Two residents declare ‘write-in’ candidacy for Board of Education

Two Akron Central School District residents have announced “write-in” campaigns for Board of Education seats in next week’s election.  Steven Tedesco and Josh Garverick spoke during public comment time at Tuesday’s Board of Education, citing their reasons they decided to run.

Tedesco, Director of Education Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park, expressed concerns over some statements of candidates on the ballot, noting he decided to seek election after learning of their positions.  He voiced his belief that political agendas should not edge their way into curriculum.

In a statement to the Akron Bugle, Tedesco said, “I just want every student to have full access to a proper education, without any political agenda. An education that will help shape them for the rest of their lives and it is the duty and responsibility of the school district to give these students the best and fairest education available, regardless of our personal beliefs or living conditions.  For example, during COVID, students that live on the reservation had to drive to the school parking lot just to get a decent wifi signal.  That is not offering them the same education as someone who has better internet access at home. These students should not be excluded from full access to an education because of where they live.”

Garverick said, “It wasn’t my intention to run for election to the school board, but recent public comments from other candidates prompted me to reevaluate that position. I’m a firm believer in decision-making that is rooted in discussion, facts, logic, and opinions, even if I do not agree with those opinions. I also feel strongly that those who speak the loudest do not—and should not—speak for everyone.

The student experience in the classroom shouldn’t be dictated by the debates their parents are having on social media or how they’re voting on Election Day. As a parent in this district, I have a vested interest in my daughter’s curriculum and the academic opportunities she has access to.

Parents and taxpayers must have a say; however, we cannot allow schools to become another political battleground. As parents and community members, we have an obligation to participate in level-headed conversations about topics and policies that impact all students and push together toward outcomes that improve the students’ learning experience.

Taxpayers can’t afford to spend money on inaction due to differences in individual political beliefs, and our children certainly can’t either. We need to spend our money and keep our focus on lesson plans that prepare our children for what they’ll experience when they leave Akron’s classrooms behind.

I work for one of the world’s largest technology consulting firms. I spend every day helping large organizations adapt to changing technologies, enabling them to address their goals and remain competitive. As a technology teacher, mentor, and author, I find it equally challenging and satisfying to help others learn about new technology and how to use it. Teaching – the successful communication of new ideas and information – isn’t easy at any level or in any medium. The board of education should be doing all it can to help teachers in that mission, and to make sure that parents are full partners in all that we do. Anything else is waste of time and energy, and a disservice to the kids who are counting on us.

I’m a member of the Akron PTA, as well as a volunteer on Code.org, a non-profit organization dedicated to educational coding content and community outreach for school-age children. I’ve participated as a judge for the Microsoft Imagine Cup and the Imagine Cup Junior, mentoring teams of university students and high school students (respectively) as they look to develop innovative applications. With this experience, I look forward to working with the board and the community in the continued pursuit of excellence at Akron Central Schools.”

Voting on the 2022-2023 school budget, purchase of buses, and three Board of Education members, is Tuesday, May 17 from noon to nine p.m.