Incumbent Chris Garland, challenger Beth Sieda outline priorities at Wilson Central School District candidate forum

The League of Women Voters–moderated forum for two open three‑year seats on the Wilson Central School District Board of Education featured incumbent Chris Garland and challenger Beth ("Pat") Sieda, who each made two‑minute opening statements and answered audience and moderator questions about safety, budgets, transparency and family engagement.

Garland, who said, "I've been on the Wilson School Board since 2011," described his background in law enforcement and federal work and repeatedly emphasized listening to and trusting district professionals while providing policy guidance. Sieda introduced herself as a parent and nurse and said she would "be a voice for the rest of the parents and mostly those students." The moderator was Timothy Brianna of the League of Women Voters at Buffalo Niagara.

Both candidates identified school security as an ongoing priority and discussed preparedness efforts. On district finances, Garland warned of potential future state cuts and said, "I think 1 of the biggest problems we face as a school board or as a district is probably budgetary," while noting recent legislative action had restored some funds. Both candidates said they would prioritize maintaining programs and staff if the district faced reductions.

On governance, Garland and Sieda described the board's role as setting policy and offering a broad, strategic view while the superintendent manages day‑to‑day operations and presents recommendations. Asked whether they could support a decision they personally opposed, Garland said he could if the superintendent had recommended the course based on the facts and the board majority supported it; Sieda emphasized supporting the team's final decision.

Both candidates backed parental involvement and shared decision‑making committees, and they described practical ways to connect with students — attending sporting and arts events, visiting classrooms and encouraging student and parent reports of concerns. On bullying, candidates urged use of school counselors and staff resources and encouraged families to contact the school when incidents occur.

In closing, Sieda said she looked forward to "learning more about how I can help the community," and Garland thanked voters and reflected on his years of service. Moderator Timothy Brianna reminded attendees of upcoming voting dates: the school board election on May 21; the primary on June 25 with early voting June 15–23; and the general election on Nov. 5 with early voting Oct. 26–Nov. 3. The forum was livestreamed and recorded and will be available via the Wilson Central School District YouTube channel and the district website.

The forum provided voters an opportunity to compare the candidates' experience and priorities on safety, budgeting and family engagement ahead of the May 21 election.