2023 Board Candidates
The order of the candidates is the order in which they will appear on the ballot. The community will have the opportunity to vote for four (4) board members. Three board positions are for three-year terms commencing July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2026. The candidates receiving the highest votes will serve in the three-year term positions. The candidate with the fourth highest vote will serve in this board position from May 17, 2023 until June 30, 2024.
| Luke Gasowski |
| Lyndsey Hodkinson |
| Donald R. Miller |
| Alyssa Cortina |
| Victor Jenkins |
| Andrew Henty |
| Victoria (Tori) Perez-Shires |
Luke Gasowski
In 2016, my wife (a teacher), along with our two children, moved to Baldwinsville. We came to the district because of the exemplary and outstanding education the school district offered, along with its inclusive Special Education Program.
I was born and raised in Central New York. In high school I became an Eagle Scout and participated on the varsity swim team while working as a lifeguard, swim instructor, and pre-competitive swim coach. During high school, through college, and after, I also worked as a lighting designer and a technical theater manager for their theater programs.
I have a Bachelors in Science in Biology from SUNY Geneseo and a Bachelors in Science in Respiratory Care from SUNY Upstate Medical University.
Professionally, I am a Critical Care Flight Paramedic Respiratory Therapist and Clinical Base Supervisor. I have worked in Emergency Medical Services as a provider, educator, and management leader for the past 20 years.
I served on the Jowonio School Board as the Treasurer, financial committee chair, and personnel committee member as well as was a member of the executive committee during my daughter’s preschool years. During my time on the board, I worked with a multitude of people, resources, and talent to accomplish tremendous growth and support to the students, staff, and school. I collaboratively worked to develop a successful budget that met the needs of the students, staff, and school.
I am very supportive of our district’s academics and vested in Baldwinsville’s special education program, as those with special needs hold a special place in my heart. I have overcome many challenges and critical situations throughout my life and career. I have been able to manage these situations with critical thinking, thinking strategically, as well as creating realistic and actionable plans to solve or capitalize on the opportunities presented. I look forward to continuing the success of the Baldwinsville School District with the opportunity to join the School Board. My knowledge, commitment, and experiences can provide a beneficial and meaningful contribution to the school board.
Lyndsey Hodkinson
In 2018, Lyndsey chose to relocate to Baldwinsville with her two school aged children. Since then, she has been active in the Baldwinsville community by being a volunteer coach for girls youth lacrosse, participating in the District’s budget process, and as a member of the Mental Wellness Committee.
In Carthage, Lyndsey was appointed to the Board of Education during a vacancy of a resigned board member. While filling that capacity she also served as the Deputy District Clerk, Co-Chair of the budget committee, and represented the District, alongside the Superintendent, in Washington, DC at the National Association of Federally Impacted Schools regular conferences. This was an incredibly rewarding opportunity, to make an impact and support many of the teachers and staff that educated her.
As a former military spouse, Lyndsey has dedicated most of her life to volunteerism and serving on executive boards. In order for a board to be functional and cohesive, they need strong representation but also transparency and open communication with all stakeholder groups.
Donald R. Miller
Dad: 17 years
Teacher: 16 years (MA Teaching)
Principal: 6 years (MA Enhancement, Education Administration)
Advocate: 40 years actively pushing back on NY state’s notoriously corrupt politics – First-hand experience with the property tax “cap” and NY state school funding
As a teacher and Principal, I appreciate and support B’ville teachers, staff, administrators, and School Board members.
But as a parent, I am dissatisfied with the recent drift our District is experiencing.
Far-away events that we used to see only in the news are now putting B’ville schools in the news in far-away places. Five Superintendents, over five years – and a $500,000 buy-out for…UGH. We must restore stability for our kids, and fully support our new Superintendent.
Restoring stability is on the ballot in May. You will change almost half the Board in this election, so choose your change wisely because budgets aren’t just money, they are a statement of priorities. I am running because my track record in schools and government is working to ensure that the change you choose leaves you with more than just change – it must produce the stability, continuity, and safety our children deserve as they chart a path to success.
I hope to have your support in this election. Vote May 16th. It matters.
Alyssa Cortina
My name is Alyssa Cortina. I have two school-age children in the Baldwinsville Central Schools! I am a NYS certified teacher for the Syracuse City School District, where my husband is an administrator. My husband Ronald and I met in Miami, FL, when we were both teachers with Teach for America for the Miami-Dade County Public Schools. After having our daughter, we returned to my hometown, and in 2016 we bought our forever home in Baldwinsville (where we later added our son to our family!).
I graduated from Liverpool High School in 2006. I received a soccer scholarship to Niagara University, where I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Education in 2010. I was then recruited to Miami, FL, by Teach for America, where I taught elementary school for five years. While teaching for the Miami-Dade County Public School, I received a master's degree from the University of Miami in Education and Social Change in 2013. The '22-'23 school year is my 14th school year as a public school teacher and my 9th year in the Syracuse City Schools. I graduate in May 2023 with my Educational Policy and Leadership Doctorate from American University.
Victor Jenkins
Victor has been a proud and active member of the Baldwinsville community since 1980. He was selected as Volunteer of the Year in 2017. Recently retired, Victor worked for Xerox as a Branch Controller and held Financial/Investment positions at M&T Bank/Wilmington Trust and Morgan Stanley. He graduated Cum Laude from the University of Rochester.
Victor has previously served 12 years on the Baldwinsville Board of Education including President and Vice-President. This experience and knowledge will be positive additions for the Baldwinsville Schools. Victor has praise for the teachers and staff at our district and believes stability and support are essential to the education of students. As a Board of Education member, he will focus on improving education and safety in our district.
Victor is a team player who views communication, collaboration and teamwork as key elements for effective school boards. He believes in Fiscal responsibility and always places the best intent of the children first.
Victor is an active member in his Church and serves on the Board of Friends of Beaver Lake.
Andrew Henty
Andrew Henty and his wife, Kim, moved to Baldwinsville in 2016, after living nearly his entire life in the Liverpool area. They have 2 grown sons with families of their own now, one currently living in Radisson and the other in Liverpool.
Andrew attended SUNY @ Buffalo State earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business Studies. He has worked for medical device companies including St. Jude Medical and Medtronic for 25 years. The last 13 years before retirement Andrew was the CEO/President of Medisource Management. Andrew has always been committed to serving his community. Specifically, from 1993-2001 he served on the Liverpool Central School District Board of Education, his final years he served as Vice President. Other community positions include serving on the YMCA North Board, as well a Director for the Optimist Basketball League. He is also an active member of Christ the King Church volunteering his time to several ministries including the Food Pantry. Andrew was a Pastoral Council member as well.
“I am committed to strengthening the Baldwinsville school community in all areas including academic performance, athletics, extra-curricular activities, and values. I strongly believe in open communication and transparency among the BOE, staff, students and community members. I ask for your support on May 16 as a new Board of Education member in the Baldwinsville Central School District.”
Victoria (Tori) Perez-Shires
Victoria (Tori) Perez-Shires serves as the Chief Development Officer (CDO) for the Rescue Mission Alliance of Syracuse, NY. Local and independent, the Rescue Mission puts love into action through shelter, food, clothing and hope. As CDO, Tori leads the fundraising, events, creative, and volunteer efforts for the 136-year old nonprofit organization. She brings enthusiasm and passion to her role through data, story-telling, and relationship cultivation.
Perez-Shires
Inspired by the “do-good” mantra of the Policy Studies program at Syracuse University (her alma mater!), Tori is active in her community. Her current volunteer activities include board positions with Baldwinsville Little League and the McNamara Elementary PTA, and service with the Baldwinsville Rotary Club. In 2021, Tori was named as one of Central New York’s “40 Under Forty” honorees.
Prior to her role at the Rescue Mission, Tori spent over 14 years in the beverage industry, including sales leadership roles at Duvel USA and Bell’s Brewery.
Tori currently lives in Baldwinsville with her husband Nick, and two sons, Owen and Parker. The family enjoys visiting Major League Baseball stadiums – they are on a quest to hit all 30! Her love of Hamilton inspired a month-long series of “Hamilween” videos, which Tori hopes will live on TikTok forever to embarrass her kids one day. In her spare time, she also serves as an instructor for the Wine and Beer Appreciation course at Syracuse University.
