Residents will be asked to elect four members to the Board of Education (BOE) consisting of the following: Two three-year terms (resulting from the expiration of the terms of Anne Winkley and Tracy Van Ameron), a two-year term (resulting from the vacant seat left by Salvatore De Luca Jr., which seat is currently held by Board appointee Jessica Sniatecki), and a one-year term (resulting from the resignation of Shannon Brett, which seat is currently held by Board appointee Stephanie Merkley). The two candidates with the highest vote totals will each be elected to three-year terms commencing on July 1, 2025 and ending on June 30, 2028. The candidate with the third highest vote total will be elected to a two-year term of office commencing on May 21, 2025 and ending on June 30, 2027. The candidate with the fourth highest vote total will be elected to a one-year term beginning on May 21, 2025 and ending on June 30, 2026.

You may also write in candidate’s names, but in no case can you vote for more than four candidates in total. The following candidates have submitted petitions and will appear on the ballot on May 20, 2025: Tracy Van Ameron, Stephanie Merkley, and Jessica L. Sniatecki. Below, they have answered questions to help the community get to know them.

Employment: Sr. Scientist in Software Engineering at L3Harris 

Education: Master of Science in Computer Engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology

Family: Husband: Jeremy Van Ameron; Children: Zachery, Justin and Alexis Van Ameron 

School/Community Activities: HCSD School Board Member, HCSD District Technology Committee Member, Brockport Blizzards Assistant Soccer Coach, Industrial Advisory Board Member for Computer Engineering Technology at Rochester Institute of Technology 

I am running for the Holley Board of Education first and foremost for our children and the pride I feel for our community. As a parent of three very different children, I have found myself invested in many aspects of education including general education, accelerated programs, special education, Career and Technical Education, arts and music and sports. I have learned a tremendous amount through my children by being involved in their education. 

Employment: Shift Supervisor, Liberty Pumps, Bergen, NY 

Education: High School Graduate, Sebring High School, Sebring, FL  

Family: I am married and have 2 daughters who both have gone to school in Holley. My oldest is in 12th grade this year, my youngest is currently being homeschooled and is in 11th grade.  

School/Community Activities: I am a member of Leadership Genesee, which is the county I work in, and I have helped fundraise and organize events for this program. I served on the Holley Board of Education this past school year as an appointed member. 

What motivates you to run for the Holley Board of Education? I have worked as a substitute for the school in years past, I had two children, and several nieces and nephews attend the school, and I'm looking to assist the town in any way possible in ensuring all children are given the benefit of an education they deserve. I'm looking to learn from this experience, and help the community in different ways. I have seen different sides of the school environment, and I think this opportunity will allow me to bring that experience forward in a way that will benefit all students. 

Employment: Chair and Associate Professor, Department of Healthcare Studies, SUNY Brockport

Education: BS in Psychology (St. Lawrence University), MS in Rehabilitation Counseling (University at Buffalo, SUNY) and PhD in Counselor Education (University at Buffalo, SUNY) 

Family: Husband: Anthony; Children: Daughter: Jillian, who is a 2nd grader at Holley 

School/Community Activities: Current member of the Holley Board of Education, Wellness and Policy committees at Holley CSD, volunteer Team Mom for Jr Hawks Cheer, many service activities at SUNY Brockport including Committee on Accessibility, Student Accessibility Services Advisory Board, Student Conduct Boad, Leadership Development Program, and Campus Wellness Steering Committee

I believe that my professional expertise and experiences could add great value to the Board of Education, and I am heavily invested in the success of the school district as a resident and parent. I am currently serving in a one-year appointed term on the board which has given me an opportunity to learn more about district operations, internal policies and procedures, and school personnel. I have lived in Holley for the past eight years and my daughter is in the second grade at Holley Elementary. 

As an educator, I am familiar with pedagogical methods and strategies for facilitating student success. In my work as a college professor, I am also well-acquainted with the skills that students need to be successful in college and adulthood as well as the current research on best practices in education for adolescents and young adults, as well as the social and behavioral challenges associated with this population. Specifically, my expertise in mental health, substance use and addiction, and working with marginalized populations equip me with a useful framework for understanding and helping to address some of the student needs that are present within our district.  

 

I believe that the top priority of the district should be preparing its students for successful futures. This requires that schools are accessible and welcoming to all students, flexible in their educational approaches to both challenge high-achieving students and provide support for those who need it, able to hire and retain quality school staff, and work in partnership with parents and community members to facilitate student success. The Board of Education has an important role in this work via effective budgeting and financial decisions and policy making. I believe that my professional knowledge and experiences, as well as my vested interest in the success of the school as a parent and community member, make me an ideal candidate to serve on the Holley Board of Education.