On Jan. 30, 2024, the Arkport Central School District will hold a special election to fill a vacant seat on its board of education. The vacancy was created by the resignation of Jenny Swarts, tendered to the board at their Nov. 8, 2023 meeting; Swarts’ resignation was effective Nov. 6, 2023.
Meet the candidates
On Jan. 30, voters in the Arkport Central School District will elect one board member for a term that will expire on June 30, 2027. Candidates must meet all of the requirements to run for the board. Learn more about the Arkport Central School District Board of Education. The following candidates submitted petitions to the district clerk; their names are listed in the order they will appear on the ballot.
David Mikolajczyk
David has lived in the Arkport community for over 28 years, after serving in the United States Marines. He is currently employed as an electrician for Local 139. Although four of his five children have already graduated from the Arkport school system, David is running for the board of education because his children “have successful careers due to a wonderful education the school has provided. I want to become a board member because I want to give back to the community that has contributed to my children's success. I feel that with my perspective I can make positive changes, not only for the students, but the district as a whole.”
Natalie Churchman
A graduate of Houghton University with a Bachelor of Science degree in music education, Natalie earned a masters from Alfred University. A former teacher, Natalie is an ordained minister, actively serving as an assistant pastor in a variety of ministries for New Hope Wesleyan Church in Hornell.
“I am running for a seat on the school board because I love the community and the school holds a special place in my heart. I care about the whole school community. The children, parents, staff, teachers and administration, along with the community and board members, all have worth and each person should be shown respect and love as decisions are made in relation to our children’s education and wellbeing.
“You may ask what qualifies me to run for this position. I have lived in the district, taught in the district, had children in the district, currently grandchildren, and I believe I can objectively make decisions taking into account the whole picture. Thank you for considering me as a candidate, and if you choose to vote for me, I will do my very best to work with the school community to give your child the best education and an amazing school experience.”
Tim Bailey
Tim works for the Town of Dansville as a highway maintenance worker. He was born and raised in Arkport, graduating from ACS in 2009. Tim and his wife, Nicole, have two children in the school system; a daughter in fifth grade and a son in second grade. “I had the wonderful opportunity to serve as a BOE member in 2018-2019, before taking a job as a bus driver for the district. I learned so much in that time and hope that you will allow me to represent our school district again. I feel that with my past experience I will be able to put our children first and keep our district fiscally responsible.”
Voting information
On Jan. 30, polls will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Voting takes place in the school district’s small gymnasium; please enter through the main entrance. To be eligible to vote, a person must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, and a district resident for at least 30 days prior to the scheduled vote date. No additional voter registration is required.