School Board Election
Board of Education election
There are three candidates running for three open seats on the school board. Each candidate submitted the following information for voter consideration.
We’d like to extend our deepest gratitude to Lori Stone, who served on the board for six years including time as board president and vice president; and Marsha Hinman, who served for three years. Thank you for your efforts, commitment and advocacy on behalf of Spencerport.
David Gibbardo
455rentals@gmail.com
Community Service: 12 years on the school board
Why serve on the Board of Education? As I’ve previously stated, I am a lifelong resident of Spencerport, proud alumni of our school district, and parent of a graduate. I frequently think about how the many generations in our community will be impacted by the work of the school board. Although we mainly focus on policy and budget (income and expenditures as well as tax implications), we are certainly involved as committee representatives in many other aspects of the district such as curriculum, school and student safety, departmental and committee challenges, mental health, partnerships with the Town of Ogden and Village of Spencerport, family, neighborhood and community concerns.
What are the top issues facing our schools? In the next 3-5 years, all of us will be faced with many critical and costly decisions pertaining to our school district. Some decisions on the horizon could be related to: EV buses, tax cap, use of reserve funds, budgetary concerns, capital improvements, AI, instructional technology and cybersecurity, as well as maintaining programs like: robotics, instrumental/chorus/theatre, sports, honor society and the many clubs and opportunities we offer to our student body.
What would you like people to know about you? As I have demonstrated in the past and promise to do in the future, each and every decision truly requires thoughtful consideration. My years of experience on the BOE have taught me to listen to the wisdom of the voters and all relevant stakeholders, contemplate the long and short-term implications of my decisions, reflect and accept feedback of my decisions and collaborate with my fellow BOE members.
Sean McCabe
smccabe402009@hotmail.com
Occupation: retired Spencerport administrator; substitute administrator for BOCES 2
Family: wife, Annette; and daughter, Sophia (2022 graduate)
Community service: Spencerport Rotary member
What would you like people to know about you? I was born and raised in Rochester, and graduated from West Irondequoit High School before pursuing further education at the University of Rochester (B.A.) and Nazareth College (M.S.).
I began my teaching career as a special education teacher within the Rochester City School District, then transitioned to the Greece Central School District, where I taught Social Studies at Greece Olympia High School. After earning my administrative certification from SUNY Brockport, I took on the role of assistant principal at Spencerport High School, serving in this position for five years. Following that, I became the principal of Greece Athena Middle School for one year, before returning to Spencerport High School, where I served as principal for 13 years. I retired at the end of the 2023-2024 school year, and since then, have remained actively involved in education by serving as a substitute administrator for BOCES 2 and recently completed a long-term substitute assignment at Hilton High School.
I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and volunteering with the Rotary Club.
Why serve on the board? As a candidate for the Spencerport Central School District Board of Education, my primary goal is to be a vocal and positive advocate for ALL students. I recognize the immense progress Spencerport has made in becoming a more diverse and vibrant learning community since beginning my career at Spencerport High School and look to promote and celebrate that growth as a member of the Board of Education.
Mark McLean
mmclean2@rochester.rr.com
Occupation: meteorologist, adjunct professor of weather, & forensic meteorologist
Family: wife, Kimberly; and sons Alex, and Colton
Community service: 100s of visits to local schools, church groups, nursing homes to speak about weather and gardening. Annual ‘Tales for hope telethon’ for Lollypop Farm, Station tours for community groups, and I also host a community based local gardening segment called, ‘From the Ground Up’.
Why serve on the Board of Education?: As a member of the Spencerport community, I am running for the Board of Education to ensure that every student has the tools to succeed in an ever-changing world. My goal is to support the district’s mission by fostering a collaborative environment where parents, teachers, and administrators work together.
What are the top issues facing our schools?: Like many communities, economic pressures face the district. Much of this pressure comes from inflation. Academic proficiency, especially in a world where Artificial Intelligence is taking on a bigger role. The zero-emission bus mandate also seems to be an engaging community topic.
What would you like people to know about you?: I am the proud husband of Kimbery McLean who teaches at Spencerport High School. We have two wonderful and academically successful sons in middle and high school. I have been a trusted voice on television for the last 26 years, helping our community plan each day based on our ever-changing weather. I’m also an adjunct professor of Meteorology at Monroe Community College where I’ve been teaching for the last 25 years. So, I have a classroom-based understanding of some of the challenges facing our teachers.