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Wilson Central school board candidates back proposed budget, emphasize transparency and shared decision‑making
Summary
At a League of Women Voters forum, four candidates for the Wilson Central School District board voiced support for the district’s proposed budget, stressed transparency and collaboration, and identified state funding uncertainty, curriculum changes and technology as top challenges.
The League of Women Voters of Buffalo Niagara hosted a forum where four candidates for the Wilson Central School District board outlined priorities and answered questions about governance, the budget and education policy.
Moderator Timothy Priano opened the forum and explained the format for statements and audience questions. Candidates included a long‑serving board member who said he was appointed to the board in 1995 and served as president for six years, RJ Seager (a board member since 2022), and candidate Lauretta Clark, who said she has been active with PTA and community programs.
All four candidates expressed support for the district’s proposed school budget. The incumbent called the proposal "solid," saying the increase is "about $337,000," that the plan is within the tax cap and that final funding depends on an as‑yet unresolved state budget. RJ Seager also supported the budget, citing his work on the finance committee and a desire to balance services for students with modest tax increases: "We have an excellent team of people in the business office," he said.
On governance, candidates repeatedly emphasized respect, transparency and the need to work collaboratively after votes. Asked whether they would support a board decision they did not vote for, candidates said yes, describing the board as a democratic body where the majority carries decisions and dissenting members should explain their reasons publicly.
On education policy, RJ Seager said the district should provide a versatile education that prepares students for multiple paths and "encourage curiosity when it comes to science [and] history." Candidates highlighted recruiting and retaining strong teachers and offering career‑path options such as BOCES for students unlikely to attend college. The incumbent pointed to investments in resource rooms and staffing as contributors to student progress.
Candidates also cited several district challenges: reliance on state foundation aid and the uncertainty of state budget timing; impending curricular changes tied to revised Regents testing; and pressures on small rural districts to meet mandates intended for much larger systems. Several speakers recommended shared services and creative approaches to expand programs such as special education and career technical education.
On community involvement, candidates supported shared decision‑making teams and classroom volunteering when done under district policies and applicable law; one candidate noted increased parental involvement since Principal Wilkie started at the elementary school.
The forum concluded with closing statements reiterating candidates’ commitment to students, fiscal responsibility and community engagement. The transcript did not specify the date of a budget vote or other next procedural steps.
