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Board of Education Candidates for Two Seats
The two candidates for two seats are presented in the order that their names will appear on the ballot.
Christina Heyon Lee (Resident 22 years)
Education: Graduate of Brighton High School (1989); B.A. in Anthropology, SUNY Buffalo; M.A. in Cultural Anthropology, University of Colorado, Boulder; Anticipated May 2024 Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration, University of Rochester Warner School of Education
Profession/Employment: Global Education Coordinator, Monroe Community College
Family: Children, Miya (BHS 2020 graduate), Rose (BHS 2023 graduate), and Oscar (BHS junior)
School/Community Activities: Member, Brighton Board of Education, 2018-present; Board Vice President, 2022-present; Area 2 Representative, New York State School Board Association’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, 2021-present; Co-Founder and Member, Brighton’s Parents/Families of Color Group, 2018-present; Community Advisory Board Vice Chair, WXXI/The Little, 2021-present; Board Member, Asian Pacific Islander American Association of Greater Rochester, 2018-present; Steering Committee Member, Levine Center to End Hate, 2019-2024.
Statement: I am running for my third term on the BCSD Board of Education. Over the past six years, I have made decisions with our Board which are fiscally responsible to the community while providing the most equitable and inclusive education for all of our students. I am proud of the work we do together and look forward to serving this community again. I hope to have your vote this May.
Esther Winter (Resident 21 Years)
Education: B.F.A. in Musical Theatre, Syracuse University
Profession/Employment: Owner/Center Director, Canalside Music Together in Pittsford since 2006
Family: Husband, John; children, John, Madeleine, Harrison (BHS grads), and Julia (BHS junior)
School/Community Activities: Member, Brighton Board of Education, 2021-present; Member, Hiring Practices Committee, 2021-present; Member, Curriculum Council, 2021-present; Member, School Based Equity Team at Brighton High School, 2021-present; Member, Brighton Believes Council, 2023-present; Adjunct Faculty, University of Rochester; Council Rock Principal Selection Committee, 2012; Volunteer, BCSD Visual and Performing Arts for Lion King, 2017; Volunteer, Teacher Appreciation Luncheon, 2003-2018; Panelist, BHS College and Career Night, 2016 and 2017; Teacher Trainer, Music Together Worldwide, 2018-present; Director/Choreographer, JCC CenterStage, 2015-2019; Artist Educator, Geva Theatre Center, 2018; Creative Producer, Recognition Radio Series, Geva Theatre Center, 2020; Artistic Council, Geva Theatre Center, 2021.
Statement: I grew up in Los Angeles, California, and attended Syracuse University where I completed a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre. After graduating and moving to Manhattan, I enjoyed a career as a performer for over 11 years. In 2003, my husband and I relocated to Brighton to be closer to family and take advantage of the highly regarded school system here. Being a Black woman, and having children of mixed race, I feel it is important that our school board reflect the cultural makeup of our district. As a student who benefited significantly from my exposure to the arts, I will ensure that Brighton's arts programs continue to get the support they deserve. I look forward to continuing working with the rest of the board and providing my unique point of view to enrich the lives of the children of this community. Thank you, and I appreciate your vote.
