Jenne LaPlaca
Jenne LaPlaca
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Who’s running for Greece school board and what candidates say counts

There are four candidates competing for three seats on the Greece Central School District School Board, with two incumbents facing off against to two potential newcomers.

Who’s running for Greece school board?

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Todd Butler and William Mahoney have been on the board for three and 12 years, respectively. They’ll be challenged by Nichole Siwicki and Jenne LaPlaca, who both have children attending the district now.

Voting will be 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on May 19 at the Transportation and Support Services Facility, 1790 Latta Road.

Meet the Greece school board candidates

Jenne LaPlaca

Age: 45

Place of residence: Greece, NY

Family: Husband and two kids in 8th grade and 3rd grade

Occupation: Registrar at the University of Rochester Eastman School of Music

Community involvement:

What is the main issue facing your school district, and how would you seek to address it if elected?

A very recent issue facing the Greece Central School District is the discovery that we do not have enough classroom space to support all of our early‑learning programs. This has already resulted in the cancellation of the half‑day Pre‑K program for 2026–2027, which is difficult for many families who rely on this option—especially with rising childcare costs and limited daycare availability in our community.

As a board member, I believe we need to address this proactively and collaboratively. That includes working closely with the district through planning committees to evaluate space usage, anticipate future enrollment needs, and prevent similar disruptions to other programs. By engaging families, educators, and community partners, we can find creative solutions and work toward restoring the Pre‑K program while planning responsibly for long‑term growth.

Todd Butler

Age: 55

Place of residence: Greece, NY

Family: Wife and three adult children

Occupation: President and CEO of Causeway Community Partners

Community involvement:

Previous political or public service experience:

What is the main issue facing your school district, and how would you seek to address it if elected? 

One thing I have learned in my first term is how complex operating a school district is. While there are many issues facing our students, families, staff and administration every day, the most immediate challenge is the need to respond to a reduction in funding from New York State. If elected, I will listen to the community and partner with administration to ensure these decisions are made in ways that are fiscally sound, aligned with our values and don’t negatively affect our families. This funding challenge is directly connected to the other major challenges we face, including helping our staff build their skills in managing challenging behaviors and providing high-quality educational experiences for every single child in our schools. I have lived in Greece nearly my entire life, and I know that our schools are the center of our community. And when our partnerships are strong, with students, families, staff and community, there’s nothing we can’t achieve.

Nichole Siwicki

Age: 42

Place of residence: Greece

Family: Husband and three children (15, 14, 11)

Occupation: Caregiver

Community involvement:

What is the main issue facing your school district, and how would you seek to address it if elected?

As a lifelong Greece resident, alumna, and mom of three current students in the district, I’m acutely aware that our schools—and community—are evolving. Greece has grown and changed significantly over the last 25 years, and today our schools serve students from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. That’s something to value—but it also means we need to be intentional about how we support every child and connect with their family. Through years of volunteering at both the building and district levels, I’ve seen how strong, transparent, and consistent communication leads to better outcomes. As GCSD prepares its 2027 strategic plan, I’m committed to ensuring every voice is heard and every decision reflects our community’s shared priorities.

William Maloney

Place of Residence: Greece

Family: Wife and three adult children

Occupation: Retired Greece Central School District facilities supervisor

Community involvement:

Maloney did not respond to a request for comment from the Democrat and Chronicle

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Who’s running for Greece school board and what candidates say counts

Reporting by Steve Howe, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

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