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Board of Education

Board of Education (a.k.a. BOE)

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GCS Board of Education Policies as well as Meeting dates, agendas, minutes, and related documents (starting from August 31, 2022) are available to the public and found on BoardDocs.  Profiles for current Board Members can also be found here.  Just click on the BoardDocs logo above for a link.

Annual Public Budget Hearing, Meet the Candidates Night, and Annual Budget Vote/BOE Member Election

Annual Public Budget Hearing:
The annual Public Budget Hearing to review the 2025-2026 school budget will be held in the Middle School/High School Auditorium at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

Meet the Candidates Night:
There will be a Meet the Candidates Night, hosted by the Greene CSD Board of Education, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Middle School/High School Auditorium.  This event will give community members a chance to meet Board of Education candidates that will be running to fill the three (3) BOE vacancies.    

The three people with the highest number of votes at the May 20, 2025 election will fill the expiring board seats.  Once filled, these seats will follow the typical three-year term, beginning July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028. 

The following candidates (in order as they will appear on the ballot) are running for the Board of Education: Angela Fiato, Renee Rideout, Lindsay McCandless, Christopher Lyons, Christopher Austin, and Rachel Parsons.  See below for their individual Candidate Statements.

GCS Budget Vote & School Board Member Election:
The annual Budget Vote and School Board Member Election will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in the Auditorium lobby from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Eligible voters will decide who should fill the three (3) vacancies on the G.C.S. Board of Education, in addition to voting on the upcoming school budget, as well as propositions for a capital reserve and buses.  Moore Memorial Library also has a proposition on the ballot for purposes of funding the library.

VOTING QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE MAY 20 BUDGET VOTE & SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER ELECTION
  To qualify as a voter within the Greene Central School District, a person must fulfill all the following requirements:
   1.  Be a citizen of the United States of America.
   2.  Be at least eighteen (18) years of age on the date of the vote.                                                                     
   3.  Be a resident within the School District for a period of at least thirty (30) days next preceding the 
        meeting at which he or she offers to vote, and who is not otherwise prohibited from voting under the 
        provisions of section 5-106 of the Election Law.  (Legal residence is determined by the fixed and 
        permanent home of the voter.  Property ownership alone does not equal residency.)     

Regarding residency, owning a home in a school district does not necessarily make the owner a district resident for purposes of being considered a qualified voter eligible to participate in a school district annual or special school district meeting or election.  ("A person may have only one legal residence or domicile, and that is the place where such person intends to have his or her permanent residence or home.")

No person shall be determined ineligible to vote by reason of race, creed, color, or sex, who has other qualifications in this section.

April 2025 BOE Candidate Statements

Candidates have been asked to provide a brief statement in 250 words or less as to why they are interested in becoming a member of the Greene Central School Board of Education.  The Board Clerk has posted the statements as she received them and in the order the candidates will appear on the ballot for the May 20, 2025 Budget Vote and Board Member Election.  Please note that the statements from each candidate have been posted as they were submitted and were not edited in any manner except to create a uniform font. 

Angela Fiato:  
My commitment, passion and experience span my 30 years as an educator in Greene and over 15 years as a resident of Greene.  Having raised three daughters in this district and seeing firsthand how the positive impact from the school & community influenced them as individuals, has left an impression on me.  Greene Central School District is unique in so many wonderful ways.  It is a place whereby an entire education team will support a struggling student, a school musical can sell out three nights in a row, CASA and Hartwick College awards are given to our art students, mastery levels on regents exams are achieved, seals of biliteracy awarded annually and the athletics are known to go to states.  The list goes on.

It has been an honor to have had the opportunity to have worked with students both in school and out of school.  Within the last ten years, my experience includes multiple student-led events such as homecoming, junior prom and even a Trail Run as class and student council advisor.  In addition, I have served as coach for JRC teams, Girls on the Run coach and am a current board member of the Greene Community Scholarship Fund.

I have observed for decades that GCS is the heartbeat of the community.  Although I am approaching retirement, please allow me to continue as a Board Member in keeping this heartbeat healthy.
 
Renee Rideout:
My Name is Renee Rideout.  My husband and I are proud parents of a 17-year-old who currently attends Greene School and a 19-year-old who graduated from Greene.  I am seeking election to the Greene Board of Education, where I am currently serving a partial term.

Throughout my time on the board, I have gained valuable experience and a clear understanding of the commitment, time, and responsibility it takes to make decisions that impact our students, schools, and community.  This is not a role one takes on for recognition or personal ambition but rather out of a genuine desire to serve.

As I seek the opportunity to continue serving, I've reflected deeply on why this work matters to me.  I have always felt a strong passion for the mental and educational well-being of todays youth.  The challenges they face in an ever-changing world are significant, and I believe this should inspire all of us not to sit on the sidelines, but to get involved and make a difference.

I recognize that the impact I hope to make cannot be achieved by my efforts alone.  My faith guides me, and I believe that as a community, we have the power to provide the best possible education and support to help our young people grow and succeed.

I humbly ask for your support in this endeavor.  Your vote is a statement about the education and values we wish to uphold for our children and for future generations.
 
Lindsay McCandless:
My dedication to education has been lifelong, continuing with my seeking election to the Greene Board of Education.  Having taught for fifteen years, I also served in several leadership roles (Advisor, Coach, BGTA Vice-President, National Honor Society Committee, and Life Beyond High School (LBHS)) which enabled me to work closely with district leadership and the community.

As a resident of Greene and a parent to children who have graduated from and are currently in the District, my family has benefitted from a variety of academic and extra-curricular programs.  It is a privilege to attend events and see how parents and the community come together to support these programs, even when they may not have their own children in them; this is a testament to our community's character.

Today, I am employed as a Labor Relations Specialist for NYSUT.  I work with districts across the Southern Tier, where I see challenges not exclusive to GCS.  Recruiting/retaining quality educators is one of our greatest challenges.  Offering outstanding programming to students, in a safe environment, while being a good steward of taxpayers' dollars is paramount.  My experience with school budgets, contract negotiations, Education Law, and establishing productive relationships make me an ideal candidate for this role.

Fiscal responsibility, compliance with mandates, and rising costs will test our commitment to the District's mission.  Transparency and communication with residents are imperative, and I have the experience and disposition to make a positive difference as a Board member at Greene.

Christopher Lyons:
Hello, my name is Chris Lyons and I am working on becoming a member of the Greene Central School Board of Education.  I have lived in the Town of Greene with my wife Karen since 1999.  We were both raised in the southern tier and I have had ties to Greene since my childhood.  In the time that we have lived in Greene, I have served on various boards since 2002.  I was a member of the Town Planning Board for sixteen years.  During that time, I also served on the Chenango County Planning Board representing the Town of Greene for a few years. 

After my time on the planning board, I served on the Board of Directors at a non-profit pregnancy resource center, Life Choices Center in Binghamton for six years.  For most of that time serving as the treasurer.

I am currently serving on the board of directors of the Greene Lions Club.

My 35+ year working career as an engineer with both BAE Systems and The Raymond Corporation recently finished with my retirement.  My plan for retirement is to continue volunteering and serving in various ways.  Being on the school board is part of that continued service.

Christopher Austin:
My name is Christopher Austin I am seeking a three year term to the board of education.  Last year I was elected to a one year term to serve.  Unfortunately I had a rough year with life changing illness.  I am happy to report that my health is better and I am ready to serve.

I served on the board for a number of years in the 1990's and early 2000's.  While serving I learned a lot of valuble skills.  How to balance a budget for taxpayers and how to put different topics up for vote.  In my time there were numerous projects including the pool, track and turf football fields and the addition to the music suite.  I now think I have some valuable knowledge

After being on the board for the past year I belive that GCS is in good hands.  The board President is very good.  And I would like the oppurtanity to work with this group of people for another 3 years.

I would ask you to get out and vote and would appreciate you support.

Christopher Austin 

Rachel Parsons:
I'm running for the Greene School Board because I care deeply about the future of our school and the success of all students.  I believe in the importance of listening to families, supporting our teachers, and making thoughtful decisions that reflect the needs of our community.

As someone who has worked in education, I understand the value of strong public schools in shaping responsible, capable young people.  I'm committed to keeping Greene schools a place where students can learn, grow, and be well prepared for what comes next -- whether that's college, a career, or service.  I believe in fairness, transparency, and open communication.  I want to be a voice for parents and community members who care about maintaining high standards without unnecessary politics

Thinking of Becoming a School Board Member?

What Prospective Greene School Board Members Should Know

The following link has information from the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA).  The article includes responsibilities and characteristics of a board member as well as information on eligibility requirements, nominating petitions, campaigning, training, and more.  For the article, click here:  Running for the School Board - NYSSBA (English and Spanish versions)
 
What is Involved?

Eligibility Requirements:  
According to Education Law, a Board of Education member of the Greene Central School District must meet the following qualifications:
- Must be able to read and write (§ 2102).
- Must be a qualified voter of the district; that is, a citizen of the United States, at least 18 years of age or older, and not adjudged to be an incompetent (§§ 2102, 2012, 2502(7); Elec. Law § 5-106(6)).  
- Must be and have been a resident (but need not be a taxpayer) of the district for a continuous and uninterrupted period of at least one (1) year immediately before the election (§§ 2102, 2502(7), (9)(d)).
- May not have been removed from any school district office within the preceding year (§ 2103(2)).
- May not reside with another member of the same school board as a member of the same family (§ 2103(3)).  (That is, the only Greene CSD board member in a household.)
- May not be a current employee of the school board (§ 2103(4)).  (That is, an employee of Greene CSD.)
- May not simultaneously hold another incompatible public office.
 
G.C.S. Seats to be Voted On:
This year three (3) seats on the Greene Central School District Board of Education will be up for election on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.  
 
The three (3) expiring board seats are currently held by Christopher Austin, Kenneth Pickard, and Renee Rideout; their terms will each expire on June 30, 2025.  The three (3) people with the highest number of votes at the May 20, 2025 election will fill the three (3) expiring seats, all of which are for three-year terms, beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2028. 
 
Responsibilities of a G.C.S. Board Member:
The GCS Board of Education consists of seven (7) Board Members, each holding a three-year term of office.  Throughout the academic year (July 1st through June 30th) members attend Regular Meetings that are held roughly every three weeks.  They attend Public Hearings as well as any Special Meetings that might occur.  Members also sit on several Board of Education Committees.  

Trustees are assigned to the Broome-Tioga-Delaware (BTD) Health Insurance Consortium as well as the Workers’ Compensation Self-Insurance Alliance; a co-trustee is appointed to the Jane I. Schenck Fund.  There are representatives assigned to the GCS Sick Bank Committees and the Chenango County School Boards Association (CCSBA).  A delegate is also assigned to NYSSBA. 

During their tenure period optional trainings are available throughout the year to all board members.  (See paragraph below for required training.)

Mandatory Training:
Once elected, board members are required by New York State law to fulfill mandatory training within their first year of service, including fiscal oversight training and governance skills training.  NYSSBA provides online courses and regional academies to fulfill these requirements.  Delaware-Chenango-Madison-Otsego Board of Cooperative Education Services (DCMO BOCES) also offers this training.  

What is the Process?

Nominating Petitions:
Petition packets for Board of Education candidates can be picked up, or requested, by contacting the District Clerk, Shiela Walker, at the District Office, located at 40 South Canal Street.  Except for Friday, April 18th, Mrs. Walker can be reached by emailing [email protected], noting "Candidate Packet" in the subject line, or calling (607) 656-4161 (ext. 3811 or Option 6 for the District Office) between 7:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.  A Petition for Nomination form and all other documents can also be found at the end of this article.  

Petitions for Nomination must be signed by at least twenty-five (25) qualified district voters and filed in the office of the Greene Central School District Clerk, Shiela Walker, no later than thirty (30) days before the annual or special district meeting at which the school board election will occur, the deadline being 5:00 p.m. on the date noted below.  (If the deadline for filing nominating petitions falls on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, the filing may be performed on the next succeeding business day.)
 
The feedback provided on the GCS  Candidate Statement and Candidate Information Sheet is used to help the public know, prior to the election, basic information about the candidate(s) running for the Board of Education.  We strongly recommend that candidates submit this information as it will be used on our website, social media, and/or for a Meet the Candidates Night event.  The information provided on both forms will appear unedited and has the same submission deadline as the petition.
 
State law requires all candidates for election to a board of education to file three (3) Expenditure Statements with the District Clerk, disclosing their campaign expenses.  The three Expenditure Statements are filed at three different times; these deadlines are listed on the individual forms.  As explained in the instructions, if expenses and/or donations exceed five hundred dollars ($500), an itemized statement must be included and filed with the District Clerk as well as the NYS Commissioner of Education.   Expenditures of not more than twenty-five dollars ($25) may be made without a candidate’s permission as long as the donor(s) file a sworn statement with the District Clerk and the Commissioner of Education stating that the candidate did not approve the expenditure.
 
Important Dates:

Thu., April 17, 2025 (Offices closed on April 18th for Good Friday) – The first Expenditure Statement is due by this day.
 
Mon., April 21, 2025 – Petition for Nomination forms must be filed by 5:00 p.m. with the Clerk of the District at the District Office.  (The deadline for our Candidate Statement and Candidate Information Sheet are the same as the petition and should be handed in at the District Office.)

Wed., May 7, 2025 – G.C.S. Public Budget Hearing – 6:00 p.m. in the Auditorium. 

Tue., May 13, 2025 – Meet the Candidates Night -- 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. in the Auditorium.

Thu., May 15, 2025 – The second Expenditure Statement is due by this day. 

Tue., May 20, 2025 – Annual Budget Vote & Board of Education Member Election

TBA – Budget Vote & BOE Member Election Results Announced

Mon., June 9, 2025 – The third Expenditure Statement is due by this day.

Wed., July 2, 2025 – Annual Reorganizational Meeting -- 6:00 p.m. in the BOE Conference Room.  Candidates filling the three expired board seats will be sworn in.

Questions from interested candidates may be directed to Shiela Walker, Greene Central School District Clerk, at [email protected] or (607) 656-4161, extension 3811 (or Option 6 for the District Office).

Date last revised:  03/28/25