|
1.) Why do you want to become a board member?
To help BPCSD become the best district it can be. My children deserve a quality education and access to extracurriculars and sports.
2.) What do you see as the primary challenges facing education and our school board?
Improper allocation of resources and an old fashioned approach to education.
3.) What do you feel you can contribute to the school board?
A 21st century approach to education. I can provide viewpoints as a parent, educator, MGHS graduate, and community member.
4.) Can you/should you support a board decision that you were not in favor of?
Yes, if the board voted I would support that decision. I do it every day in my job as a school counselor.
5.) What goals do you hope to achieve if you are elected?
Get a school counselor back in BPE. Help all students get access to quality sports and sporting equipment. Maintain appropriate class sizes and hiring/replacing staff as needed.
6.) Board member responsibilities include regular monthly meetings, committee meetings and occasional evening events. Based on this information, do you feel you have the time to commit to the responsibilities of being a board member?
100%, Yes.
|
|
Questions & Answers
1.) Why do you want to become a board member?
To take a more active role in my children’s education.
2.) What do you see as the primary challenges facing education and our school board?
Education is ever evolving. Just keeping up is a challenge. School Board effectively communicating the ‘why’ of board decisions to parents/residents.
3.) What do you feel you can contribute to the school board?
Being a business owner, I have strong experience in budgeting, decision making, and communication.
4.) Can you/should you support a board decision that you were not in favor of?
A board member should always publicly support board decisions no matter what.
5.) What goals do you hope to achieve if you are elected?
Simply to try to leave the district better than I found it.
6.) Board member responsibilities include regular monthly meetings, committee meetings and occasional evening events. Based on this information, do you feel you have the time to commit to the responsibilities of being a board member?
|
|
Questions & Answers
1.) Why do you want to become a board member?
I want to be able to play a part in helping shape the future of education for the students at Maple Grove. Of course part of the motivation is being able to see my children thrive and having a role in that is important.
2.) What do you see as the primary challenges facing education and our school board?
The primary concern is shrinking class sizes. Secondary is the integrity of the NYS education system and the potential and current changes at the federal level.
3.) What do you feel you can contribute to the school board?
I’m a former educator and am very passionate about making sure teachers are best equipped and supported so that they can teach our kids with fidelity. I am a logical and cooperative person that does not come to snap decisions. I prefer to be patient and thoughtful.
4.) Can you/should you support a board decision that you were not in favor of?
As long as there is thoughtful decisions made, I could support it. This doesn’t mean I would just roll over. I will stand my ground if I don’t agree with a decision that I feel is not in the best interest of the students and teachers.
5.) What goals do you hope to achieve if you are elected?
I hope to be able to help the board make decisions about Maple Grove schools that will allow them to continue to thrive and overcome the many challenges faced by educators today.
6.) Board member responsibilities include regular monthly meetings, committee meetings and occasional evening events. Based on this information, do you feel you have the time to commit to the responsibilities of being a board member?
Yes. I have a regular 8-4pm schedule that allows for weekend and evening flexibility.
|
Lauren Ryan
 |
Biography
Lauren Ryan has been a dedicated resident of the Bemus Point Central School District since 2009. She lives with her significant other, Larry, and their two children, Margaret and Kristopher, who are both students at Maple Grove High School.
Lauren is a graduate of Jamestown Community College and currently serves as the Recruiter for Chautauqua County. In this role, she is committed to connecting individuals with meaningful employment opportunities and advancing workforce development throughout the region.
She has had the privilege of serving on the Bemus Point Central School District Board of Education for the past three years, including the honor of serving as Board President over the past year. Her service reflects a deep commitment to the district and its mission, and she approaches her role with both dedication and integrity.
Throughout her tenure on the Board, Lauren has been an active member of several key committees, including Community Connections, Budget, and Facilities. These roles have allowed her to contribute to thoughtful, collaborative decision-making that positively impacts students, staff, and the greater school community.
In addition to her work on the Board, Lauren remains actively involved in the community and deeply engaged in her children’s lives. She enjoys supporting their extracurricular activities and sporting events and values the opportunity to be present and involved in the school experience from both a parent and leadership perspective.
|
|
Questions & Answers
1.) Why do you want to continue as a board member?
I am excited to announce my candidacy for re-election to the Bemus Point Central School District Board of Education. Over the past three years, I have had the privilege of serving on the Board, and this past year, I was honored to hold the role of Board President. My commitment to the success of our schools and the well-being of our students is deeply personal; I have been a proud resident and taxpayer in the district for 15 years. My significant other, Lawrence Donnelly, is a Maple Grove alum and our children Margaret and Kristopher are currently 9th graders at the high school and a part of our wonderful community. I believe that a strong community is built upon a foundation of high-quality education. Our schools play a critical role in shaping the future of our children, and I am dedicated to ensuring that every student in our district receives the best possible opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed. As a Board member, I have worked collaboratively with administrators, teachers, families, and fellow Board members to support fiscal responsibility, academic excellence, and a positive school environment. I look forward to continuing my service to the district and would be honored to have your support as we work together to strengthen our schools and our community.
2.) What do you see as the primary challenges facing education and our school board?
The Bemus Point Central School District, like many others, faces several significant challenges that require careful planning and strong leadership. Among the most pressing issues are fiscal constraints and declining student enrollment. As we work to maintain financial stability, it is essential to ensure that our school continue to provide high-quality education, robust extracurricular programs, and well-rounded athletic experience for all students. Additionally, we are seeing an increased need for support services addressing students’ social and emotional well-being. Mental health, learning differences, and other challenges require schools to be proactive in providing the necessary resources, staffing, and interventions to help students thrive. Balancing these needs while being fiscally responsible is a key priority for the Board of Education. As a Board member, I am committed to making informed, strategic decisions that support our students, staff, and community. By fostering collaboration between educators, families, and stakeholders, we can work together to overcome these challenges and ensure a bright future for our district.
3.) What do you feel you can contribute to the school board?
I have had the privilege of serving on the Bemus Point Central School District Board of Education for the past three years, including the honor of serving as Board President over the past year. It has been both a pleasure and a responsibility I take seriously to contribute to a district and community I care deeply about. During my time on the Board, I have actively participated in several key committees, including Community Connections, Budget, and Facilities. These roles have allowed me to engage in meaningful discussions and decisions that directly impact our students, staff, and community. As Board President, I prioritized strengthening communication and collaboration throughout the district. I re-established weekly meetings with the Superintendent to ensure clear, consistent dialogue between the administration and the Board. Additionally, I reinitiated regular meetings with the Presidents of the Teachers Unions to promote transparency, foster mutual respect, and work together toward shared goals. These efforts reflect my belief that strong relationships and open communication are the foundation of a successful school district.
4.) Can you/should you support a board decision that you were not in favor of?
Yes, as a Board of Education member, it is important to publicly support the final decision of the Board; even if it was not the outcome I personally favored. While individual perspectives and healthy debate are essential parts of the decision-making process, once a vote is taken, the decision becomes that of the Board as a collective body.
Respectful discussion, differing viewpoints, and thorough deliberation are critical in ensuring that every decision is well-informed and balanced. However, unity and
consistency are just as important once the decision is made. Publicly supporting the final outcome, even when in the minority, demonstrates respect for the process and helps maintain the integrity and cohesion of the Board. This approach fosters trust within the community and promotes stability within the district. Ultimately, our role is to work together in the best interest of students, staff, and the community and standing behind the decisions of the Board as a whole.
5.) What goals do you hope to achieve if you are elected?
As the current Board President, my primary goal is to continue fostering strong, collaborative relationships between the Board of Education, administration, staff, and the broader community. I believe that open communication and mutual respect are essential to a thriving school district. Our students are at the heart of everything we do and they are the future of our community. It is important to ensure they have not only access to a high-quality education, but also meaningful experiences that help create lasting, positive memories. Ultimately, my goal is simple but deeply rooted: to continue doing what is good and right for our students, staff, administration, and community. Every decision I make is guided by this commitment to serve with integrity, transparency, and the best interests of the district in mind.
6.) Board member responsibilities include regular monthly meetings, committee meetings and occasional evening events. Based on this information, do you feel you have the time to commit to the responsibilities of being a board member?
Yes, I am fully committed to the responsibilities of serving on the Board. Over the past three years, I have not missed a single meeting. I’ve been able to balance my Board duties with family life thanks to the strong support system I have at home. I understand the time and dedication this role requires and remain fully prepared to continue serving with that same level of commitment.
|