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Stephen Buccilli
Stephen Buccilli was a candidate for an at-large seat on the Buffalo school board in New York. He lost the general election on May 6, 2014 to incumbent Barbara Seals Nevergold and challengers Larry Quinn and Patricia B. Pierce.
Biography
Stephen Buccilli is a resident of Buffalo, New York. Buccilli graduated from Cheektowaga Central High School before earning his B.S. degree in civil engineering from Clarkson University and his M.Eng. degree in civil engineering from the University at Buffalo. He is certified as a professional engineer and a code enforcement official by the state of New York.[1] Buccilli began his career in 2002 as a transportation construction inspector with the New York State Department of Transportation. Since 2004, he has worked for Watts Architecture & Engineering as a civil engineer.[2]
Elections
2014
- See also: Buffalo Public Schools elections (2014)
Stephen Buccilli lost to incumbent Barbara Seals Nevergold and newcomers Larry Quinn and Patricia B. Pierce for the three at-large seats in the general election on May 6, 2014. Candidates Bryon J. McIntyre and Daniel Rockwitz Reynolds were removed from the ballot after they did not meet the petition signature requirements.[3]
Results
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonpartisan |  Larry Quinn |
16.1% | 8,806 | |
| Nonpartisan | Patricia B. Pierce |
14.7% | 8,061 | |
| Nonpartisan | Barbara Seals Nevergold Incumbent |
13.6% | 7,449 | |
| Nonpartisan | Bernie Tolbert | 11.5% | 6,298 | |
| Nonpartisan | John Licata Incumbent | 9% | 4,930 | |
| Nonpartisan | Samuel P. Davis | 7.9% | 4,334 | |
| Nonpartisan | Sergio Rodriguez | 6.3% | 3,447 | |
| Nonpartisan | Gizelle Stokes | 5.6% | 3,059 | |
| Nonpartisan | Ralph R. Hernandez | 5% | 2,733 | |
| Nonpartisan | Wendy Mistretta | 4.4% | 2,414 | |
| Nonpartisan | Stephon Wright | 2.3% | 1,242 | |
| Nonpartisan | Adrian Harris | 1.9% | 1,066 | |
| Nonpartisan | Stephen Buccilli | 1.7% | 936 | |
| Total Votes | 54,775 | |||
| Source: Erie County, NY - Board of Elections, "Election Results Archive," accessed June 11, 2014 | ||||
Funding
Buccilli reported no contributions or expenditures to the Erie County Board of Elections. School board candidates in New York were not required to report their campaign contributions or expenditures if they did not exceed $500.00.[4]
Endorsements
Buccilli did not receive any official endorsements for his campaign.
Campaign themes
2014
In response to a survey published by The Buffalo News, Buccilli answered several questions outlining his campaign themes, preferred education reforms and priorities.
| “ | Cite an example of a school program (here or elsewhere) that you think should be replicated in Buffalo: Early Childhood Education is paramount in providing the foundation for students to reach their learning potential. The Magic Penny Reading program emphasizes phonemic awareness, and is able to assess strengths and weaknesses through correct pronunciation of the phonemes. We need to make available tools such as this program, so our students can begin a path to success. Describe two or three specific actions the district should take to help close the projected $50 million deficit for 2014-15: While much of the District budget is tied to mandated programs and non-transferable items, we need to review the allocation of available resources. Every option should be explored from additional partnerships with the City and other organizations to a review of District programs. We need to utilize the available District data and school based budgeting to fund target programs and professional development which address the needs at each specific school. List the three most important things you want to accomplish if you are elected: 1. CTE Program- Partnerships and apprenticeships should be expanded and developed so that the education of our students can be leveraged with the support of the Community. I will engage students by working with the business community to identify additional programs with the necessary curriculum and training requirements to meet today's career opportunities. 2. We must provide a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities for all stakeholders. It is critical to develop detailed plans, which anticipate, accommodate, and respond to the education of our students. 3. Transparency, we need to overcome the sense of distrust and lack of communication with the Community. I will be straightforward, both providing and requesting information. Evaluate Pamela Brown's performance as superintendent: Pro Dr. Brown's transfer to school based budgeting, if such staffing is done with proper supervision and the use of data analysis, would be a step in the correct direction. I commend the administration's collaboration with Say Yes Buffalo" to provide support to at-risk children. Con It is clearly observed that parents are concerned with Dr. Brown's lack of communication and proactive management. Such distrust was magnified when administration employee certification requirements were sidestepped. These events and limited transparency have deepened the wedge between Administration and stakeholders. We need meaningful involvement and an effective partnership with all our stakeholders for student growth to be achieved.[5] |
” |
| —The Buffalo News survey (2014)[6] | ||
Buccilli also published a list of his priorities on his campaign website:
| “ | 1. Roles & Responsibilities
As a District we must provide a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities for all stake holders, including staff, parents, and students. It is critical to develop detailed plans, which anticipate, accommodate, and respond to the education of our students. I will identify underperformance and provide clear expectations for the leaders of our District. 2. Transparency At the District level we need to overcome the sense of distrust and lack of communication with the Community. I will be straightforward with all parties in providing and requesting information to ensure questions are asked during discussions for planning and approval. 3. Career and Technical Education (CTE) Exposing our students to a range of education and training opportunities is essential to the development of their skill sets and potential. Partnerships and apprenticeships should be expanded and developed so that the education of our students can be leveraged with the support of the Community. I will work to fill and advance the District CTE program based on the employment market. 4. Development & Planning We need to provide our educators with the tools necessary to teach our students to the best of their abilities. I will strive to provide all parties with not just professional development, but also time to work together and collaborate. 5. Listening to the Community The foundation of our students’ learning does not start or end at school, but extends well into our community. In order to change our school system, it is imperative that the voice of the community is heard. I have personally gone door to door to speak with members our community regarding their needs and concerns for our District.[5] |
” |
| —Stephen Buccilli's campaign website (2014)[7] | ||
Recent news
This section links to a Google news search for the term "Stephen + Buccilli + Buffalo + Public + Schools"
See also
External links
Additional reading
Footnotes
- ↑ Elect Stephen Buccilli, "About Stephen," accessed April 9, 2014 (dead link)
- ↑ LinkedIn, "Stephen Buccilli," accessed April 9, 2014
- ↑ The Buffalo News, "Two knocked off Buffalo School Board ballot," April 23, 2014
- ↑ The Buffalo News, "School board financial disclosures," April 12, 2014
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ The Buffalo News, "Meet the candidates," accessed May 5, 2014
- ↑ Elect Stephen Buccilli, "Platform," accessed April 9, 2014
| 2014 Buffalo Public Schools Elections | |
| Buffalo, New York | |
| Election date: | May 6, 2014 |
| Candidates: | At-large: • Incumbent, Barbara Seals Nevergold • Incumbent, John Licata • Adrian Harris • Wendy Mistretta • Larry Quinn • Sergio Rodriguez • Bernie Tolbert • Stephon Wright • Stephen Buccilli • Patricia B. Pierce • Ralph R. Hernandez • Samuel P. Davis • Gizelle Stokes |
| Important information: | What was at stake? • Key deadlines • Additional elections on the ballot |
