Grand Island Central School District candidate bios

Information Courtesy of the Grand Island Central School District

Danielle Bruno

I was elected as a trustee to the Board of Education of Grand Island Central School District in May of 2021, and I am a candidate for reelection. It has been an honor to serve the district, students, community and taxpayers. 

 I am a long-term resident of Grand Island, and a graduate of the district. In addition to my obligations as a board member, I am a civil attorney in the plaintiff field and committed to helping people. For several years now, I’ve also volunteered as the attorney coach for GI High School’s mock trial team. It has been such an awarding experience to work with the students in areas like public speaking, teamwork, and problem solving. I believe these skillsets are essential to their continued development as young adults.

Grand Island is a very special place to me, and supporting my community is one of my core values. Thoughtful decision-making, being informed and articulating solutions are crucial to the role of a trustee, and I take pride in upholding these standards.

I am endorsed by the Grand Island Teachers Association. I ask for and I am grateful for your support and consideration on Election Day, May 21.

Jennifer Wilkinson Chin

Candidate for member of Board of Education of the Grand Island Central School District, Jennifer is a Grand Island Senior High School graduate who recently returned to Grand Island because of her love of the community and all it offers. She is a VP, creative director at FCB Health, a health care advertising agency, and works 100% remotely from her home office on Grand Island.

Jennifer holds a BS in biology and psychology and a MS in psychology, with a focus on biopsychology. Together with her husband, John, she has raised two children, Emma and Matthew, both of whom have obtained advanced degrees. Emma earned her MA in art education and is a high school teacher in Baltimore; and Matthew received his MS in mechanical engineering.

Jennifer has contributed to public schools in the past, serving as a volunteer writing coach at the elementary, middle and high school level over several years as part of a program called The Writers Room. She also served as a PTA health and wellness liaison in Montclair, New Jersey. In that role, she attended a state bullying prevention training class, and actively participated in bullying prevention workshops in the school district. She also helped to execute several health and fitness initiatives in the schools. In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys walking to stay fit, as well as boating and kayaking.

Jennifer is a firm believer in the value of education and attributes her success, in part, to the solid education she received here in the Grand Island schools. She wants to ensure that our current and future students can say the same as adults, that GI schools provided them with the solid foundation that launched them into successful, fulfilling careers. If elected, she hopes to do so by:

•Safeguarding our students’ physical and mental health through continued support of current programs and expansion, as needed, including a focus on bullying prevention.

•Ensuring access to all programs (providing a means for all to be able to afford to participate in programs that advance their education, such as DECA).

•Supporting fiscally responsible budgets that support our teachers in providing a high-quality education to all GICSD students.

Joy (Carrier) LaMarca

I am currently a Grand Island Board of Education trustee and am seeking reelection.

I am also a parent, attorney and homeowner in the Town of Grand Island, and am asking for your vote for one of the open positions on the Grand Island School Board.

While serving on the school board, over the past nine years together as a board, we hired our new superintendent, hired new district attorneys and scaled down attorney’s fees; previously settled union and employment contracts and are actively working on current contracts; reinstituted the dissemination of flyers for student, community activities and groups; navigated through the pandemic, as well as all eight years of the budget passing, with the upcoming budget vote to occur on May 21, among many other progressive actions that benefitted our schools and children.

As a parent, I have an interest our school system and know the decisions made in the next few years will affect my daughter’s education. I want to participate in those decisions to work with the other board members, administration, teachers, parents and our community to make our school system the best it can be.

As an attorney, I have been admitted to practice law for over 21 years and can bring my professional expertise to good use on the school board with compromise, compassion, professionalism, legal experience, and analytical skills to work with others to achieve results.

As a homeowner, I have firm roots in our town and care about my neighbors, community and school system, as I experienced along with my daughter growing up on Grand Island.

I am endorsed by the Grand Island Teachers Association and I ask for your vote on Election Day.

Roger Broeker

Roger Broeker brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to education and community service to his candidacy for the Grand Island School Board. With over two decades of experience as an educator and administrator, including his current role as principal of Niagara Academy, Mr. Broeker has demonstrated his dedication to supporting students’ academic and personal growth.

His understanding of the diverse needs of students, especially those requiring additional support, makes him well-suited to address the challenges facing the school district. Mr. Broeker’s involvement in coaching sports and volunteering for various organizations showcases his active engagement in the community and his commitment to its well-being.

Mr. Broeker’s emphasis on preparing students for post-graduation careers through internship and work-based learning opportunities reflects a forward-thinking approach to education. Additionally, his recognition of the importance of positive relationships and collaboration underscores his ability to foster a supportive and inclusive school environment.

As a candidate for the Grand Island School Board, Mr. Broeker brings a fresh perspective, a focus on innovation, and a commitment to fiscal responsibility. With his extensive experience and dedication to the students and teachers of the district, he is well-positioned to contribute positively to the board’s efforts in enhancing educational outcomes and community engagement.

If elected, Mr. Broeker aims to leverage his years of educational experience to introduce new ideas and programs while remaining mindful of budgetary constraints. He seeks to work collaboratively with stakeholders to ensure the success and well-being of the entire school community.

Mr. Broeker is endorsed by the Grand Island Teachers Association, and asks for your vote on Election Day, Tuesday, May 21.

Consider supporting Mr. Broeker for the Grand Island School Board, as he strives to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and the community.