Adams and Vay emphasize student success and fiscal stewardship at West Irondequoit candidate forum

At a PTSA-hosted candidate forum, the two contenders for two seats on the West Irondequoit Central School District board, Gary Adams and John Vay, outlined similar priorities centered on student success and fiscal responsibility and both expressed support for the district's proposed budget.

Gary Adams, an engineering manager and parent of four who said he has been active in local conservation and volunteer work, said he is "running for the school board because I care deeply about this district both as a parent and as a community member" and named student achievement and "responsible financial stewardship" as his top priorities. Adams told the audience he would listen to students, families and educators and use data to guide decisions about resources and supports.

John Vay, a long-serving board member who said he has spent 19 years on the board and works at the University of Rochester as assistant director of clinical engineering, said he was running "to continue to see this important work implemented." Vay said the district has participated in a state pilot for the "portrait of a graduate" model and described the changes to graduation requirements and assessments as an opportunity to let students demonstrate readiness through multiple pathways.

Both candidates said they support the district's proposed budget. "Yes, I support this district's budget," Vay said, praising investments in classroom instruction, student support services and social-emotional programming. Adams said the budget "prioritizes classroom instruction and staffing" and highlighted facility investments and supports for diverse learners as central to student success.

On equity, both candidates said the district motto "all means all" requires attention to varied student needs. Vay said it means every student should be "fully seen, valued and supported," and Adams said the approach requires different types of supports for different students and ongoing engagement with educators and families.

Both candidates discussed workforce and career-technical education. Vay described the district's CTE offerings, the local auto shop and partnerships with BOCES as ways to connect students with apprenticeships and careers. Adams urged stronger ties to local businesses and BOCES so students can gain technical skills and workplace experience.

Candidates acknowledged fiscal constraints under New York State's 2% tax cap and said the board must balance priorities with limited local revenue. Vay noted the district has used reserves to close budget gaps and said program decisions should be grounded in data and community input. Both said regional partnerships and shared services, including work with BOCES and pooled plans such as the Rochester Area School Health Plans, are useful tools to contain costs.

On staffing shortages, candidates recommended evaluating pay and benefits, strengthening workplace culture and recognizing staff to attract and retain employees in special education, transportation and mental health services.

The forum was moderated by Amy Thomas, executive director of the Monroe County School Boards Association, and hosted by the West Irondequoit PTSA. Jim Payne, PTSA president, closed the program with voting information: the district election and budget vote are set for May 19 at the Saint Paul Fire Department, 433 Cooper Road; polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., and absentee ballot information and candidate contact details are posted on the district website.

The forum allowed voters to hear each candidate's priorities on governance, budget constraints and student supports ahead of the May 19 vote.