[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6262188,"mediaKeyId","3115800-495933e3a1282085210a81fcb47c4b5e","parentId",3115800,"title","Candidates emphasize teacher support and budget scrutiny in Penfield forum","audioSeconds",855,"startMs",3809000,"endMs",4664000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3115800-495933e3a1282085210a81fcb47c4b5e&start=3809&end=4664","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3115800-495933e3a1282085210a81fcb47c4b5e/thumbnail_3809000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6262188/New-York/Candidates-emphasize-teacher-support-and-budget-scrutiny-in-Penfield-forum","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6262188-503a849c6f35d7d4cc69e90e97966160/orig.mp4?Expires=1771096929&Signature=YgjeKODolvageyFaEK5E~5uobnjjeNOfkd2IiOmDccNewcX8mnFphWPjnPMenXCIidlg7~CwBwmqgmsF3ds0NWJrWQUHOWTi9rOpoALScSC209Aq2Dpu~LyRw3XRbPHcu3rNm9pQUhSaMtxtzrO-gP7E8r2cPxfym4kp43T10iAuj19b8~RfW1CfYuCX7mPm282Y-TJu7sxUPZkSy7hStx4TQv35znOEK0vTStPaJC4NNfR1qK9wD1D3EL1G0a7VRWujjXULBMfAebvyiibLP8MQff6MzMCLTNaR1CBz~U8aCp9G3W7TBgGqBXQySP8JRZtUcvFl5mthi81yLac0~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-04-25T00:48:34.257Z","article","Teacher recruitment, compensation and classroom investment were prominent themes at the Penfield Central School District candidate forum, with several candidates urging a more strategic approach to the district budget.

Susan Gilbert Collins said teachers are \"the front line\" and suggested the board should look for ways to increase pay and support to retain staff: \"I would give a big old raise across the board,\" she said, while noting the board does not directly negotiate union contracts.

James Ashby and others said restoring trust and investing in classroom staff should guide budget choices. Ashby called for clarity and accountability in how resources are allocated to support teachers, paraprofessionals, nurses, bus drivers and other staff.

Nate Chienenko emphasized his campaign priority of bringing a strategic, long-term lens to budgeting. \"Maybe that looks like spending 5 or 10% more this year in order to save 40 or 50% 5 to 7 years from now,\" he said, arguing investment decisions should be evaluated for future payoff.

Candidates also noted staffing pressures on specialty positions. Collins said specials teachers such as librarians, art and physical education staff have had increased loads since COVID and that the district should assess supports for those roles. Several candidates linked teacher support to student outcomes, pandemic recovery and extracurricular access.

Ending: Candidates agreed on the importance of investing in teachers and classrooms but differed on the tools and timeline; voters will weigh those approaches alongside other priorities in the May 20 vote.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Meet the Candidates for Penfield Board of Education | 2025 Election","oneSentenceSummary","At the Penfield candidate forum, several candidates identified teacher recruitment, retention and compensation as top challenges and debated how the district should prioritize classroom investment and long-term budgeting.","taxTitle","PENFIELD CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, School Districts, New York","taxId",38742,"location","New York","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6262193,"Security measures at Penfield schools draw mixed reactions from board candidates",0,3556000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3115800-495933e3a1282085210a81fcb47c4b5e&start=3556&end=3556","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3115800-495933e3a1282085210a81fcb47c4b5e/thumbnail_3556000.jpg","/articles/6262193/New-York/Security-measures-at-Penfield-schools-draw-mixed-reactions-from-board-candidates","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6262193-a6353e0de9ff1d8d8e16a8a509999a2c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771096929&Signature=nfTDAYCcFiz7Ean4EJI~GimTa9Gffu~krK6NPOaoKuB49d7IVdzzIh0qCnkQtQG3a9jfTFxEtBmt1WH~AA~LLs2hMGzXNrqDAsJH8Z0GQh9SQJ6OLyrnRgf8IqHJR76dXcI7JJjmpk13rq0-jxNJKoLTEU0aUdYeOfiuCb1cWwdaDz1GTmZXAv1iRZi2Hh8qB6AyvJoxPz-Z0WGuHpvVohXoqDQVlE8LNlhl0r7qGxmGmxJijndxGfD99T2DsZCMKZ3cAYhKCLGAvlaa9kqgw0fSjcjnMajB39dkbz~cHsSwtP0oo2blevHwL-9SjmqdLcReH~UN1hMPFci1J1RduQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Recent changes to security protocols for some district events were a point of contention at a Penfield Central School District candidate forum, with candidates split over contracted security, armed guards and the role of local law enforcement.

James Ashby described entering the forum under heightened security and criticized what he called a reactive approach: \"We're sitting in a room with 7 security guards right now, and 1 of them is carrying a gun. To get into this room, I had to go through a metal detector... None of that's necessary,\" he said, adding concerns about cost and the district's reliance on outside contractors.

Susan Gilbert Collins said the district's recent security steps were \"wise and necessary\" given the need to act quickly, praised the new safety and security coordinator and urged the board to consult teachers about what training or equipment they would find useful. \"I would like to hear from teachers, what they want and need to feel more prepared in the event of an emergency,\" Collins said.

Dr. Scott Wilson acknowledged security concerns and said he was \"not super excited\" about an armed guard but recognized the district may need short-term measures and recommended addressing gaps in coverage for after-school activities. Nate Chienenko and others urged a less polarized, committee-driven approach to determine the appropriate security profile and to include community voices and booster organizations in planning.

Candidates discussed alternatives such as involving the Monroe County Sheriff's Office and the value of officers who can also serve educational and community roles; James Ashby said prior coordination with the sheriff had been effective in earlier years. No candidate proposed specific, board-adopted security policies during the forum; the discussion focused on immediate reactions and preference for a more measured, consultative process going forward.

Ending: Candidates agreed on the importance of safety but differed on how to balance immediate protective measures with longer-term planning and community involvement.","Candidates at a Penfield Central School District forum discussed recent security measures, including metal detectors, contracted guards and proposals to involve local law enforcement, with some calling the steps reactive and others urging broader community input on long-term security planning.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6262198,"Candidates split on equitable grading and measuring academic performance at Penfield forum",1754,244000,1998000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3115800-495933e3a1282085210a81fcb47c4b5e&start=244&end=1998","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3115800-495933e3a1282085210a81fcb47c4b5e/thumbnail_244000.jpg","/articles/6262198/New-York/Candidates-split-on-equitable-grading-and-measuring-academic-performance-at-Penfield-forum","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6262198-d95dcc6517f41f589e478ee828f60f1a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771096929&Signature=NUVIHxS43KBGAM1rib9a1cDFPUFPqCnM4B5FOh24HoCYq6hZtPTmZoTiGyRTfzYW91uB6kzhCEpt3GTkT8RNiTqaIcCmyrS4juFDqTqrEp4MOx2uDPDJ9UKkdTNqiWCoyLi-GD8vc9FXFqKDalNm8DWhYZQGCtV1rA-AObPXssDhWv8yZyJfEcKT6N7Ke6diwNGAwA9Uyk0gIKN2Ww-WucFIwONRShU3hmseFzxjyPQDvMJzBDlpCqRhgT~sHxyq~lm5txLUUDsNGgMgyPt2RFmQrsOvaid4pFOjl1Q8U6c-9nLiKf-Ekoc4yijHEsWqkT~ugMPkFUzC9QFrpMBPZg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Debate at a candidate forum for the Penfield Central School District focused in part on the district's recent equitable grading practices, how to interpret test results under changing standards, and strategies to support students at different levels.

Dr. Sarah Pace, a candidate and parent, criticized the district's equitable grading approach. \"I believe we need to reevaluate the equitable grading practices that have been implemented this year. They are lowering standards and expectations of the students, inflating grades, and failing to hold students accountable,\" Pace said, adding she supports \"rigorous standards and merit based grading\" to prepare students for postsecondary and workforce paths.

Other candidates urged caution in drawing conclusions from current assessment data. Susan Gilbert Collins noted changes in testing formats and standards: \"You cannot compare the computer based tests with the previous tests... we went over to the next generation standards. You cannot compare those tests, soundly.\" Collins also said the district has a high opt-out rate for standardized tests and that opt-outs make trend interpretation difficult.

Candidates described several approaches to supporting both struggling students and those performing above grade level. Dr. Emily Roberts and Dr. Scott Wilson emphasized meeting students where they are and preserving advanced opportunities such as Advanced Placement courses; Roberts highlighted that the district paid AP exam fees this year so students could take exams without cost. Nate Chienenko said responses should probe root causes of any learning gaps before adopting remedies. James Ashby said a restored focus on data and classroom investment is needed to regain academic standing.

None of the candidates introduced or endorsed specific, board-adopted changes during the forum; discussion was framed as campaign positions and priorities rather than formal board action.

Ending: Candidates agreed on maintaining opportunities for advanced students while calling for tailored supports for students who need extra help; how the district balances those goals will be a topic for voters to consider.","At the Penfield Central School District candidate forum, candidates debated the district's equitable grading practices, the difficulty of comparing recent assessment results, and approaches to supporting both struggling and advanced students.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6262203,"Six candidates present priorities at Penfield Central School District forum ahead of May 20 vote",4576,306000,4882000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3115800-495933e3a1282085210a81fcb47c4b5e&start=306&end=4882","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3115800-495933e3a1282085210a81fcb47c4b5e/thumbnail_306000.jpg","/articles/6262203/New-York/Six-candidates-present-priorities-at-Penfield-Central-School-District-forum-ahead-of-May-20-vote","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6262203-d8a97497e0c032065bad3201733b95f1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771096929&Signature=fcYWHV-136ouoC~qJeLwZlKvldVpd-Ef5wOaBQelSnOUxQ3~rE2ICkwVy2GTURb881G-L~FeUhDhe7RKLfKkVaVr27S-n-gOh9Li-KkRsu5A3RpzhsdKgDxWsxeCC9bkD5UU~VYFUlZu5Ef6EIcoQeWCyaNVP8-8~igZM393W8Yjnfy15ZcJX39uTUw6O-N-tLIIGl-FI4LRBnBkisw2lzRN7X1ZVeybOz8QbiCJPA7F46A42SiyUkOWd8jh0CXxD3gygFmzcrVLKswprXuKXdFzDJVFYoePnYT6PAakn2b-lcq8T6xCZa53WoQ5oHXxLmpP-9sxGB6j9jGmWo3BYw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A meet-the-candidates forum for the Penfield Central School District on the evening of May 20 brought six candidates before residents to discuss academics, transparency, the district budget and safety ahead of the district's budget vote and school board election.

Lynn Scott, the district clerk, opened the forum and announced logistics for the May 20 vote and election, and Amy Thomas, executive director of the Monroe County School Boards Association, moderated the event and said questions were submitted by community members and grouped for time. \"This year the annual Penfield Central School District budget vote and school board election will be held on Tuesday May 20 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Penfield High School West Gym, 25 High School Drive,\" Thomas said.

The six candidates, listed in ballot order by Thomas, were Dr. Sarah Pace, Dr. Emily Roberts, James Ashby, Nate Chienenko, Dr. Scott Wilson and Susan Gilbert Collins. Each delivered a two-minute opening statement and answered moderated questions about district priorities. Topics raised repeatedly included the district budget and teacher compensation, equitable grading practices, access to extracurriculars, pandemic-related learning and recent security measures at district events.

Candidates described a range of backgrounds. Pace identified herself as a parent and business owner and emphasized fiscal responsibility and a re-evaluation of the district's equitable grading practices. Roberts, a current board member and teacher with three years of board service, emphasized student-centered decision-making and continuity of board work. Ashby, a parent and community advocate, focused on restoring academic reputation and improving communication. Chienenko, a strategy consultant, emphasized budgeting and access to extracurriculars. Dr. Scott Wilson described himself as a physician and parent focused on teacher support and the whole child. Collins said her background includes teaching English as a second language, writing and test-item development.

The forum concluded with two-minute closing remarks in reverse ballot order and a final reminder from Thomas about the May 20 vote. \"Thank you so much for watching and have a great night,\" she said.

The event was presented for community information; no votes or board actions were taken at the forum.

Ending: Voters in the Penfield Central School District will decide three board seats and the district budget at the May 20 vote at Penfield High School West Gym.","Six candidates for three Penfield Central School District Board of Education seats outlined positions on academics, transparency, budget and safety during a public forum moderated by the Monroe County School Boards Association; the district's budget vote and election are May 20, 6 a.m.-9 p.m. at Penfield High School West Gym.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Candidates emphasize teacher support and budget scrutiny in Penfield forum

Security measures at Penfield schools draw mixed reactions from board candidates

Candidates split on equitable grading and measuring academic performance at Penfield forum

Six candidates present priorities at Penfield Central School District forum ahead of May 20 vote