Board of Education Candidate Info

My name is Laura Sokol-Scott, and I am a current Trustee of the West Seneca Board of Education seeking reelection.

As both a Board member and a parent, educator, and longtime resident, I am deeply committed to supporting the success of every student and strengthening our school community. My husband and I returned to West Seneca nearly eight years ago so our three daughters could benefit from the same strong educational foundation and opportunities we experienced as graduates of the district.

With 21 years in education and my current role as a BOCES supervisor, I bring both classroom and leadership experience to the Board. I understand the evolving needs of students and educators and am committed to supporting programs that foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and preparation for an ever-changing future.

During my time on the Board, I have focused on thoughtful, student-centered decision-making and long-term planning for our facilities and programs. I value collaboration, active listening, and asking informed questions to ensure we are meeting the needs of our students, staff, and community.

Beyond my Board service, I remain actively involved in West Seneca. I am a member of Fourteen Holy Helpers Church, co-lead a local Girl Scout troop, and support activities such as marching band, PTA, and town soccer. My children and I also train together in Tae Kwon Do, which helps keep me closely connected to our schools and community.

I am proud of the work we have accomplished and remain dedicated to putting students first. I respectfully ask for your continued support as I seek reelection to the West Seneca Board of Education.

Hello everyone, I am Sarah Piwowarczyk. For anyone that doesn’t know me
personally, I am married with 4 children; Justin, Bryan, and Patrick have all
graduated from West Senior, and Maddie is in 10th  grade there currently. My husband, Dan, is also a West graduate. We are a big sports family, and I have been
very involved in fundraising, helping with senior nights, raising money for the PUNT Foundation, and anything else the coaches need.  I’m THAT person in the stands, cheering for everyone’s kids, ringing the cowbell, and just enjoying the moments.

I coached cheer through WS Little Loop for 9 years and was on their board for 6 years.  My last year there was 2022. I also coached softball at Southline Little League for 2 years and was on their board there 4 years. I am currently coaching travel softball for WS Magic, year 5, and I recently started coaching cheer again!

I have a master’s degree in School Psychology from Niagara University and have been working as a School Psychologist for Buffalo Public Schools since March 2017. I also teach classes at Bryant & Stratton College and ECC and evaluate preschoolers for special education services.

My why for running for the board has not changed, it is for the students.  I want our students to want to stay in West Seneca and raise their families here because of the amazing opportunities and experiences they had while in our schools.

Lorene Barulich is honored to be running for re-election to the WSCSD board of
education. She has proudly served as a trustee for the past two years, working to
support high quality education, responsible budgeting, and strong partnerships between families, faculty & staff, and our community.

As a nurse leader, Lorene brings experience in fiscal oversight, committee leadership to the board. She has been an active member of the West Seneca & WNY communities in numerous volunteer organizations such as Camp Good Days & Special Times, Girl Scouts, the Win-Pot PTA, and Life Church Buffalo where she is committed to ensuring children have the resources to succeed and opportunities to dream!

During her first term, she has actively participated with Erie County Association of
School Boards to advocate at the state level against the e-bus mandate and local
control of cell phone policies. She was also a member of the Safety, Budget, and Policy committees. Lorene is grateful to have worked alongside her dedicated board members as they utilized community feedback to make the best reconfiguration decisions to avoid redistricting.

If re-elected, Lorene will continue to advocate for local control of state mandates, safe learning environments, and responsible budgeting as she stands firm that supported faculty and staff equals supported students.

I am seeking election to the West Seneca Board of Education because I believe I can make a difference. As a community member, I appreciate the importance the Board of Education holds in creating the proper environment for every child to succeed and having access to the best educational experience possible. I also
understand the impact this has on the community as a whole.

I am hopeful to add my experiences, perspective and community ideas to the Board to ensure continued success for ALL of our students.

• My wife Karen and I have been West Seneca residents for 30 years.
• I am a 15 year member of CSEA 815, employed as a System Analyst for Erie County Central Police Services.
• I graduated from S.U.N.Y Buffalo State University with a B.S. in Computer Information Systems and S.U.N.Y Alfred State with an A.A.S. in Computer Graphic Technology.
• My wife is a Speech Pathologist at ECMC and Air Force veteran, who currently works with early intervention and pre-school students in the West Seneca and Lackawanna school districts.
• Current Life Member of Sons of AMVETS Squadron 72 West Seneca for 23 years.
• Past New York State Commander for the Sons of AMVETS.
• Current member of the Knights of Columbus Council #5670

My name is Kenneth Thompson, and I am a proud resident of West Seneca, New York, where I have lived for over 13 years with my wife, Shannon. Together, we are raising our two children, who are both part of the West Seneca Central School District. As a parent with children in the district, I have a deeply personal investment in ensuring that every student receives a safe, supportive, and high-quality education.

I have been actively involved in our school community through the Allendale Parent
Teacher League, where I have worked alongside parents, teachers, and staff to support meaningful initiatives. I have helped organize and contribute to events such as Teacher Appreciation Week and Allendale Goes Gold, experiences that have strengthened my connection to the district and reinforced the importance of community engagement.

I am running for the West Seneca Board of Education because I believe in
collaboration, transparency, and putting students first. I am committed to strong fiscal responsibility—ensuring taxpayer dollars are managed wisely, budgets remain
transparent, and resources are used in ways that best support students, educators, and long-term district success. I am dedicated to supporting our teachers, expanding opportunities for students, and ensuring families have a voice in decisions that shape our schools.

West Seneca has been an incredible place to call home, and I am dedicated to giving back to the community that has given so much to my family. I look forward to working together to continue building a strong future for all students.