The Jamestown Public Schools’ Board of Education has two seats on the ballot on May 15, each for a three-year term beginning in July. There are three candidates on the ballot. Below is more information on each candidate. Polls will be open from noon to 9 p.m. for registered voters at Lincoln Elementary, Jefferson Middle and Washington Middle Schools.

Brianne Fadale is seeking her first term on the Board of Education. She is currently a Staff Development Specialist with Erie 2 BOCES. She was a special education teacher at Lincoln Elementary School. In addition, she was a coach of girls’ modified soccer and an assistant coach of girls’ modified basketball. Mrs. Fadale and her husband, Tom, have two sons, Finnegan and Flynn, who attend Love Elementary School and two daughters, Tessa and Marishka, who graduated from Jamestown High School. Tessa is an employee of Cassadaga Job Corp and Marishka is serving in the Air Force. Mrs. Fadale is also the stage manager for Rolling Hills Radio.

“I have resided in Jamestown since 2003. Education has always been personal to me as both of my parents were teachers, my sister is a teacher and I have been a teacher for nearly a decade,” said Mrs. Fadale. “I continue to work in education because I believe it is important for every student to not only have a great education, but also a positive school career. As an employee of Erie 2 BOCES, I have an understanding of available resources that can be utilized to support our students and staff. My experience in education will add to the expertise that currently exists on the board. As a board member, I will continue to focus on making positive decisions for students. I will work hard to ensure I am transparent with decisions and strive to communicate effectively to staff, parents and community members. I will continue to support positive stakeholder engagement if I am elected. Jamestown provides wonderful opportunities for our students and I want to be a part of the continued success and to ensure everyone’s voice is heard.”

Daniel Johnson, an incumbent, is seeking his third term on the Board of Education. Mr. Johnson, a JHS alumnus, and his wife, Lorie, have two children. Jordan is a third-year graduate student at D’Youville College in Buffalo majoring in Physical Therapy and Rachel is a freshman at D’Youville College majoring in Occupational Therapy. Jordan and Rachel are both Jamestown High School graduates.

Mr. Johnson has been in law enforcement for 34 years. He spent 22 years with the Jamestown Police Department, with the last nine years assigned to the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force. Mr. Johnson retired from the JPD in July 2010, and is currently the Senior Investigator with the Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office. Mr. Johnson is also a member of First Lutheran Church.

“I want to continue to serve on the Jamestown School Board because I believe in public education and want to play an active role in ensuring that our schools provide our children with opportunities for a successful future. I am a proud graduate of JHS and my children both graduated from Jamestown Public Schools. I have a vested interested as both a parent and a taxpayer,” said Mr. Johnson. “As a board member, my efforts are always focused on the academic needs of our children, while being cognizant of the local taxpayers. I will continue to bring my integrity, ability to make and stand by my decisions, willingness to devote time and energy to school board business, willingness to listen, knowledge of the community, labor background and negotiating experience, and loyalty of the democratic process.”

Nina Karbacka is seeking her second term on the Board of Education. Mrs. Karbacka is a skilled educator with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in music education from SUNY Fredonia and 40 years of teaching experience, at all grade levels, in the Jamestown Public Schools. Mrs. Karbacka and her husband, Bob, have a daughter, Marie, who graduated with honors from JHS and is currently teaching in the area.

After being active in the New York State Small City School Districts Association for two years, Mrs. Karbacka has been nominated for Vice President. Mrs. Karbacka is an active community volunteer having served as President of the Board of Chautauqua Regional Youth Ballet, Southern Chautauqua County Retired Teachers Association, Jamestown Concert Association, Chautauqua Regional Youth Symphony, which she also founded, and Ring School PTA, and on the executive board of the Arts Council, JHS PTSA, Western New York Chamber Orchestra, Community Music Project, Success by Six and the JCC Arts Community Advisory Panel. Currently, Mrs. Karbacka is teaching an Intergenerational Suzuki String Program at Lutheran.

“I believe in public education, and feel working together we can create a strong environment for growth and learning for all our children,” said Mrs. Karbacka. “I am thrilled with the new direction that the school district is taking and it is something that is needed. I would be proud and excited to continue to be part of the forward direction. I hope to be granted the opportunity to continue to work to maintain and enhance the tradition of excellence in the Jamestown Public Schools and give every child a complete education, and the motivation and skills to achieve his/her potential.”