Christopher Ferrari

Christopher M. Ferrari
cferrari2001@gmail.com
(585) 764-6194
Christopher Ferrari
Occupation: Political Science/Marketing double-major at Rochester Institute of Technology; 2019 graduate of Spencerport Central Schools.

Family: Mary Beth and Pete, parents; twin sister, Elizabeth

Community Service: I have volunteered at St. Peter's Soup Kitchen, Foodlink events, high school Open House and awards night, as well as at the Parish of the Holy Family's summer program.

Why serve on the Board? During my time at Spencerport l served on three district committees: Code of Conduct, School-to-Career, and Budget Focus Group. Serving on these committees affirmed my passion for public service, and being part of the school board would provide an opportunity to build on the exemplary learning environment that I, and many others, have experienced.

What are the top issues facing our schools? There are two things that I believe are crucial to school districts right now: what reopening schools looks like and school funding/budget. With the hopeful return of students to the classroom, come the fall we must remember to utilize technology to support, but not replace education. The classroom experience fosters an emotional connection between students and educators that is difficult to achieve through a screen. As a student, I have first-hand knowledge of the impact distance-learning has on students' ability to learn. I have experienced what has worked and what does not work with distance-learning. But, as technology's presence increases in education, we cannot forget that technology will never be able to replace what teachers bring to the classroom.

Another issue is the fiscal pressures school districts face. My time on the Budget Focus Group made me aware of unfunded New York State Government mandates and the downstream impact they have on our school district. We must look for a balance between a fiscally responsible budget, striving for excellence in educating students, and retaining and attracting exceptional teachers and administrators.

What would you like people to know about you? I truly believe the education students receive at Spencerport is unlike any other in the nation. I have experienced first-hand what a Spencerport education can do. I was the first Spencerport student to test for and receive a New York State Career and Technical Education Endorsement on my diploma. For three years, I served as President of Spencerport's DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) Chapter, where we worked on promoting and gaining sponsors for the Spencerport' s Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament. My senior year, I served as Vice­ President of the Class of 2019. I was inducted into National, Business, DECA, and French Honor Societies. I also earned the Business Department and School-to-Career Scholarships, as well as the American Legion Ferris Goodridge Post Citizenship Award. I am currently a 3rd degree black belt at Master Kim 's Taekwondo Institute, where I have been an instructor for five years. A Spencerport education has given me the tools to succeed at RIT where I currently sit as a Senator in Student Government. We have devoted teachers, parents, staff, and administrators who dedicate themselves, so every student reaches their full potential. If I am so fortunate to be elected as a member of to the Spencerport BOE, I will always keep in mind the students, staff and taxpayer.