Cruz, Van White and Elliott Take School Board Slots

By Rachel Ward and Carlet Cleare

Rochester, NY – Former Monroe County legislator Jose Cruz is no stranger to politics - he served as long as he could in the Monroe County legislature before being term-limited out. But he'll be a newcomer to the Rochester city school board, as he heads into the general election in the fall.

Cruz, along with incumbents Cynthia Elliot and Van White, will be on the Democratic slate in November, which in the city, often translates into a sure win.

Cruz says his top issues will be making sure that the schools' funds are put to use wisely, getting parents and the community more involved with education, and offering kids better choices.

"We've tracked many of our students into college and there are a number of students who want to do other things. We want to find the resources to help them look at either working in the trades, or the automotive industry, or the types of things that they want to do that may not necessarily have to do with college."

In unofficial reporting, Cruz picked up nearly 21 percent of the vote. White grabbed a quarter, and Elliot had just over 18 percent.

There are no Republicans on the ballot for Rochester City School Board, but Howard Eagle, who was defeated in the Democratic primary, will appear on the Working Families Party line.