Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Board Election topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board cancels Meet‑the‑Candidates night after only one official school‑board candidate files; write‑in seat available
Summary
With only one candidate filing by the deadline for two open board seats, the West Seneca Board of Education canceled its planned Meet‑the‑Candidates event and said one seat will be filled by write‑in vote on May 20. The board also discussed student ex‑officio application deadlines and plans for a retreat to refine board goals.
The West Seneca Central School District Board of Education canceled a planned Meet‑the‑Candidates event after the district’s filing deadline closed with only one official candidate filed for the May 20 election. The board discussed how the remaining vacancy will be filled by a write‑in vote and reviewed timelines for student ex‑officio board member applications.
Superintendent Dr. Krueger told the board the deadline closed the previous day and only one candidate will appear on the ballot; the second of two vacant seats will be decided by write‑in votes. "The individuals who receive the top 2 votes will receive those 2 seats, each of which are 3 year terms," Dr. Krueger said.
The board debated whether to keep the public Meet‑the‑Candidates night. Members agreed there was little utility in holding the event when only one candidate will appear on the ballot, and the board decided to cancel the event while still publishing candidate bios in district communications. The board indicated it would continue to accept and publish information about grassroots write‑in efforts, but noted such activity would be unofficial.
Student ex‑officio process and board evaluation
The board also discussed an ongoing policy review to permit ex‑officio student board members. Applications for the student role are due to building principals by May 15; if more than one student applies, principals will hold an internal interview process. The board said it could consider allowing candidates for the canceled Meet‑the‑Candidates night to introduce themselves at a later program, but emphasized that student candidate interviews were handled by principals under the policy timeline.
Separately, the board reviewed a recent self‑evaluation and identified next steps to make board goals more action oriented. Members indicated they may convene a retreat or small committee over the summer to revise goals and adjust evaluation questions to match the board’s priorities.
Context and next steps
Dr. Krueger said the district will publish the one official candidate’s bio through usual district channels ahead of the May 20 vote and make clear that the other open seat will be decided by write‑in. The board set no formal vote on the cancellation during the meeting; the decision to cancel the public candidate forum was made by consensus and will be reflected in district communications.
