Gates Chili candidates outline priorities and back proposed budget ahead of May 20 vote

Gates Chili Central School District candidates and an incumbent board member addressed staffing, student mental health, technology and district finances at a Meet the Candidates Night for 2025 and told attendees they support the district's proposed budget ahead of the May 20 vote.

The event, moderated by Eva Petrosino, was held at the Spartan Field House at Gates Chili High School and streamed on the district's YouTube channel; the district's annual budget vote and school board election will be held Tuesday, May 20 from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Spartan Field House.

Why it matters: The budget determines staffing levels, program supports and facilities upkeep for a district that candidates said must contend with statewide teacher shortages, rising demand for counseling and uncertainty in state and federal funding streams.

Dr. Christine Brown Richards, identified in her remarks as a current board member, said she supports "this year's budget" and described the proposal as balancing academic priorities and facilities maintenance. "We absolutely start off with academic priorities first," she said,…