Hello everyone, my name is Bob Whitehead. Day to day I work for the Onondaga County Department of Emergency Management as a Senior Planner, in charge of developing and exercising emergency plans on a county level. But my real full-time job is to be a supportive band and drama dad and to be one of my kids’ biggest fans. As the proud dad of two very involved students in our district’s programs, I’m very passionate about all of the kids in our district and their future. That’s why I’m committed to:

• Making sure all our schools are safe and welcoming places where every student feels valued and empowered, including our LGBTQIA+ students;
• Putting a focus on our students’ well-being and making sure they have the mental health support they need;
• Being smart with our taxpayer dollars to make sure we’re getting the best possible education for our kids; and
• Keeping the lines of communication open between our schools, parents, and the whole community.

I truly believe in giving every student the chance to shine, and I’ll always advocate for policies that support excellent education and responsible use of our resources. I am in a unique position as the only candidate not already serving on the Board of Education. While I fully respect all the candidates’ time and experience in their position, I look forward to bringing a fresh new voice and view to the BOE.

Thank you very much for considering me for this important position and don’t forget to vote on May 20th!

Hello fellow Phoenix School District community members! My name is Keith Renfrew. I am pleased to announce that I will be running, as one of the three incumbents, to retain my current place on the Phoenix Central School District Board of Education for another three-year term. I have sincerely enjoyed my first three years as being part of a great Board of Education at PCSD. I have always had a love for giving back to the community that has given me so much more.

My family history in Phoenix goes back several generations to when people used horses and buggies as their transportation. My father and his eight siblings all attended PCSD as my sister and I did as well from K-12 grades. It is within this community; I met my high school sweetheart while participating in the PCSD marching arts and band programs. My wife and I loved this community so much, we decided to call Phoenix home for our family as well after we finished college. All of my children attended and graduated from PCSD and participated in many, many activities before attending college at Keuka College then SU, SUNY Alfred State, Utica University and SUNY Brockport.

I have been committed for many years to giving back as much as I could to all the programs here. From coaching community baseball, soccer and basketball teams, to volunteering to chaperone for school trips as well as helping build and design props or sets for PCSD marching band, winter guard and the drama club programs.

I have loved being able to give back to this PCSD community that creates an environment where students can explore many opportunities and grow as individuals. The school district itself as well as the extra curricular activities allow students to find their strengths and explore who they are as individuals as well as how to work as a team.

My goal as a member of the PCSD School Board is to continue to advocate for responsible decision making as well as continuing to do all I can to support the growth of students. I will continue to help strengthen the relationships between educators, administrators, our students and the amazing community that we live in and enjoy. I will also ensure transparency and open conversations while actively listening to reinforce a strong school environment that allows for all voices to be heard and valued. I would greatly appreciate you taking a few minutes of your day to vote in electing me to serve another three years on the PCSD Board of Education. I can then continue to do my part to ensure the PCSD is the place we all know and love.

I’ve proudly served six years on the Phoenix Central School Board—and as a husband, father of seven, and community volunteer, I understand our community. I ask for your vote to keep building on our achievements. My roots in this community run deep: my wife Aimee teaches kindergarten in our district, and our seven children attend all three school buildings. I serve as an appointed member of the Oswego County Child Protection Advisory Council, am a foster parent in Oswego County, a volunteer firefighter committed to neighborhood safety, and a Sunday school co-teacher helping guide our youth in character and faith.

Professionally, I bring a blend of educational and industry experience. I hold both a BS and MS in Manufacturing Engineering from RIT. As a former Vice President of Engineering for 12 years, I led efforts to modernize processes and build a skilled workforce. Currently, I run my own automation business, helping New York manufacturers stay competitive—experience that reinforces my understanding of the school-to-career pathways our students need.

During my time on the school board, we’ve made student-centered progress, expanding mental-health support, academic interventions, and personalized learning. I’ve contributed to smart investments, including the 2019 and upcoming 2025 capital projects, ensuring the greatest value to our community with minimal local tax impact. We’ve also prioritized fiscal responsibility, with levy increases consistently below the cap—including a 0% increase for 2025–26.

As a board member, I’ve worked to uphold and advance the mission of the Phoenix Central School District: a commitment to a challenging educational program that promotes academic and personal growth for all students. Our shared goal is to cultivate confident, productive, and responsible individuals with strong academic foundations and the ability to make positive ethical choices. Pride, character, and accountability are the cornerstones we build upon—together with our staff, students, parents, and community.

Looking ahead, I’m committed to forging career pathways through apprenticeships, internships, and certifications in partnership with local businesses. I will advocate for stronger mental-health services, trauma-informed practices, and inclusive extracurriculars. Most importantly, I will continue championing efforts to meet the needs of all students where they are. Phoenix’s future depends on strong schools. With your vote, we’ll keep Phoenix Central a place where every student thrives—and every family feels at home.

I am honored to seek re-election for my fifth term on the Phoenix Central School District Board of Education. Over the past 12 years, it has been incredibly rewarding to help lead and support the continuous growth and success of our district.

Two of my three children have graduated from Phoenix and are now thriving in their post-high school lives, thanks to the excellent education, extracurricular programs, and experiences offered here. My youngest will graduate with the Class of 2026. In addition to raising my own children in the Phoenix schools, my family has also hosted two international exchange students — helping to broaden cultural understanding and show the Phoenix community more about the world beyond our borders.

As an Electrical Engineer with a background in design engineering, manufacturing operations, and technical sales, I bring a unique perspective to the Board — particularly in areas of finance, operations, and long-term planning. I’m known for asking thoughtful questions, pushing for clarity, and working collaboratively to find solutions that move our district forward.

Throughout my time on the Board, I’ve worked hard to advocate for meaningful improvements that benefit both students and taxpayers. A few initiatives I’m especially proud of include helping the district establish strategies for responsibly investing reserve funds, expanding opportunities for high school students to earn free college credits, and supporting programs that prepare students for success beyond graduation. I also currently serve as a member of the CiTi BOCES Board of Education, where I help support regional initiatives that benefit students across Oswego County.

In addition to academic and operational improvements, we have worked to strengthen the relationship between the school district, the Village of Phoenix, and our community as a whole. I believe that strong community partnerships are essential to creating the best possible environment for our students to grow and succeed.

I believe that every student and every staff member deserves to feel valued, supported, and respected. I am committed to helping Phoenix continue to create an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated.

I also recognize that no system is perfect — sometimes we all stumble, and choices don’t always have the outcomes we hoped for. What’s most important is that we learn from these moments, grow stronger, and stay focused on improving the system for everyone. I am dedicated to continuing to push forward toward the mission of the district, making Phoenix the best it can be for every student, & Staff member every day.

I am proud of what we have achieved together and excited about the opportunities ahead. Thank you for your continued support and trust. I look forward to the opportunity to keep serving our students, families, and community.