On May 19, district residents will elect three members to the Jamesville-DeWitt Board of Education. The board is the official policy making body of the district. It establishes operational policies, sets educational goals and standards, evaluates program effectiveness, develops the annual school budget and balances educational needs with community resources. The board is made up of nine school district residents whose terms are staggered. Board members are not financially compensated for their service.
Three candidates filed nominating petitions for three available seats. Their names will appear in this order on the ballot:
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- Andrew Nolan
- Dominic D’Imperio
- David Babikian
The candidates with the highest number of votes will fill the available seats. Each term will run from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2029.
Candidate Profiles
Andrew Nolan
Andrew Nolan is seeking his first term on the J-D Board of Education. He has lived in the district for nearly seven years. He and his wife, Birx Nolan, have two children. One attends Tecumseh Elementary School and the other is three-years-old. Nolan is an Assistant Superintendent of Elementary/K-8 Schools for the Syracuse City School District. He has a bachelor’s degree in 7-12 English Language Arts from the College of St. Rose. He also earned a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and a doctorate in Leadership from the American College of Education. He earned a Certificate of Advanced Study in School Leadership from SUNY Oswego. He’s also involved in East Side Soccer and the J-D Little League.
Statement
I want to serve on the Jamesville-DeWitt Board of Education because I care deeply about our students, our schools, and the community we share. As an educator and district-level leader, I bring experience in instructional improvement, strategic planning, and collaborative decision-making. I am committed to listening to students, families, staff, and community members to help ensure thoughtful governance and strong outcomes. Serving on the board would allow me to give back to our community and help guide the district’s continued success with integrity and care.
Dominic D’Imperio
Dominic D’Imperio is seeking his first term on the J-D Board of Education. He has lived in the district for four years. His wife, Christie Schuhert-D’Imperio, is a teacher for the district. They have four children. One attends J-D Middle School, one attends Tecumseh Elementary School, and two twins will enter the district’s UPK program in 2026-27. D’Imperio is a school attorney and labor relations specialist for Franklin-Essex-Hamilton BOCES. He graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Arts in Government and later earned his juris doctorate from the Syracuse University College of Law. He belongs to several state and regional organizations related to school law and school district affairs including the New York State Association of School Personnel Administrators.
Statement
I have worked with district leaders and board of education members in my professional life providing support and guidance on a variety of challenging topics and situations. I appreciate community members who volunteer their time to support local school districts at a time where public service is becoming more difficult. My background would allow me to draw upon a wealth of experience to help guide our district as a board member. I want to support staff, students, and make our community better. I believe the district is one of the best in the area, and for that matter, the state. If I can contribute in any way, to helping guide, support, and possibly improve the district as a board member, then I believe I have a responsibility to try to do so not just for my children, but for the benefit of every student in our community.
David Babikian
David Babikian is seeking his second term on the J-D Board of Education. He’s a 24-year resident of the district. He and his wife, Francine (Cina) Babikian, have two children who graduated from J-D High School. Babikian is a social studies teacher for the North Syracuse Central School District. He is currently on special assignment as President of the Teacher’s Union there. He has a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Butler University along with a Master of Arts in History from SUNY Oswego. He has served on the board’s Finance Committee and Audit Committee.
Statement
I have worked in education for 29 years and have served on numerous committees, including the New York state Education Department Commission’s Advisory Council, the Professional Standards and Practices Board, and multiple district-level teams. I bring a deep understanding of public education and a strong commitment to keeping the Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District among the best in New York state. During my time on the board, I have helped navigate difficult decisions involving budget reductions, security enhancements, student discipline, and the hiring of our Superintendent. I am dedicated to thoughtful, collaborative leadership that supports students, staff, and the broader community.