Another candidate has thrown his hat in the ring for the open seat on the Utica City School Board. James W. Paul III says he has decided to run again because Albany has shortchanged state aid for students in Utica.

In a release Paul said,

Utica students deserve a Board of Education member who will fight to ensure that they get the quality education they deserve. If I am elected, I promise to do my best to get every penny of the state aid owed to Utica public school students. With a shrinking tax base, we must advocate for our fair share of state so local taxpayers are not overburdened. It is time for our School Board and community to stand with every Utica child, parent, and teacher for quality education. I am committed to bringing a positive, unifying voice that will bring the community together.

Paul is a graduate of Mohawk Valley Community College and is currently employed by USIC Utility Services. Paul has an abundance of experience working with students and participates in many youth and community activities.

Paul is involved in other groups such as Junior Frontiers of the Mohawk Valley and Utica City Rocks Basketball Program. In the last two years, he has advocated for increased school funding for Utica Schools through the Alliance for Quality Education.

Paul, a veteran, is married with three children and has lived in Utica for more than 16 years.

The Utica School Board elections will take place on Tuesday, May 21st, 2019 from Noon to 9:00 p.m.

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