2019-20 School Budget and Vote Information

2019-20 Budget Information

Elmira City School District
Budget Vote / Board of Education Candidates
May 21, 2019
Polls are open 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Polling Locations:

School District voters residing north of the Chemung River
(including residents of the Lowman area) vote at Ernie Davis Academy (933 Hoffman Street)

Voters residing south of the Chemung River (including residents of the Golden Glow area) vote at Elmira High School (777 S. Main St.)

Candidates are listed in the order they must appear on the ballot as determined by drawing of lots:

Joshua Palmer
Rose Drake
Ruth Bruning
Sara Lattin
Victor M. Long, Jr.

Josh PalmerJoshua Palmer
Education Summary:

Graduate of Elmira Southside High School
Graduate of Mansfield University (Magnum Cum Laude)

Career Summary:

Social Studies Teacher (Elmira City School District)-2002-2005
Financial Advisor/Partner (Swan Morss Insurance)
President/Managing Partner (Swan Morss Insurance/Part of The Dunn Group) -Current

Why I want to serve on the Board of Education:

The purpose behind my running for a second term is that I would like to continue the work that we have started in the district prior to my arrival on the board and since my first term began in 2016. This includes our continued improvement of our state of the art school facilities, our new formation of an Athletic Facilities Committee, and the continued close management of the districts financial health which is paramount to the success of our students, faculty and tax payers within the district. Finally, I look forward to seeing the continued expansion of educational opportunities for students at all levels of learning within the district

Information provided by the candidate.
Rose DrakeRose Drake
Education Summary:

B.S. Education-Elementary/Sp. Ed Buffalo State College
Master’s Special Education-Mansfield University
Certificate of Advanced Study-School Admin. & Supervision-SUNY Cortland

Career Summary:


Special Education Teacher Buffalo City Schools
Special Education Teacher ECSD
Asst. Principal BMS
Principal, BMS
General Education/Special Ed. Teacher Elmira Alternative School
Sp. Ed. Co Teacher Ernie Davis Middle School
Dean of Students/Acting Asst. Principal Ernie Davis Academy

Why I want to serve on the Board of Education:

I am running for the board of education because I believe every child in our district will be successful if there is a balanced partnership between parents, the community, and the school district. I believe my experience as a parent, community member and former district employee will allow me to nurture that partnership.

Information provided by the candidate.
Ruth BruningRuth Bruning
Education Summary:

B.A. Principia College, Illinois (Music; Elementary Education)
M.A. New York University (Elementary Music Education)
Additional Graduate work St. Thomas University, Hamline University, Westminster Choir College, SUNY Potsdam

Career Summary:

Vocal Music Teacher, K-6, Elmira City School District, retired (41 years)
Served at various times on building and district committees including Building
Planning; Professional Development; Technology; Report Cards; Building Renovation
Treasurer for Fassett Parent Faculty Organization (PFO)
Currently an Executive Board Member with The Cantata Singers, The Friends of Woodlawn Cemetery and Corning Painted Post Civic Music

Why I want to serve on the Board of Education:

I retired in June, 2018 after a rewarding career in Elmira teaching music and serving in many capacities. I would bring this experience plus my attention to details and organization to use as a Board Member to continue to serve the students, staff and community. I value listening and collaboration to explore ways to enrich the educational experience of the students and staff and to encourage them to aspire to and reach high goals.

Information provided by candidate.


Sara LattinSara Lattin
Education Summary:

Southside High School (1979-1982)
Corning Community College
Empire State College

Career Summary:

Legal Secretary - Keyser Maloney & Winner (1992 -2005)
Executive Secretary - Senator George H. Winner, Jr., NYS Senate (2005- 2010)
District Office Director - Senator Tom O’Mara, NYS Senate (2010 – Present)

Why I want to serve on the Board of Education:


I'm seeking re-election to the school board to continue the work of serving the Elmira community. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with all stakeholder groups including staff, students, parents, community members and fellow board members. Together we are focused on providing our students with excellent opportunities to graduate from the district both career and college ready, while balancing this with our fiduciary responsibility to the taxpayers of Elmira.

Information provided by candidate.


Victor LongVictor M. Long, Jr
Education Summary:

Bachelor of Science in Materials Engineering
BSMTE from University of Alabama @ Birmingham

Career Summary:

Father of 3 girls
Former engineer supervisor from Corning
Currently founder of AVS Inc
President of Fathers Helping Fathers

Why I want to serve on the Board of Education:

To make serving others great again
An advocate for the board is an advocate for our community

Information provided by candidate.

A total of 4 seats are to be filled at the election on May 21, 2019. Three seats are for three-year terms, which will run from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2022.
One seat is for a one-year plus term from date of election to June 30, 2020.

The League of Women Voter’s Candidate Forum is scheduled for Monday, May 13 at 6:30 pm in the Gym at Washington Ave School (430 W Washington Ave). The Budget Hearing is at 6:00 pm and the forum will follow immediately after.

More information on the upcoming Annual Budget Vote and School Board Election is available by contacting the Elmira City School District at (607) 735-3010.