Mezhir to seek re-election to Lewiston-Porter Board of Education

Lewiston Porter Sentinel, May 3, 2008

Incumbent Lewiston-Porter School Board Vice President James A. Mezhir has decided to seek re-election to the board in May. Mezhir, professor of criminal justice and coordinator of the Emergency Management Program at Niagara County Community College, is excited about the opportunity to continue to represent the taxpayers, school district, and most importantly the children of the Lewiston-Porter community.

During Mezhir’s tenure as a school board member, many things have been accomplished:

•Lewiston-Porter joined the School Boards Association (NYSSBA), which is a state organization that provides guidance and information to run fiscally responsible school boards.

•Board members have participated in all types of training through the NYSSBA, including financial accountability, contract negotiations, legal issues, and best practices for searching for a superintendent.

•Worked with environmental groups in an effort to ensure that the Lewiston-Porter campus is as safe as possible, and that changes can be made if necessary.

•Examined the Lewiston-Porter athletic program and created the position of athletic director, which allows the district to better evaluate its programs and coaches in the future.

•Contracted with a sports agency to market the district’s athletic facilities, which will increase district revenue flow.

•Participated with staff and the community in developing the district’s strategic plan.

•Kept the Lewiston-Porter tax levy at zero percent.

•Worked with our local and state officials on the Greenway project to get more state aid.

•Renegotiated a mutually acceptable limited sick day policy with teachers.

•Finally, he worked together in a spirit of cooperation and harmony for the good of the district, with the understanding that the board may not agree on every issue, but can still work together as a team. Mezhir’s career includes vast amounts of schooling and experience in various fields. He is the recipient of a bachelor of arts from the State University of New York at Buffalo, a masters of science from Niagara University, and a masters of arts from SUNY at Buffalo. Mezhir retired from the U.S. Army as a command sergeant major of the 2nd Brigade, 98th Division, after a 26-year career. He is the president and founder of J.A. Mezhir Consulting Enterprises, based out of Lewiston, which is a 25-year-old company, which facilitates programs in leadership, management, team building and conflict resolution.

Mezhir is continuing his 34th year of employment at Niagara County Community College as he seeks his re-election. Mezhir and his wife, Patricia, are the proud parents of five and reside in Lewiston.