Voter's Guide 2026

2026-2027 Adopted Budget 

2026-27 Budget Overview Slideshow Presentation

CCSD 2026-27 Budget Information Video 1

CCSD 2026-27 Budget Information Video 2

Community Budget Forum, Saturday May 9 

Why are you interested in becoming a Board of Education member?

I care about what happens in our schools and how it impacts our kids and families. Since returning in 2024, I’ve been more involved in attending meetings, both in person and online, and I don’t just listen I ask questions when something isn’t clear. The more I paid attention and attended meetings, the more I realized I wanted to be part of the process, helping to move things forward clearly and responsibly. I’m someone who likes to understand how things work, ask questions, and ensure follow through. That’s what pushed me to take this step.

What is your connection to the school district?

My child currently attends George Fischer Middle School. My family are part of this community for close to 30 years and my siblings attended school in the Carmel school district.

What skills and/or attributes would you bring to the Board?

In my professional experience, I’ve worked in customer experience, coordinating communications, tracking projects, and making sure information is clear and accessible especially when multiple people are involved. I’ve also navigated systems that help organize data, track progress, and improve follow-through.
I’m someone who listens, pays attention to detail, and takes time to understand how things work before jumping to conclusions. I’m also not afraid to ask questions or speak up when something needs clarity.

What do you consider the most important issue(s) in the school district?

Student safety is one of the most important areas, and that includes addressing bullying consistently and effectively. Every student should feel safe and supported in their school environment, and families should feel confident that concerns are taken seriously.

Academic progress is also key, along with ensuring clear communication especially regarding decisions that affect families and the community.

I also think it’s important that families feel like their participation isn’t limited that their voice matters and that we address what matters in the best way possible. Not where families feel ignored or sidelined and that they’re part of the process, not just observers.

From my experience, clear communication and follow-through make a big difference and it builds trust.

At the same time, I’m not coming in like I know it all. I’m looking forward to learning, listening, and working as part of a board that prioritizes students and makes decisions that reflect the community as a whole.

My family has reached many milestones since I was elected to Carmel’s Board of Education three years ago. Graduations, weddings, and births to name a few. Previously, these events existed only in my hopes. Now, they are parts of my reality. I am in great debt to the collective Carmel Central School District community for playing pivotal roles in the lives of my family and where they have landed.

In 2023 I was elected to serve on Carmel’s Board of Education, and am now seeking a second term. While on the Board, I have worked diligently to foster a cohesive environment of accepting communication. Through this communication, we were able to increase art offerings at the elementary and middle schools, bring Unified Sports to our district, maintain our advanced academic offerings, and bring relief to our emergency responders. Hearing varied perspectives makes me a more informed trustee, allowing me to make decisions in the best interests of all students, families, and community members. All voices need to be heard.

A community member since 1970, I have seen many changes in our school community. One constant has been the caring, supportive environment I experienced as a student. There was never a question where I would raise my family. I wanted my children to experience the same care and support where education for every student was, and still is, valued.

As a teacher for over 35 years, I work diligently to meet students where their needs are. I have taught Advanced Placement Biology and middle school special education science, started and run a GED program, partnered with Cornell University, planned over 50 field trips, been a consultant with the College Board, and run an alternative school. My goal has always been, and continues to be, creating opportunities for dialogue to best support safe, quality education for all students and families.

Please honor me with another three years to give back to the community that has done so much for my family. Though my children are long graduated, they would not be where they are without the care and dedication of the Carmel school community.

I look forward to many open conversations with the school community on how to support our students, families, teachers, and support staff.

My name is Dan Minieri, and I am seeking a seat on the Carmel Central School District Board of Education because I care deeply about our community and the future of our children. I believe every student deserves access to a strong academic foundation, safe schools, and meaningful opportunities in athletics, music, arts, and extracurricular activities. I want to bring a practical, common-sense perspective to the Board that keeps students first while remaining mindful of taxpayers. 

My connection to the district is both personal and longstanding. I am a proud parent of two children in Carmel schools, and I have been actively involved in our community through youth sports, local organizations, and volunteer efforts. As a parent, coach, and resident, I have experienced firsthand many of the strengths of our district as well as areas where continued improvement is necessary. 

Professionally, I bring experience in leadership, budgeting, operations, problem-solving, and working with people from all backgrounds. I run a business that requires organization, accountability, financial responsibility, and the ability to make thoughtful decisions under pressure. I also value collaboration, accountability, and transparency—qualities I believe are essential for an effective Board member. 

The most important issues facing the district are maintaining academic excellence, supporting student safety and well-being, responsible budgeting, and planning for the future. We must continue to invest wisely in our schools, retain and support quality staff, and ensure students have the tools and opportunities they need to succeed in a changing world. 

     Jim Wise has been a trustee on the school board of the Carmel Central School District since 2023.   During his time on the board, he has worked to strengthen DASA, Title VI, and other protections for all students, to expand and improve services for student with special needs, and to drive transparency in the School Board's operations and finances, culminating in passage of the first tax cut in the history of the district. Jim studied computer science at NYU and law at the City University of New York School of Law, and currently works as a software engineer.