Orchard Park Central School District Board of Education

  • The Board of Education is elected by District voters to govern schools and determine educational policies. Technically, Board members are Local Officials, their authority and duties are defined by the state and federal constitutions and laws as well as by rules and regulations promulgated by the Board of Regents and commissioner of education, and other regulatory agencies. Terms are for three years. Board candidates run at-large instead of for a specific seat. 

    Members of the Board of Education are volunteers and they receive no salary for their work.

    The Board of Education does not have the day-to-day responsibilities of running a school district, rather their role is oversight and setting policy; the Superintendent of Schools is responsible for all aspects of the running the district and he/she reports to the Board.  

    The Orchard Park Central School District Board of Education welcomes correspondence from residents, staff, parents and students. To send correspondence to the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools via email boe@opschools.org  Please include your full name in the correspondence. Anonymous correspondence will not be read.   Questions or comments about day-to-day operations of the district should be directed to the Superintendent of Schools via email dlilleck@opschools.org or by phone at 209-6280.  

     Individual Images of the seven Board of Education members

    2021-22 Board of Education Members

    Dr. Christine Gray Tinnesz, President
    Term 2020-2023

    Mr. Dwight Eagan, Vice President
    Term 2019-2022

    Mr. Ryan Cimo
    Term 2021-2024

    Mrs. Kim Hughes 
    Term 2020-2023

    Mr. Robert Mahany
    Term 2019-2022

    Dr. Jennifer Rogers 
    Term 2020-2023

    Mrs. Karen Sreniawski
    Term 2021-2024

     

    Candidacy

      1. District resident at least one year before Annual Meeting.
      2. District resident at At least 18 years old.
      3. United States citizen.
      4. Able to read and write.

      Salary

      None.

      Executive Officer

      Superintendent of Schools

      Agendas

      Agendas are posted on the district web site the day prior to meeting date.   District residents may call the district clerk at 209-6280 or school information office at 209-6222, for a listing of agenda items and for specific meeting locations.   

      Comments

      Time is allotted for the public and or employees to make a comment to the Board of Education and the Superintendent.

      Ballots

      Announcements are made each spring when Board of Education seats are up for re-election. Residents may then pick up petitions for Board candidacy from the district clerk’s office at the Baker Building. The number of petition signatures required by law is announced at that time. Each signer must be an eligible resident in the school district.

      Board of Education Mission Statement 

      To serve the students and citizens of the Orchard Park Central School District, the Board of Education provides direction and leadership to create an atmosphere of excellence and accountability for both the present and future so that all students can reach their full potential to live a life capably, responsibly and fully. 

      Board of Education Guiding Statement

      The Orchard Park Board of Education will proactively govern, with multi-year focus and fiscal responsibility, to support innovation and uphold the mission and vision of the District. 

      Board of Education Goals

      1. Foster and promote the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the district.
      2. Strengthen our relationships within the community and collaborate with community partners to offer increased educational and real world experiences.
      3. Support the long range plan for district facilities and present to the community a cost effective plan to update and improve district facilities.

      Board Member Oath of Office

      School Board Memebrs are required to take a constitutional oath of office to exercise the duties of office;  The following is their oath: 

       “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the constitution of the United States and the constitution of the State of New York, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of Trustee on the Orchard Park Central School District Board of Education, according to the best of my ability.”  (State Constitution Art. 13 § 1).