NY: Student-backed candidates hold off challenge for Orchard Park School Board seats
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WIVB) — Three student-endorsed candidates won a contentious school board election Tuesday in Orchard Park.
Steven Comeau, Ed Draves and Jennifer Rogers won seats on the board, outdrawing Steven Barlette, Bobby Wellington and Katherine Ibarra by more than 700 votes each.
This race caused tension in the community, especially at Board of Education meetings. In meeting minutes from January, there was a lengthy discussion over the gender identity policy the district adopted, which allowed students to use restrooms and locker rooms corresponding to their gender identity. There was also discussion about banning certain books in the library.
“We’re so proud of the campaign that we ran,” the victors said in a joint statement. “Jen, Ed, & Steve were united by a common desire to support our professional educators & let ALL of our students know that they have a place where they belong in Orchard Park’s schools. We purposefully set a North Star of kindness and factual content throughout our campaign. We are honored to have the support of a student led organization, Students Protecting Education and the teachers via OPTA.
“We will continue working with all stakeholders by listening first, remembering to begin from a place of compassion, and by keeping everyone’s interests at heart.”
https://www.wivb.com/news/local-news/erie-county/orchard-park/student-backed-candidates-hold-off-challenge-for-orchard-park-school-board-seats/
