Most incumbents retain seats on Rochester school board

Four of the five incumbent candidates seeking to keep their seats on the Rochester school board did so Tuesday.

Incumbents Barb Anness, vice president of the board of directors; Michelle Bueltel, president; Julie Alspach, treasurer, and Jayson Blake, trustee, were joined by newcomer Shelly Lauzon.

Alspach, Blake and Lauzon were the top three vote-getters in a field of six candidates for the full six-year term.

Anness and Bueltel were the top two finishers in a field of four candidates for the two-year term.

Anness and Bueltel defeated Andrew Weather, the only incumbent president who did not receive enough votes to remain on the board. Anness received 21,873 votes and Bueltel received 21,626 votes. Weaver finished third for the term ending December 31, 2026 with 20,618 votes. Only the top two candidates earned seats on the board.

“I am truly honored and grateful for the trust our community has placed in me,” Bueltel said. “I look forward to continuing to serve and collaborate with our community, our staff and our families to support an inclusive and thriving educational environment. I am confident that together we will continue to make a positive impact for all students in our district.”

Alspach, who was appointed to the board in May 2023, led all ten candidates with 22,187 votes and earned her first full term on the board.

“I am grateful and humbled by the level of community support I have received, both in votes and encouragement throughout the campaign,” she said. “This election reaffirms our community’s belief in the excellence of our schools and our commitment to making them even better. Rochester is my hometown, where I grew up and where my children grew up. I am honored to have been chosen to continue to serve it.”

Anness was grateful for a second term on the board.

“We have so much to be proud of here in the Rochester community school district, and the clear message that retaining four incumbents sends speaks volumes: we will not be swayed by half-truths or the negative narratives pushed by some to undermine our public school system. neighborhood,” says Annes. “The road ahead is bright and I am inspired by the opportunity to continue serving this incredible community.”

She also welcomed the newest board member.

“I also welcome Shelley Louzan as the newest member of our board,” said Anness. “We look forward to working with her and embracing a spirit of collaboration, respect and mutual trust – values that are essential to creating a board that truly works in the best interests of all the students we serve.”

Incumbent Jayson Blake won the last seat of six years with just 49 votes more than newcomer Richard Kaczanowski. He was first elected to the board in September 2023. Photo courtesy of RSD

With 113,139 votes cast during the full six-year term, Blake won the last of four board seats, defeating Richard Kaczanowski by just 49 votes: 19,996 to 19,947.

“I am very pleased with the results of this election,” Blake said. “The campaign got a little tricky towards the end, but I look forward to putting that behind me and serving every student in RCS for the next six years.”

Although Donley received 12,622 votes, the fewest of any candidate running for six- or two-year terms, she plans to continue devoting her time to the schools.

“I am honored that nearly 13,000 community members voted for me on Election Day. I wish the outcome was different, but I’m still proud that I ran a true, independent campaign on a frugal budget with no PAC funds,” Donley said. “I look forward to continuing my advocacy in our community and wish all school board members continued success as they lead RCS into the future.”

Originally published: November 6, 2024 at 4:54 PM EST