I am asking for your vote one last time. Because I am a CF graduate, as well as the father of two CF graduates and one 10^th grader, I understand the unique culture of Chenango Forks.  

 

I could list a bunch of acronyms – the workshops, conferences, and committees that I have completed over the last several years. However, if I did that I would run out of room in this essay. So, I will skip that and give you the abridged version.  

 

I have experience as a Chenango Forks Board of Education member. In fact, I have the most experience of any member of the current Board as well as the challenger in this election. Now, more than ever, it is important to have someone who understands the workings of the Chenango Forks Central School District. As the owner of a local small business, the father of 3 children, the husband of a CF teacher and an experienced Board of Education member, no one is more qualified in this election. Please vote for me.  

 

Thank you,

 

Spyros Dimatos

My name is Christine Webb and our family has been a part of Chenango Forks community for 16 years. We have two children enrolled in the Chenango Forks Central School District, my 11^th grade son at BOCES EverTech and our fourth grade daughter. As soon as my son began attending Chenango Forks, I have been actively involved in the district in numerous ways: serving as Chenango Forks PTA in executive leadership, Higher Education representative on CFE Site Council and currently as a parent volunteer and member of the PTO. I enjoy participating in community activities and the innovating “Books on the Bus” literacy program. I also serve as the Commissioner and a coach of the CFCA Cheer Program.

 

My 20 years in the field of education includes experiences from traditional classroom teacher, adult education through BOCES and currently higher education. Over the past dozen years, I have been an instructor at SUNY Broome in the Teacher Education/Early Childhood Department and as the Faculty Mentor for the Student Village. As the Chancellor’s Award Winner for Excellence in Teaching, my education and leadership philosophies and pedagogies have been distinguishably recognized. My role at SUNY Broome has afforded me numerous opportunities to collaborate with the amazing faculty at Chenango Forks. Because of these collaborations, I was able to provide my education students with invaluable experiences with the always willing, supportive and exceptional faculty.  

 

I have held numerous other roles at SUNY Broome. I was advisor to two student clubs and proudly led and engaged them in many volunteer initiatives in our community, social and professional experiences outside of the classroom. I also served as a representative for the Council for Academic Issues, and both as a union designee for College Assembly and the secretary for the SUNY Broome Faculty Association. I have held many community leadership positions, including President of our local chapter of the National Association for the Education of Young Children and sat as a member of the Building Better Futures for Broome Coalition. 

 

Recently hired as the Early Childhood Regional Coordinator for the Southern Tier through the Professional Development Institute of CUNY Research Foundation, I will continue to provide leadership and career development for people in the early childhood field to further their careers through education and professional development.  

 

All of my experiences have provided me with a well-rounded perspective in the field of academics, effective curriculum, contemporary educational issues, budgets, policies and advocacy which has naturally evolved to an interest to becoming a school board member. As well, I have numerous strengths to be a reliable, honest and futuristic candidate. I pride myself in professionalism and as a team player to make informed decisions that may impact our most precious citizens: our children.  

 

Our District is on a precipice of change. We must imagine what the future holds for our children and have a candidate that is not only financially and policy savvy, but values education and academics. My biggest aspiration is to unify the needs of the children, educators and community members. As our district’s mission continues to evolve I know that my experience as a mother, teacher, higher education instructor, union leader, advisor, mentor, community advocate, volunteer, coach and all the other "hats" I have worn have prepared me to successfully, equitably and ethically serve the community as your next board member.
 

State law requires all candidates for election to a board of education to file a sworn statement with the district clerk disclosing their campaign expenses. If expenditures made by the candidate or by others on the candidate’s behalf exceed $500, a statement also should be filed with the commissioner of education. Expenditures of not more than $25 may be made without the candidate’s permission if the donor or donors file a sworn statement with the clerk and the commissioner stating that the candidate did not approve the expenditure.

 

When must candidates file such statements?  Based upon an election date of May 18, the dates for these filings are as follows: