Patrick Slagle

Patrick Slagle is stepping down as Vice President of the Jamestown Public Schools Board of Education.

The board accepted his resignation Tuesday at its board meeting.

Slagle has served on the board for almost 12 years and has served as the board’s vice president since 2017. Slagle’s resignation comes following his acceptance of a new position with the state Court System, which has a requirement that its members cannot serve on public boards, according to a statement by JPS.

“I want to thank you, Patrick, for your years of service. You have been a very committed board member. Your interest in this district and the students and the staff and the families is genuine,” Board President Paul Abbott said. “You have been a voice of reason on this board. You have given us all a lot of insight and things to think about when we are making some of our tougher decisions.”

A Jamestown High School graduate, Slagle was first elected to serve on the board in 2012. Prior to his newest position, he served as Chautauqua County Attorney. He earned an associate degree in Political Science from Jamestown Community College, and obtained his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from SUNY Brockport. Also, he has a doctorate in Law from the University at Buffalo Law School.

“I just want to thank everyone from staff to teachers administration and the board. It’s been it’s been a heck 12 years. I don’t regret anything. … I believe that, working together, we have made Jamestown Public Schools a premiere educational system that truly helps students prepare for the future, and doing so while being responsive to the taxpayers. I am again very grateful for this opportunity, and I wish nothing but the best for the board, the schools, and the students in the future.”

Superintendent Dr. Kevin Whitaker said Slagle has been a remarkable board member, during Slagle’s tenure, Slagle has been focused on what is best for students and the community.

“His input and influence has been consistently wise counsel for the board as a whole as well as for members of the capital project committee and the budget and finance committee. While this is a great loss for our school board, I am happy for him that he has achieved this next milestone in his promising career. He is a talented individual who, in whatever role he fills, will continue to do much good throughout our region and our community,” Whitaker said.

Even though Slagle’s resignation is immediate, Abbott has extended an invitation to Slagle to join the board for the Class of 2024 graduation in June.

“So I hope that you can join us for graduation and see the class of 2024 walk across the stage,” Abbott said.