Christine Schnars and her granddaughter Emma are pictured at Schnars’ induction as president of the New York State School Boards Association.

Longtime Jamestown Public Schools Board of Education member Christine Schnars was officially installed as president of the New York State School Boards Association during the association’s annual convention and education expo in New York City recently.

“I am very honored to have been elected president of this organization,” said Schnars. “I look forward to working with our wonderful executive director to keep things moving forward and prepare our member boards for the future.”

Prior to her elevation as NYSSBA’s president, she served as first vice president and Area 3 Director, representing school boards in Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany, and Steuben counties. She also serves on the Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES board of education and previously served as president of the Fletcher Elementary School PTA and a member of the New York State PTA Board of Governors. She also served as President of the Chautauqua County School Boards Association.

“The New York State School Boards Association is one of the largest advocates for public school students in the entire nation and certainly carries a strong voice within New York state,” said Paul Abbott, JPS Board of Education president. “Having Mrs. Schnars installed as president this year speaks to her years of service and commitment, and is not only a real honor for her, but for our district and region as well.”

Schnars has been a member of the JPS Board of Education for 33 years having first been elected to it in 1987. She is currently serving her third term on the board since returning to it in 2017. She has previously served as its president and vice president.

“Chris has shown her commitment to JPS students for many years, and is a strong advocate for the benefits of the work that school board members and school boards do,” said Dr. Kevin Whitaker, JPS Superintendent. “Her tireless work for the benefit of others is inspiring.”

Schnars, her late husband Jim, and her four children are all JHS alumni. She has five grandchildren currently enrolled in the Jamestown Public Schools.