LIBERTY – The Liberty Schools Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and the Liberty Faculty Association (LFA) will co-host a “Meet the Candidates” event for the candidates who are running for a seat on the Board of Education on May 20. All five of the candidates (who are running for three seats on the Board of Education for the Liberty Central School District) were invited to participate. The three incumbents chose to participate and give the voters an opportunity to learn about them. 

When asked about his priorities as a school board member, if he were re-elected, current Board of Education President Matthew DeWitt mentioned that he is “here for the students” and that “they will be our doctors, teachers, and community members of the future.” He also noted that his belief on fiscal responsibility with the various capital projects that the district has had over his time on the board have resulted in being “cash positive.” He went on to explain that this is when the district receives more money back in state aid than they pay out each year.

John Nichols, when asked about the issues that motivate him to run for another term on the Board of Education, stated that “there are no issues, but there are challenges.” 

“Balancing the tax levy for the taxpayer while keeping the physical facilities in the best shape possible” while also helping make sure to fund programs and create policy to allow new programs to exist, were examples of such challenges.

Retired teacher Tim Hamblin stated that “making sure we fund the programs for social and emotional development” is a priority. He also stressed the “extreme importance” of athletics, extra-curricular activities and clubs, as those are the things that students remember about their school experience.

The Liberty Schools PTA and the Liberty Faculty Association encourage all registered voters to be sure to vote on election day and to support the Liberty Central School District Budget. Voting will take place on May 20, 11am-8pm at the  Liberty High School in the Library Media Center, 125 Buckley St., Liberty.

Both groups look forward to continuing to host “Meet the Candidate” nights for Board of Education candidates in the future.