Meet the 2024 Board of Education Candidates
The community will have the opportunity to vote for four board members.
Two board positions are for three-year terms commencing May 22, 2024 through June 30, 2027. One board position is for a three-year term commencing July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2027. The fourth board position fills a vacancy from May 22, 2024 through June 30, 2025. The seats are presently held by Thomas Bull, Jeremy Cali, Donald Miller, and Christina Pavetto.
The candidates are listed in the order that they will appear on the ballot.
| Jennifer Geiger |
| Thomas Bull |
| Don Miller |
| Jeremy Cali |
| Christy Pavetto |
Jennifer Geiger
I’m a lifetime resident of Central New York and proud resident of Baldwinsville since 2014. I graduated from Le Moyne College (BA) and SUNY Oswego (MS). With more than 20 years teaching (English grades 7-12), I’ve witnessed the shifts in education firsthand. Now, I’m stepping up to ensure our local school board prioritizes research-based decisions for our students’ future readiness.
As a mother of five, three of whom are current students in this district, I’m deeply invested in our schools. I am committed to fostering inclusive environments and meeting students' needs. Mental health concerns are rising, and I believe in empowering students with self-awareness and advocacy skills. I advocate for a balanced approach, supporting both technology and the arts to prepare our students for a rapidly changing world.
Thomas Bull
I am running for school board because I believe I possess the necessary skills and experience that can help support and strengthen the district as we collectively move towards the future. I was appointed to the Board of Education in January 2024 and since that time have had the opportunity and privilege to engage directly with Baldwinsville parents, teachers, administrators, and most importantly students.
Professionally, I have 38 years of experience as an educator, at all levels. I taught as an inclusive elementary school teacher for 20 years and have spent the past 18 years in higher education as a school improvement consultant, administrator, and professor at the Syracuse University School of Education.
My personal philosophy, experience and educational pedagogy are directly aligned to the Board of Education/ District goals, which focus on creating optimal educational experiences for students and teachers, creating safe and healthy learning environments, being fiscally responsible and promoting collaboration, cooperation, and communication. My primary goal as a Baldwinsville Board of Education member, if elected, will be to continue my direct involvement with the school community, to be accessible to all stakeholders and to actively uphold the mission of the district.
My wife, Nicki (a retired teacher) and I have been proud residents of Baldwinsville for 28 years. We have one child, Samuel, who is a 2016 C.W. Baker High School graduate, a 2020 Syracuse University graduate and is currently a television news producer in Pittsburgh, PA.
Don Miller
Husband, Dad
Teacher (MA Teaching)
Principal (MA Enhancement, Education Administration)
Minister (MA Theological Studies)
Friends, last year you elected me to return integrity and stability to a School Board that was hopelessly adrift. Over this past year, the Board has reclaimed a student-focused mission, and intentionally pursued an education vision incompatible with the self-interested, narrow political agendas that took us so far off-course.
This year’s Board Report Card includes:
- Re-establishing a student-centered culture
- 96% graduation rate, 2nd highest in Central NY
- 2nd lowest cost per student in Central NY
- Added school safety equipment
- Emphasizing student and family relationships
- Close cooperation with Dr. DeBarbieri to strengthen core academics
I think this is the re-set you were hoping for last year – and we’re just getting started. In the coming 1-3 years, this Board will put into action academic program and facilities improvements to deepen and advance learning and teaching, already approved this year in our long-term strategic plan. We will plan for Universal Pre-K. And we will focus on higher achievement for special needs students.
To lock in gains and maintain stability, we must stop politics at the school’s edge and maintain our student focus. You trusted me to begin this work last year, and I hope I have earned your support to continue serving our students and families. There is much work to do. Let’s do it together.
Jeremy Cali
I’m a criminal, civil, and corporate lawyer who has been litigating cases for more than 17 years. I have spent 12 years as a prosecutor and six of those years as Chief of the Special Victims Bureau. While at the District Attorney’s Office, I specialized in the investigation and prosecution of homicides, child abuse cases, sexual assaults against adults, sex trafficking, and domestic violence. I have spent 5 years as in-house counsel for a large fintech company in Downtown Syracuse. I supervised litigation for their family of companies across the country. I currently have my own practice and have been doing criminal defense for five years at all levels.
I am a proud graduate of Baldwinsville Central Schools. My wife Patricia and I have four children. Sophia and Aidan are C.W. Baker High School graduates, Nathan is a 10th grader at Baker High School and Gracie is a 1st grader at Palmer Elementary School.
Christy Pavetto
It has been my privilege to serve our community on the school board and I would be honored to have your vote on May 21.
I believe an excellent school system is vital to a thriving community. In partnership with members of our community, teachers and staff, we can continue to support our students with the highest quality academic programming and a variety of experiences to interest every student. This requires board members who can work collaboratively, listen to constituents, and make thoughtful decisions. I will work hard to do all these things.
During my tenure on the board, I have gained a great deal of experience by serving as President and Vice President. I have also served on the Strategic Planning, Communications, Human Resources, Technology and Audit committees. My professional background includes degrees in education and business, allowing me to understand both the core work and business of a school district. As a healthcare administrator for 30 years, I have experience leading diverse teams and managing large budgets.
On a personal note, I am the proud mom of 2 wonderful boys. My younger son participated in our special education system and graduated with honors from Le Moyne College. I understand what all families do to support the education of their children. I would like to partner with you to help B’ville continue to help all students achieve their full potential.
