Candidates emphasize teacher support and budget scrutiny in Penfield forum

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.