AUBURN - Lebertus "Bert" van der Werff, Sr. has been knocking on doors for the last several weeks introducing himself to Auburn City residents. Joseph Leogrande has been distributing signs that read "Vote for Leogrande." Both men have busied themselves finding out what local residents would like to see from their city's schools.

Leogrande and van der Werff are two of the six people seeking three seats in the upcoming Auburn school board election. The two men are running against Auburn residents Charles O. Cator, Sean M. Stanyon and incumbents William R. Andre and David Lansford.

"I don't have a problem with the board and the way it runs now," van der Werff said. "I just am interested in being on and to see if I can make a difference."

Born and educated in Holland, van der Werff has been a resident of Auburn since 1963. Now a retired baker, van der Werff has watched his eight children go through the Auburn education system. He currently has a son in 11th grade and eight grandchildren spread out through the rest of the district. Van der Werff's biggest concern is maintaining programs and providing students with a strong education.

Leogrande is a well-known proponent of driver education, a program that was removed from the district in 1994 due to budget constraints. He is currently a technology teacher at the Canandaigua Academy and a member of the New York State Technology Education Association. Leogrande feels his background in education will be a valuable asset to the board.

"I just want to see what's best for the kids," Leogrande said. "My experience as an educator will help me keep those goals in mind."

An honor roll student and member of the history, step, and Spanish clubs, Sean Stanyon is the first high school student since Jimmy Sorendo to seek a seat on the Auburn board.

Stanyon is also involved in the district's journalism program, participates in chorus and the marching band, and works part-time at McDonalds. If elected, he plans to support driver education, look into ways to help clean up the Auburn school district and try to help represent the needs of his fellow students.

"Everyone affects children," Stanyon said. "Our education system matters, school is where you shape a child, and I want to be a part of that."

Andre is currently serving his second term, and is presently the board vice president. Though Andre graduated from Jordan-Elbridge, he said Auburn is where home is. Currently a production baker for Stroehmann's, Andre said being a board member is something he enjoys and looks forward to.

He looks forward to presenting his son, Jeff, with his diploma in the upcoming graduation ceremony.

"Serving on this board is a passion that is driven through me," Andre said. "I really care about the kids in the area, and I am really proud of the education we have been able to provide them." Andre would like to see a more diverse staff in the district. He thinks there is a serious need for positive and qualified role models for minority students.

Dave Lansford believes in consistency, and feels it is a critical element to any school board. If elected, Lansford will be serving his second term on the board. "It takes three years to really understand the role you play on a school board," Lansford said. "I encourage all veteran board members to stay on the board."

Though Lansford is currently working full time as the executive director at Westminster Manor, an Auburn adult home, he is the only retired person sitting on the board.

Lansford said he is proud to serve that segment of the area's population.

Lansford considers the board to be very public and available to the community. He would like to see more innovative programs being brought into the district on a middle and high school level.

Cator could not be reached for comment, but his petition was handed in and confirmed by the district office.

School board member Chuck Mason is not seeking re-election.

Residents can vote for candidates when they go into vote on the district budget May 17.

"The current board has been very open and tried to listen to what people had to say," Lansford said. "I'd like to see things stay that way in the future."

Staff writer Ashley Lipsky can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 235

or ashley.lipsky@lee.net.