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Board casts votes to fill five Erie 2 BOCES openings, discusses method for two-year seat
Summary
The East Aurora board cast one vote for up to five candidates to fill five Erie 2 BOCES board vacancies and discussed whether to vote individually or as a block and how to assign the two-year term; members said they will consult legal counsel about sequencing and vacancy rules.
The East Aurora Union Free School District Board of Education on April 28 cast one vote for up to five candidates to fill five vacancies on the Erie 2 BOCES board and discussed procedures for assigning the single two-year seat that expires June 30, 2028.
Chair read the superintendent’s recommendation that the board “cast one vote for up to five of the following individuals in order to fill five vacancies in the Erie 2, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus BOCES Board of Education,” listing the candidates in alphabetical order as Jack Chase; Thomas Mageau; Dr. Kimberly Higgins; David Lowery; and Christina Schneers.
A motion to cast the votes was recorded as moved by Mr. Blowers and seconded (the chair recorded who moved and who seconded). During discussion board members debated procedure. One board member said the person with the lowest votes typically receives the two-year term; another asked whether districts vote for candidates one at a time or as a package. A board member suggested that if the board plans to vote unanimously for all five, voting as a block would be appropriate; if not, members should make objections on the record.
Several members indicated they would consult legal counsel to confirm rules for filling an imminent vacancy and to determine which candidate would slide into the remaining seat. The chair then called the vote; members said “Aye,” and the chair announced the motion passed, 5–0.
Why it matters: Erie 2 BOCES governs shared educational services and its board composition affects regional governance and representation. The discussion about which candidate receives the two-year seat affects term lengths and local representation until 2028.
Next steps: The board recorded its vote and directed staff or representatives to coordinate with legal counsel to confirm the sequence for filling the imminent vacancy and the allocation of the two-year term.
