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Board of Education Election Candidates

Two candidates will be running for two seats on the WICSD Board of Education in the 2026-27 election on May 19, 2026 at the St. Paul Blvd. Fire Dept. The annual WICPTSA Candidates Night will be May 11th at IHS. Names will appear on the ballot in the following order as selected by a blind draw. 

  • Gary Adams
  • John Vay

Candidate Bios

Gary Adams

Name:   Gary Adams
Address: 135 Glenmont Drive 
Age: 46 

 

 

 

E-mail: garyadams6278@gmail.com

Family: 
Son – Isaac, 10th grade, Irondequoit HS 
Daughter – Elle, 8th grade, Dake Jr. HS 
Son – Eli, 5th grade, Iroquois MS 
Son – Ari, 3rd grade, Southlawn ES 

Occupation: 
Engineering Manager at Baldwin Richardson Foods 

Education: 
B.S., Mechanical Engineering, RIT
M.B.A., Master of Business Administration with leadership focus, RIT 

Community Involvement: 

  • Town of Irondequoit Conservation Board Member, 2018 – 2020, & 2025 - present 

  • Town of Irondequoit Audit Committee Member, 2017 – present 

  • Genesee Conservation Foundation Board Member (secretary), 2024 - present 

  • Assistant Cubmaster, Irondequoit Cub Scout Pack 420, 2024 - present 

  • New York State Wedding Officiant, 2015 – present 

  • Various school activities/events 

  • Volunteer for Sunset House 5K & Johnny’s 5K races 

Candidate Statement:    
“My name is Gary Adams, and I am running for the school board because I believe that our children deserve the best possible education. As a parent of four children in the district, I'm aware of the challenges that our students and teachers face. I believe that providing a comprehensive education that includes both academic and real-world skills is critical. I'm committed to promoting innovative programs that promote creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that will prepare students for a rapidly changing world. I plan on leveraging my experiences as a technical leader in business to be a good steward of the district’s finances, which includes identifying, prioritizing, and executing Capital Projects including long- and short-term maintenance plans for the buildings. I believe it's important for members of the school board to collaborate with others, ask tough questions, listen, and learn. This will allow us to make decisions that benefit all the children in the district.  I appreciate you considering me for school board, and I look forward to earning your vote.” 

John Vay picture

Name: John T. Vay 
Address: 25 Parr Circle 
Age: 58 

 

 

 

 

Email: johntvay@gmail.com

Family:  
Spouse – Colleen Vay, Rogers Middle School teacher for 29 years  
Son – T.J., 2016 IHS graduate 
Daughter – Maggie, teacher, Southlawn School; 2019 IHS graduate 
Daughter – Becca, 2020 IHS graduate 

Occupation:  
Assistant Director, Clinical Engineering, University of Rochester Medical Center 

Education:  
Degree from Simmons School of Mortuary Science 
NYS Licensed Funeral Director 
Apprenticeship from Kodak in Electrical Instrumentation 

Community Involvement:  

  • West Irondequoit CSD Board of Education member since 2007  

  • West Irondequoit CSD Board of Education President 2017-20  

  • West Irondequoit CSD Board liaison to Helmer Nature Center 

  • IHS Lacrosse Booster club member  

  • IHS Volleyball Booster club member 

  • Helmer Nature Center member & volunteer 

  • St. Kateri Parish member 

  • Son of American Legion Post 468 member 

Candidate Statement:   
“I am proud to seek continued service on the West Irondequoit Board of Education, a role I have held since 2007. As a graduate of Irondequoit High School's Class of 1986, this district is not just where I work – it is where I was shaped, and it remains close to my heart. For nearly two decades, I have worked tirelessly alongside fellow board members, administrators, educators, and families to ensure West Irondequoit remains a district known for excellence in learning, thoughtful decision-making, and strong community values. I am deeply committed to providing high-quality educational opportunities for all students while maintaining fiscal responsibility and respecting the trust placed in us by taxpayers. As a lifelong member of this community, I bring experience, continuity, and a steadfast focus on what matters most: student success, responsible stewardship of resources, and a school district that reflects the pride and values of West Irondequoit. I would be honored to continue serving our schools and our community.” 

Candidates' Night

Candidates Night is Monday, May 11th at 6:30 PM in the Campus Center (small cafeteria) at Irondequoit High School. To watch a video replay of the 2026 West Irondequoit CSD PTSA Candidates' Night after May 11, go to the district YouTube channel at bit.ly/WICSD_YouTube.