, and this is where I feel my advocacy is needed.
That is not to say that the economic future ahead of us isn’t incredibly important, because it is – but so are the students, the staff, the educators, and the families behind them all. I don’t think any of us are ready for the potential and likely “Fiscal cliff” that is coming in the years to come. I would be willing to bet every major employer that relies on government funding to provide a service is facing the same question. Heck I bet most of us are looking at our own budgets and asking the same question. It is going to take a lot of hard work, genuine effort, and a willingness to compromise to find a path forward. Which ties into the 3rd question about larger consolidated districts; This is a concept I have been in support of for a very long time. Not only does this allow us to consolidate and make different financial choices – it allows us bring multiple districts worth of incredible educators together who set the course for a better future in education.
I am a taxpayer in the village of Wellsville; I don’t benefit in any way by advancing a budget that is wasteful or increases taxes without a good reason. When I am considering finances in my role as a Board Member, I am weighing the return on our investment – how good is this for our kids and our community and what do we gain from it? I can’t say I will always agree with the next person on any of these answers, just that when I vote I’ll do so honestly and with the intent to improve our community. I hope when this stretch of volunteer work comes to an end, parents will generally feel heard – and that everyone within our schools feels valued.
*Editors Note: These are the three questions posed to both candidates:
1- School districts across NYS are raising red flags over district finances. NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli has widely warned local governments that NYS faces a “fiscal cliff” in the 2028-29 budget year. Wellsville School Board member Dr. Robert Gilfert has been publicly raising specific concerns since last year. What is your take on the WSCD financial position ?
2 – A recent snapshot in the “Overview” detailed the massive increase in state/federal aid to WCSD over the last decade. Federal aid is influx and state financial leaders are warning of shrinking funding and increasing tax rates. Is the district ready prepared for a sudden and/or substantial decrease in that funding ?
3 – Enrollment continues to be declining across Allegany County. Increasing is students participation CA BOCES programs, traveling to the common Belmont Campus. Finances are tightening, property taxes have jumped, and staff shortages haven’t abated since the pandemic. The writing is on the wall for a consolidated Allegany County Schools. Agree or Disagree ? Please explain
4 – Fast forward to the end of this term of service. What specifically do you plan to have delivered to the district and the taxpayer
More from candidate Heather Gill:
