Note: This year there are four candidates running for two seats on the Pioneer Board of Education. The top two candidates will receive five-year terms. Candidates were asked for a photo and brief bio, and could also supply a statement. The views and opinions expressed by the candidates are their own.
Amanda McKerrow (Pioneer Class of 1997) lives in Arcade with her husband Ryan and their son Tristan (Class of 2027). She is employed by Discover Financial as a Principal Compliance Analyst - Issues Management,
STRENGTHS: I am skilled with reviewing/evaluating current, new and emerging legislation and regulations as well as implementing necessary changes in process/policy to ensure compliance.
WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE OR PRESERVE? Pioneer is known for excellence — academic, vocational, artistic, and athletic. Those legacies should be maintained and continued. I would like to focus on ensuring EVERY student thrives, determines what success means to them, and achieves that success. My interest in the board position would allow me to help ensure our staff is well-equipped with resources to perform their everyday responsibilities, while also being prepared to manage the unforseen events that may arise. As a board member, I want to focus on what our academic data shows and focus what is in our control to grow in our areas of weakness.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Over the past few years and until my departure from Navient, I had taken over the facilitation of the Reading is Fundamental program at Delevan Elementary. Having participated as a volunteer reader for many years before taking over the facilitation of the program, it was something near and dear to my heart. I have also participated in sewing squares for Quilts of Valor, a program run out of our local quilt shop, Creekside Fabrics, Quilts, and Yarns.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD VOTERS KNOW? You will often see my family at Pioneer events – whether it be watching a band concert, taking in an art show, cheering at an athletic event, or grabbing dinner at a chicken BBQ fundraiser! My husband and I strive to set a good example of school spirit, attendance, and participation for our son. Being involved as part of the Board of Education would continue the lesson to our son of community involvement and duty.
Cory Higgins, 53, is a lifelong resident of the Pioneer School District. He and his wife Jennifer live in Freedom and raised two sons, Gabriel is 23 years old (engaged to Brigid Insley) and Seth is 19 years old. Both are graduates of Pioneer Central School.
Mr. Higgins logged 30 years of service with the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’ Office, and has been assigned to the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Buffalo office for the past 24 years.
STRENGTHS: I would bring leadership to the Board of Education. I currently hold a leadership position within my official duties and perform at high levels in the most stressful environments. I would bring professional, educated discussions to the Board of Education, and represent the interest of the taxpayers, students and the faculty. I also would encourage good work ethics and promote all to work at the highest standards. I would commit to the excellence of the Pioneer Central School District and ensure that all students are treated with dignity and respect. Notably, every student, administrator, educators, and support staff will be given the opportunity to operate at their full potential.
WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE OR PRESERVE? I support the Pioneer Central School District and believe it provides numerous opportunities to its students. I would work hard to preserve the positive features that make this district great. I would also work diligently to change the areas that are in need of improvement, whether through support of capital improvements, workshops for staff, or simply holding current employees accountable to do the job they were hired to do. Last, I would work to bring a level of respect and professionalism needed for growth amongst the staff.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: I have worked with the youth within the Pioneer School District. I volunteered as coach for over 20 years in the community, to include wrestling, soccer, basketball and football. I was active in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics and organized and brought the Law Enforcement Torch Run to Pioneer to open the local Special Olympic games on campus. I have served as a judge during FFA competitions held at Pioneer. The past couple years, I have assisted Coach Frank Miga with the Pioneer Varsity Air Rifle team.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD VOTERS KNOW? I believe in God, Family, and Country, and yes in that order.
Stephanie Moore, 44, is a resident of Arcade, and a Pioneer graduate. She and herhusband Mark have two daughters—Lillian, 16, and Deanna, 28. She is employed by the U.S. Postal Service in the Arcade branch, where she was a letter carrier for 15 years, later working in maintenance and currently a temporary supervisor.
STRENGTHS: I am a good listener and communicator. I work well with others as a team. I understand what it takes to be a leader and I am a good problem solver.
WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE OR PRESERVE? I would like to preserve the values of the district residents while allowing the district to grow and evolve in the ever-changing culture.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: I am the secretary of the Pioneer Marching Band Boosters and the Southern Tier Sax Quartet. I also volunteer at the Delevan Senior Nutrition Center by delivering Meals on Wheels.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD VOTERS KNOW? I have lived in the district my whole life and am a 1998 graduate.
Lowell Cleveland of Arcade and his wife Patricia have resided in the Pioneer School District for 21 years. He is retired from Roswell Park Cancer Institute where he was Power Plant Operator.
STRENGTHS: I would bring the strengths of a multi-disciplinary background having worked in both technical and academic settings.
WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE OR PRESERVE?
1) Reinforce and expand parental rights. The parents are responsible for their minor-age children. The school and the state do not own the student. This issue is becoming more contentious as New York State pushes increasingly questionable and wrong policies.
2) Develop academic knowledge and reward merit.
3) Expand trade courses and integrate these skills with academic subject material for all students.
4) Express gender reality, not a gender fiction. A quality education is rooted and based in truth. The current presentation of transsexual expression is deceptive and destructive.
5) Express moral values as a foundation for healthy living and development of a world view.
COMMUNITY SERVICE:I served six years with the U.S. Navy, and periodically assist with projects at Grace Worship Arts, along with assisting with the archery league set-ups at Pioneer Christian Fellowship.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD VOTERS KNOW? U.S. Navy nuclear power program and submarine duty; BA from Houghton College; Member of Higgins Wesleyan Church.