JULIE ROBINSON and her husband Jason have four boys, Daniel (21), Thomas (19), Samuel (18) and Benjamin (15). She is a research scientist at Kuster Research and Consulting in Atkinson. Robinson has a Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry), PhD (Cancer Research), Master of Business Administration (MBA).

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR SCHOOL BOARD? – “I want to give back to the community that has been a great place to raise my four boys.”

WHAT ARE THE CHIEF ISSUES FACING THE SCHOOL DISTRICT AND WHAT WILL YOU DO TO HELP SOLVE THEM? –

-“I want to represent District 228 parents who are concerned that the strong family values we hold so dearly in this community are being eroded.

-Parents want transparency of governance and partnership with a school board that will listen to their concerns and work for them, not against them.

-The 5 p.m. school board meeting time makes it difficult for many parents to attend in person. I would like to see school board meetings live-streamed (as during Covid).

-I have conservative values and will vote against government overreach, especially with regard to raising our children and any policy that will do them harm or steal their innocence. Parents tell me they want local control of decision making, not mandates from Springfield.

-Communication is key and many parents feel there is room for improvement from the administration in this area. I am a problem solver and will work hard to research and find the best solution(s) to the problem.”

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS – “My eldest son has Down’s Syndrome. I would like to promote positive change by advocating for parents of children with special needs and championing improvements in Special Education inclusion and transition programming.”

ERIN SCHUMACHER and her husband Keenan have two children and are expecting another child in August. She has a background in nursing, but has been a stay-at-home mom for the last six years. She has a degree in Practical Nursing, as well as additional training and certifications in lactation and breastfeeding support.…”I do not have any formal political experience, and the Board of Education election is not, and should not be political,” she said.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR SCHOOL BOARD? – “My oldest child is in kindergarten, and I decided to run for school board when I noticed that his future as a public school student was at risk. I originated, and led a group of concerned parents to become involved with the school board to address and discuss the issues that mattered to them. By doing this, I discovered the potential I had as a future school board member, and how important of a job it is. I am running for school board to use the relationships I have developed with the community, while building new ones, to bridge the gaps in communication, and create transparency between what is happening within the schools and families. Additionally, I pledge to empower community members to use their voices to address issues that are important to their family.”

WHAT ARE THE CHIEF ISSUES FACING THE SCHOOL DISTRICT AND WHAT WILL YOU DO TO HELP SOLVE THEM? – “In my experience, an issue facing our school district is lack of fluid communication between the school board and concerned parents. I will solve this by committing to listening intently to each message I receive from parents or community members. Another important issue plaguing our public schools is ever-changing laws and rules that directly affect our children in school. These issues require a school board member who is alert and aware of these changes to proactively navigate them as they arise. I will remain vigilant of any changes, and be ready to navigate them with fellow board members to maintain the best learning environment for our students.”

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS – “As a school board member, I pledge to support and encourage parental choice as well as empower them to be involved in their child’s education. Additionally, I believe parents should be at the forefront of decision making when it comes to their child’s education…School safety is a top priority of mine, and it is important to continuously be monitoring school safety measures while discussing means to improve and maintain the safety and security of our students and staff.”

“I sincerely look forward to the challenge ahead of serving on the Geneseo School Board,” she said.