MEET THE CANDIDATES
Dawn Cerra Board Member
Williamsville District

Cerra

I am a stay-at-home mother, active in my children's education. I am running because it's time for those who are involved at building level with the issues facing families and educators to bring that point of view to the district's governance. My priorities will be, No. 1, sustaining and enhancing the strength and breadth of programming; No. 2, maintaining a safe educational environment; No. 3, providing students the support they need to mature emotionally and socially; and No. 4, spending responsibly within the community's limits.

My husband, Ken, and I have two children who attend Heim Middle. I attended Villa Maria College and completed a certificate program in interior design and the associate degree program.

While at home for my children, I have not sat idle. Since my children entered kindergarten, I have served in the P TA and on executive boards and committees and have helped in classrooms. I have been a leader in Scouting as well as a manager for an Amherst skating club team.

Through this involvement, I understand that today's challenges are far different from those of a few years ago. Teachers and students juggle heavier workloads, trying to balance core curriculum with home and careers, art, music, health and technology. My involvement has also taught me the importance of student wellness. I took the lead in instituting a recess program at Heim, currently the only district middle school with a recess program.

Only someone with children in school today, who is active in their education and who is partnering closely with educators at the building level, will have the perspective needed to drive forward the student-centered work of the board. I am not running to build a resume or to micromanage our professional educators, only to see that the traditions that have made Williamsville the area's premier school district continue well into the future.