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On The Ballot

Board Of Education Candidates Seek To Maintain Success

Patrick Slagle

The Jamestown Public Schools’ Board of Education has two seats up for election this year, each for a three-year term.

The 2019-20 Budget Vote & Board of Education Election are on Tuesday, May 21 from noon to 9 p.m. at Lincoln Elementary School, Jefferson Middle School and Washington Middle School for all registered voters. There are two candidates on the ballot. Below is more information on each candidate.

Joseph Pawelski, an incumbent, is seeking his second term on the Board of Education. Prior to his current term, Pawelski served for 20 years, the last five years as president, retiring from the Board in 2008. He lives in Jamestown with his wife, Casey, and has two children, Tom and Carrie, who are proud graduates of Jamestown Public Schools. Carrie is the current Band Director at Jefferson Middle School. Pawelski retired in December of 2018 after forty-plus years as a financial advisor, consultant and planner.

“I have the distinct advantage of more than 23 years of experience working on the school board, solving problems, both educational and financial, working with students, teachers and all levels of administration,” said Pawelski.

“I have just recently retired, which provides me the opportunity to spend more quality time working on the vast and varied interests and issues of the Jamestown Public Schools. Because I have been associated with the JPS for so many years, I have a keen interest in seeing our children and young adults succeed. We must prepare them well for all of the great opportunities that they have waiting for them out in the real world.”

Joseph Pawelski

Patrick Slagle, an incumbent, is seeking his third full term on the Board of Education. Slagle, a Jamestown High School alumnus, and his wife Allison, whom he met at JHS, have two children: Chase, age 6, who attends Bush Elementary School, and Leah, age 3. Slagle is a graduate of Jamestown Community College, The College at Brockport and UB Law School. He is currently an Assistant Social Services Attorney for the Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services.

“As a lifelong resident of this community, I am deeply committed to our community and school system,” said Slagle. “As I talk with members of the community and watch as my own children enter the school system, I am aware of the challenges today’s students face. I will continue to work hard with my fellow board members to improve our schools and meet these challenges to ensure that every child is provided with a high-quality education that will help them excel in life. One part of what makes our schools so successful are the amazing staff who are dedicated to helping students in all aspects of their educational journey. I will continue to be a strong advocate for our staff and ensure they have what they need to provide a high-quality education and that they are able to do so free from any unnecessary restraints. Additionally, it is important to marshal our district’s resources to ensure our schools are safe learning environments that are preparing students for life outside of school. Through years of hard work I believe I have made a difference within our district, and I look forward to your support in continuing down this path of success.”

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