On May 20, 2025, Fayetteville-Manlius voters will choose three district residents to serve on the F-M Board of Education for a three-year term. The F-M Board of Education is made up of nine school district residents elected by voters. Each board member is elected to a three-year term. Board members are not financially compensated. The board is the official policy-making body of the school district. It is responsible for carrying out the laws and regulations pertaining to the education of children living within the district.
The board adopts district policy, curriculum, programs of study, and approves the hiring of all personnel, as well as establishing the conditions of employment. The board is also responsible for maintaining district facilities, establishing an annual budget and setting a tax levy.
To qualify for board membership, an individual:
- Must be able to read and write;
- Must be a qualified district voter;
- Must be, and have been, a district resident for at least one year prior to the election;
- May be the only member of his/her household on the board;
- May not be an employee of the board;
- May not simultaneously hold another public office, which has been determined by law, court ruling, or Commissioner’s decision to be incompatible.
Community members interested in vying for a seat on the Board of Education are asked to pick up a petition packet from the District Clerk at the F-M District Office located at 8199 E. Seneca Turnpike in Manlius. Community members may also reach out via email to the District Clerk, Sarah Gridley, at sgridley@fmschools.org. The packets include important information about board service, relevant policies, petition signature requirements, campaign expense and contribution information and a candidate profile form. Completed and valid petitions must be filed by 5 p.m. April 21 in the district clerk’s office in order for the candidate’s name to appear on the ballot.
The online profile form should be filled out as soon as possible, but no later than 5 p.m. Monday, April 21. Information received after the deadline will not be published online. The information given in the candidate profile form will be used on the school district’s website and each candidate will be listed by name in the budget edition of the district’s community newsletter. Website profiles will include a brief candidate biography and a photograph. Submitted information will be edited to ensure equal space for each candidate.
Candidates may submit a photo of themselves taken within the past year. Photos must be submitted to communications@fmschools.org in jpeg format and at least 1 MB in file size. They should be in color, head and shoulders only. Candidates may also schedule an appointment to have their photo taken by 5 p.m. Monday, April 21, 2025, at the District Office. If you would like to schedule an appointment, or if you have any questions, please contact the F-M Communications Department at communications@fmschools.org.
Questions about the candidacy process can be directed to Sarah Gridley, District Clerk, at sgridley@fmschools.org or (315) 692-1200.