Voters in the Rush-Henrietta Central School District will head to the polls on May 19 to elect two new members to the district’s seven-member Board of Education.
There are three candidates running for two open seats; two of the candidates are incumbents seeking reelection. Board members serve a three-year term. Voters will also weigh in on the school budget and bus purchases.
The vote will take place from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19 at the Transportation and Operations Center, 1133 Lehigh Station Road, Henrietta.
Who is running for Rush-Henrietta school board?
The candidates are:
Meet the Rush-Henrietta school board candidates
(Note: None of the candidates responded to a D&C survey. Responses below are from the district’s newsletter.)
Shiloh Arthmann
Age: Not provided
City/town of residence: District resident for 49 years
Family: Single mom of four children
Occupation: Lead implementation of human resources with Paylocity Inc.
Community involvement: School Board Partners fellow. R-H Falcons travel board secretary and parent liasion.
Previous political or public service experience: Current school board member, first elected in 2023.
What is the main issue facing your school district and how would you seek to address it if elected?: “I am a 1994 graduate of R-H and was born and raised in Henrietta, giving me a deep, personal connection to our community. As a single mom of four who loves this district, I am committed to helping R-H continue to grow as a destination district for families. … I initially ran to be a strong voice for students, families, and staff, and I look forward to continuing that work with dedication and transparency.”
Laura Borate
Age: Not provided
City/town of residence: District resident for 19 years
Family: Married with two children
Occupation: Self-employed in child and family care
Community involvement: Served on Crane Elementary PTO and as chairperson of Roth Junior High Parent Group. Began Crane’s Penguin Patch program and supported school staff appreciation efforts. Member of District Parent Advisory Council for Crane, Sherman and Roth, including a term as second vice-chair. Was involved with the superintendent search and transition and the district reconfiguration.
Previous political or public service experience: Current school board member, first elected in 2023.
What is the main issue facing your school district and how would you seek to address it if elected?: “Our district has developed strategic plans to help our community grow and flourish. If given the opportunity to serve another three years, I am excited to see the progress continue. Rush-Henrietta deserves to be known as a ‘destination district’ for students, employees and community members. I am going to continue to be an approachable advocate for our district.”
Dre Collins
Age: Not provided
City/town of residence: District resident for 29 years
Family: N/A
Occupation: Self-employed business owner as a plumber
Community involvement: Involved at church helping teenagers develop good character and refine their unique skills.
Previous political or public service experience: Not provided
What is the main issue facing your school district and how would you seek to address it if elected?: “As a business owner, plumber, and homeowner in this community, I offer a practical, solutions-focused perspective grounded in community values. The skills I have developed ― problem-solving, accountability and working directly with people ― have been shaped by this community, and I am committed to giving back. I will use that experience to make thoughtful decisions that support students, respect taxpayers, and strengthen our schools.”
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Who’s running for Rush-Henrietta school board and what candidates say
Reporting by Kayla Canne, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
