Scott Bombard, Brad Hanley, Jason Parrow, Margaret Rondeau and Shannon Stanley (Provided photos)

CLINTONVILLE — The Ausable Valley Central School District board of education has five open seats that will be decided by voters this week. Three incumbents are running unopposed, and two seats are contested, with two candidates running for each.

Incumbents Scott Bombard, Jason Fuller and President Shannon Stanley will be running again for three-year terms. Margaret Rondeau is running for board president against Stanley. Kenneth Bruno Jr., who was appointed to finish Jenna Beauregard’s term when she moved out of the area, will be running unopposed for a two-year term.

There will also be an election for the seat vacated by Amanda Whisher, who had one year left in her term. Jason Parrow and Bradford Hanley are both running for this vacant seat.

Voters can weigh in on both the school district budget and the school board members on Tuesday. Voting will take place noon to 9 p.m. in the Middle School-High School cafeteria in Clintonville. To read more about the district’s budget, visit tinyurl.com/2fu7ef8v.

The Enterprise asked each candidate to respond to the same list of questions. Ken Bruno and Jason Fuller, both incumbents running for runcontested seats, did not respond in time for the print deadline. Read each candidate’s responses below.

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Scott Bombard, 72 5/6ths

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I’m retired but worked 38 years for Graymont Materials as sales and marketing manager.

I have lived in the district my entire life.

I graduated from AuSable Valley in 1970 shortly after the merger. My wife is also a graduate and our children, Lindsey and Andrew are also graduates. Lindsey teaches English and Andrew is a phys ed and health instructor. Both live in the district.

At one time or another I have been: the chair of the Jay/Black Brook youth commission, coached youth basketball, soccer and baseball, member of the AuSable Forks Fire Department, serving as rescue lieutenant, interior firefighter and president of the corporation, fire commissioner, president and member of the AF Library Board and clerk of the works on a $350,000 capital project, started AuSable Valley Athletic Hall of Fame and successfully lobbied for the installation of a turf athletic field rather than a natural grass field, which has saved the district countless dollars. I am an assistant varsity baseball and basketball coach. I’ve been on the school board for over 20 years, 10 of which I served as president.

I am running for this position because AuSable Valley has unfinished business to take care of. We have a new capital project starting this summer, serious vaping and behavior issues which need addressing and a serious lack of state funding which also needs addressing. We need to strengthen our relationships among all our various departments.

My qualifications include my experience as a board member, construction experience with building and my knowledge of management.

My priorities include, as stated previously, the new capital project, vaping and behavior issues, taxpayer solvency and continuing to build relationship with our partners in the school.

The biggest challenges facing school districts are number one: declining enrollment, number two: lack of fair foundation aid funding from the state, and number three: general drug use and behavior problems need to be addressed.

While it sounds like a insurmountable list of problems, I am very proud of all of our partners and know they are working with the best interests of the children they take care of and I am proud to be a part of it for so many years. As Huey Newton said, “if you’re not part of the solution, you are the problem.”

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Brad Hanley, 37

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Since earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from SUNY Plattsburgh in 2012, I have been employed in federal law enforcement. The last seven years, I have enjoyed working for the Northern District of New York as a U.S. probation officer.

I have resided in the AuSable Valley School District for much of my life and am proud to still call our community home. I have two children that currently attend AuSable Forks Elementary, and I have several friends and family members that are employed by the district.

Growing up, my mother owned a small business in AuSable Forks, which I became actively involved in helping operate and manage. In more recent years, I have enjoyed volunteering as a youth coach in football and basketball and have assisted with many fundraisers and community events.

I am running for this position out of the deep love I have for our community and the people in it. Our children are the future of our community. Being a member of the school board would give me the opportunity to contribute to the institution that helps shape them into the community members they will eventually become.

As mentioned before, I have a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Plattsburgh and pride myself on being able to think critically and approach issues with common sense. My profession has taught me to effectively collaborate with diverse groups and has subsequently given me the ability to facilitate productive discussions in difficult circumstances. I believe I have a strong sense of the needs of the students and staff at AVCS and always approach tasks with an open mind and willingness to understand different perspectives.

I believe the district has done well in its efforts to encourage well-rounded young adults. From sports and art to music and advanced courses, the district has made sure our students are afforded many opportunities to explore different avenues that supplement their academic achievements. I also commend the district in its past efforts in securing highly qualified and dedicated teachers and staff. Every interaction I have had with staff in the district has been a positive one and I look forward to continuing with this tradition.

In addition to addressing the financial issues that many districts in our area are facing, I would like to see more transparent communication and engagement by the board with the community. In the past, I have always reviewed the board meeting minutes to stay informed. It wasn’t until I started attending the meetings that I began to have a real understanding of how the board works and the decisions they make. I will make it a priority to advocate for honest dialogue and direct communication between the board, district staff and community members.

The financial challenges currently being faced by the district are not something we can afford to ignore. Many districts in the area are facing similar challenges with the expiration of COVID funding and with the flawed N.Y.S. Foundation Aide Formula. We must begin to use fresh ideas, finding creative ways to address the issues at hand. This will take effort by the board and administration to work with our towns and local politicians to advocate for the needs of the district. Ultimately, the goal should be to avoid any unnecessary increased burden on the tax payers as well as avoiding cuts to programming and staffing. Our district should not have to do more with less!

I believe my personal and professional skill set will bring a commonsense approach to the board. I promise to explore every avenue in my efforts to support the students, teachers and the members of our community. I look forward to collaborating with the current board and administration to cultivate new ideas from a fresh perspective.

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Jason Parrow, 33

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I am a general contractor and own a small construction business, Atlas Building Concepts LLC.

I grew up in AuSable Forks. I have lived here all 33 years of my life and I am proud to say that I love this area. I graduated from AVCS in 2009. I currently have four children in the district and my wife is a teacher at AFES.

I am actively involved in youth sports — coaching PAL football, assisting with baseball and tee ball, and donating new equipment to keep our children safe while enjoying the sports they play.

I am running for this position because I believe in putting student success first, promoting transparency, and recognizing the invaluable work of our faculty and staff. I want to ensure that every voice in our community is heard, respected and represented. I understand that our community faces economic challenges, which is why it’s essential to deliver the highest quality education to our students while maintaining strong fiscal responsibility to our taxpayers.

I believe I am qualified for this position because I am a natural leader who is committed to transparency and to working collaboratively with parents, taxpayers and school staff to improve our district. I am approachable and personable, which makes it easier for others to raise concerns and suggest ideas. As a parent of four children in the district, I feel a strong sense of personal responsibility to help make it a safe and engaging environment — not just for my own children, but for all children.

There are numerous areas where the district is performing well. One aspect that stands out to me is the district’s collaboration with the CV-TEC program, which provides an amazing and irreplaceable opportunity for students to explore alternatives to traditional higher education.

A key theme for me is transparency. The flow of information from the district to the public needs to improve so that people can feel confident in the decisions being made by both the district and the school board.

The primary challenge for the foreseeable future will be the budget. While everyone can agree that we all want what’s best for our students, the reality is that what’s best for students is not always aligned with what’s best for taxpayers, and vice versa. We need to find common ground each year that ensures the best possible learning experience for our students, while remaining affordable for the community.

I am a strong advocate for our faculty and staff, whose dedication profoundly shapes our children and the future of our community. With children spending nearly 20% of their waking hours as students in our classrooms, it is essential that we support the school staff who guide them everyday. Nothing matters more to me than the success of our school district and creating an environment where both students and staff can thrive.

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Margaret Rondeau, 55

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I’m a licensed dental assistant currently working at McSweeney Orthodontics as a Treatment Coordinator for the past 22 years.

I have lived in the AuSable Valley School District for 35 years. My husband and our two daughters all graduated from AuSable Valley High School. Our oldest daughter, Madison, is a science teacher at AVCS Middle School/High School and was just granted tenure in April.

I was a member of the Black Brook Youth Commission for 11 years and during that time, I volunteered as a coach for soccer and softball. I was also a member of the AVCS Booster Club for 10 years, where I formed many close relationships.

I am running for the school board because I am very passionate in my commitment to serving our community’s students. Creating a safe, inclusive and supportive school where every student feels respected and valued, so they stay motivated to continue striving for success and celebrating their wins.

My qualifications are a strong sense of ethics and values, honesty, strong communication and interpersonal skills, problem solving abilities, a strong commitment to hard work, professionalism and accountability. I am always seeking opportunities to learn and grow. I’m eager to contribute my skills to help the board achieve its goals and ensure its success.

Something the district is doing well is prioritizing programs, services, and resources that promote student growth and advancements in technology.

A priority I would like to address is to ensure equitable access to high quality education and to develop and implement programs to meet the specific needs of each student. A strong school system is important in shaping future leaders.

The primary challenge facing the district and the community is budget restrictions that limit the services, programs and activities the district can provide.

Our schools, once safe havens for learning, are facing new challenges. Together, we can tackle these challenges and advocate for the students. I actively support their needs and rights to ensure they receive the resources, services and the best educational and emotional support in a safe learning environment, building hope and futures where every student thrives. It is essential to keep the best interest of the students at the front of every decision, so they grow up to be productive members of our community.

Teaching is a demanding profession! It is very important that our teachers feel supported, valued, and understood, so they can continue to bring the highest level of education and effectiveness in the classrooms. I support teachers’ professional development aspirations to pursue their goals and provide them with the resources and support they need to grow as educators. They deserve the recognition, appreciation, respect and compensation for their hard and often heroic work. We should be publicly acknowledging and celebrating all the teachers’ accomplishments and positive contributions to our amazing district. It would be an honor to serve my community as a member of the AVCS school board.

Thank you for your support.

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Shannon Stanley, 45

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I am the Bookkeeper/Administrative Manager at Ausable Chasm.

I have lived in the district for 24 years. My husband and I have two daughters: Jenna, who graduated in 2022, and Addie, who graduated in 2024. I have been volunteering for the district in a wide capacity of roles since 2009.

Within the AVCS community, I have volunteered in various elementary classrooms, served as an officer with the AuSable Forks Elementary School Parent-Teacher Organization and the AVCS Sports Booster Club and I am also a production team member of the AuSable Valley Players Drama Club. Outside of the school, I have had past involvement with the Jay Black Brook Youth Commission, AuSable Valley Rotary Club and the AuSable Forks Fast Pitch Softball Tournament.

I am re-running for my position on the board because the educational landscape is continually evolving and presenting new challenges that require experienced leadership. My continued presence on the board will provide stability and informed decision-making during critical times.

I have extensive volunteer experience in the district, as mentioned above, and have served for three years as a board member, including the last two years as president. I have been honored by the New York State School Board Association for continual growth through trainings and education, having recently received the Board Mastery Award.

I believe our district is doing community engagement very well. We have built a true partnership between educators, families and local stakeholders — all working together to support student success. Our schools have become community hubs where everyone feels genuinely invested in the growth and well-being of our students. We’ve expanded community access to our fitness center and swimming pool, providing these resources at no additional cost to taxpayers. Our district maintains meaningful collaborations with local businesses and civic organizations that support students through fundraisers and scholarship opportunities. We also work closely with local agencies to connect families with essential resources and assistance.

One initiative we’re especially proud of is the recent enhancement of our community newsletters. These are not just updates — they celebrate student achievements, recognize our dedicated staff and shine a light on the many positive stories happening across our schools. The response has been overwhelmingly positive and has helped build a stronger sense of Patriot Pride, keeping our families and community members informed, connected and engaged.

My top student-centered priority is addressing the issue of vaping in our schools. I recently had the opportunity to speak directly with several students, and every one of them expressed a desire to see a real reduction in vape usage among their peers. If re-elected, I plan to partner closely with our dedicated staff and our new student board member to develop a comprehensive, student-centered strategy focused on prevention, intervention and education.

Our district is facing significant financial challenges and we need to attain long-term financial stability. Thoughtful, forward-looking budgeting is essential to maintaining high-quality education, supporting our staff and preparing for future needs without placing undue burden on our taxpayers. I’m committed to making strategic financial decisions that protect our district’s resources, support sustainable growth and provide a solid foundation for our students’ success.

I am filled with gratitude for the trust and support our community has extended to me over the past three years. Serving on the board has been both an honor and a profound responsibility — one that I approach with unwavering dedication to our students, educators and families. I believe every child deserves access to a quality education that prepares them for a successful future. With your continued support, I am eager to advance initiatives that promote equity, innovation and excellence in our schools.

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Keene elections

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The Keene Central School board has two members with terms ending this summer, Jen Kazmierczak and Molly Jacobson. Story Bellows and Lauren Ruppert are both running for a board seat, each in an uncontested race. Voting will take place between noon and 8 p.m. at Keene Central School, 33 Market Street, Keene Valley. To read more about the KCSD budget, visit tinyurl.com/5dm84ade.

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Lake Placid elections

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Lake Placid Central School District also has two seats open, with Vice President Ronald Briggs and board member Colleen Skufca both stepping down as their terms end. District Clerk Karen Angelopoulos said she only received one petition from Christopher Fadden. However, Stephanie Murphy announced a write-in campaign on Facebook at the end of April.

Voting will take place from 1 to 8 p.m. in the Lake Placid Elementary School cafeteria or the Wilmington Community Center. To read more about the LPCSD budget, visit tinyurl.com/mr8rhzrd.