As we celebrate Board of Education Appreciation Week, it's the perfect opportunity to shine a light on the dedicated individuals who volunteer their time, expertise, and passion to guide our school district. Often working behind the scenes, these elected officials play a fundamental role in shaping the educational experience for every student in our community.
The Foundation of Our District: What Our Board Members Do
The Board of Education serves as the ultimate oversight body for the district, ensuring that our schools operate effectively and in the best interest of our students and community. Made up of elected officials, their responsibilities are extensive and critical. They are tasked with upholding state constitutions and regulations, exercising meticulous financial oversight to ensure responsible use of taxpayer dollars, and managing district-wide policies that impact everything from curriculum to student conduct.
Board members also play a vital role in capital projects, often guided by comprehensive building surveys from the state, ensuring our facilities are safe, modern, and conducive to learning. Their decisions lay the groundwork for a robust and thriving educational environment.
A Glimpse into Their Commitment: A Day in the Life
While there's no "typical" day, the commitment of a Board of Education member is substantial. The initial years involve a significant learning curve as new members delve into the complexities of education policy and district operations. However, collaboration is at the heart of their work.
We sat down with Board of Education Vice President, Jessica Armbrust, to ask her a few questions about what it means to be a Board member. She had some really great input, you can listen to the full podcast here. She mentioned that Board members regularly come together in public meetings—typically one to two per month—to review policies, discuss budget matters, and make pivotal decisions for the district. Beyond these official gatherings, they often serve on various district committees, lending their perspectives to specific areas like curriculum development or strategic planning. Many also extend their involvement by participating in state and national organizations, bringing valuable insights and best practices back to our community.
Their dedication is a testament to their belief in public education and their desire to see every child succeed.
Amplifying the Student Voice
We are proud to share that this year, we have welcomed two ex officio student board members, Charles Finnerty and Aiden Frey, to our Board. These students bring essential on-the-ground perspectives to the Board's discussions.
The students already hit the ground running, joining BOE President Joe Cassidy at the faculty and staff opening day to introduce themselves and share their eagerness to collaborate with the Board of Education. Their involvement ensures student priorities and experiences are directly considered in district-level decision-making.
Welcoming a New Voice: Jessica Aungst Weitzel
This year, we are particularly excited to welcome Jessica Aungst Weitzel to our Board of Education. Jessica brings a wealth of experience and a deep connection to our district, having been a part of this community for over 30 years, and a proud parent of two children in our schools.
A proud alumna of East Aurora High School (Class of 1995), Jessica continued her education at SUNY Geneseo, earning a Bachelor of Arts in 1999, and later a Masters of Public Health from Emory University in 2005.
Her professional journey showcases a strong background in program evaluation and data consulting. As President and Co-owner of Via Evaluation since 2017, she has worked extensively with schools and nonprofits to measure and improve outcomes for youth and families.
Jessica's commitment to community extends beyond her professional life. She has served as a Girl Scout Troop Leader since 2016 and is an active member of the United Way ALICE Research Advisory Committee. She serves on key committees including the Curriculum & Textbook Review Committee and the Health Curriculum Advisory Committee.
When asked why she sought to join the Board, Jessica emphasized her belief that "providing quality public education is fundamental to thriving communities." She brings a unique perspective, having witnessed "what works and what does not" in education through her professional life, and a strong personal connection: her husband is a teacher, her children attend EA schools, and she is the daughter of a retired special education teacher and middle school nurse.
Jessica is ready to "give back more to this community that helped raise me and my kids," bringing her experience in running a small business, listening to diverse viewpoints, and finding consensus to the Board. She possesses a deep understanding of New York education policy and is keenly aware of both the increasing challenges and the many opportunities facing our schools and students today.
The commitment of individuals like Jessica Aungst Weitzel, Charles Finnerty, Aiden Frey, and all our dedicated Board of Education members is invaluable. We extend our sincerest gratitude for their service and their unwavering commitment to our students and community.