Conrad to seek school board seat

Niagara Wheatfield Tribune, April 17, 2008

William (Bill) Conrad, R.A., has announced his candidacy for a seat on the Niagara-Wheatfield Board of Education.

“Last year I ran with two other gentlemen from the district whose ideas we all shared. Dan Maerten and Brett Zipp are not running this year. I have spoken to both Dan and Brett and will miss the discussions and sharing of ideas. So this year I will carry those common beliefs forward in my bid for one of three spots on the Board,” Conrad said. “Primarily, those ideas centered on better communication with the public, respect for parents, taxpayers and teachers, responsible spending and ensuring our students have all the tools they need to successfully compete in tomorrow’s academic and professional environment.”

Conrad was born and raised in the Niagara-Wheatfield School District. He and his brother, sister and many cousins graduated from Niagara-Wheatfield. Much of his family still reside in the district, and have been very supportive of his candidacy, he said. He and his wife live in the Town of Lewiston with their adopted, biological and foster children. One child has graduated, one is a senior, several are in various grades, one attends special education classes outside of Niagara-Wheatfield, and two very young Falcons are waiting in the wings.

After high school, Conrad enlisted in the U.S. Army and served four years of active duty, then attended the State University at Buffalo, earning a BPS in architecture. Since that time, he has worked in the field of architecture and construction for nearly 20 years. He is a professionally licensed architect in the state of New York, and currently works for the state in the field of construction management. Most of his projects are at the SUNY at Buffalo and Buffalo State College.

While in the military, he was called to serve in Bosnia Herzegovina and again after 9/11 at Fort Bragg, N.C. His last assignment was teaching sophomore level R.O.T.C. classes at Niagara University and Buffalo State College. In 2005, he retired as a major from the U.S. Army Reserve, with 24 years of service.

He has served on several boards, including the Zoning Board of Appeals in the Town of Lewiston (vice chairman) and the Western New York Veteran’s Housing Coalition, as well as several advisory committees and organizations.

“With this large variety of experience, and an understanding that as a public servant you represent those who elect you, I believe that I am a strong candidate for a seat on the Niagara-Wheatfield Board of Education,” Conrad said. “If you will support me, you can be sure that your voice will be heard, you will be respected, and that I will do my best to fairly represent all who are affected by the decisions of the Board of Education, parents, staff, students, taxpayers, and teachers alike.”