Mohawk Education Committee Hosts "Meet the Candidates" for SRCS School Board

May 14, 2014

The Salmon River Central School’s Board of Education has three vacant seats for the next term. Seven candidates are running for the Board, three of these candidates are members of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe. Running for different reasons, but for the same outcome, representation of the students of Salmon River Central School and their best interests. At a “Meet the Candidates” event, hosted by the Mohawk Education Committee on Monday, May 12, 2014, a community member present asked of each candidate, “Do you understand the history of this Board? Do you understand when I first ran for the Board, Native people were not allowed to hold a seat?” Minerva White had several direct questions about the power held by the voters, and decisions by Board Members that affect each and every child in the school.

Jason McDonald brings a unique perspective to the race, “I think it’s so important for the Board to recognize the path chosen by some students after high school may be a vocation that requires technical training. These resources exist, but I’m not convinced we do our best to ensure students have the best access or knowledge about the excellence in training that is available as an alternative to traditional classroom settings. I will help to bring this voice to our Board, in support of each child in the school.”

Sheila Marshall, a current Board Member, is running for re-election. She spent time discussing the challenges our teachers face with the Common Core, and the importance of professional development. Sheila is an advocate for teachers and believes “the road to higher education starts with the support we give our teachers.”

Michael Conners, Jr. is a Sub-Chief on the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council, and is running for two main reasons. First, he sees the need for a more balanced representation of Native students among the board and secondly, he has learned first hand through his own education and the education of his children that decisions made by the Board of Education are not always a reflection of the entire student body. Michael stated, “The Board is unbalanced, but it’s a reflection of our ability to better represent the entire school when the majority of the children in the school have unique cultural needs. I’m very proud of Salmon River. I’m a graduate of the public school system and believe in our ability for the school community to work together towards continuous progress in education, and I’m committed to this district.”

In the spirit of school community, the Mohawk Education Committee is hosting their third “Meet the Candidates” event at the Salmon River Central School on Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. For further information, please contact the Education Division at 518-358-2272.
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Please direct media inquiries to the Communications Department at 518-358-2272.