Brighton Central School District

The six candidates for three seats are presented in the order that their names will appear on the ballot.

Dr. Susan Gasparino

Resident 19 years

Education: B.A., Anthropology, New York University; M.D., SUNY Downstate College of Medicine; MPH, University of Rochester

Profession/Employment: Pediatrician and Medical Director of Clinical and Community Programs at University of Rochester Center for Community Health & Prevention; Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong; Community Health Advisor to the Hoekelman Center for Health Beyond Medicine; Secondary academic appointment, Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester

Family: Husband, Joe, a primary care doctor in Brighton; children, Daniel (junior at BHS), Eliza (freshman at BHS), and Maggie (fifth grader at FRES)

School/Community Activities: Member, Brighton Board of Education, June 2020–present; Member, Brighton PTSA, 2014–present; Member, District Wide Safety Committee, 2020–present; Member, BCSD Interview Committee, 2020–present; Volunteer, Friends of the Arts in Brighton (FAB), 2024–present; BCSD Physical Education Curriculum Review Committee, September 2025–present; BCSD Wellness Committee, 2025–present; Member, Monroe County School Boards Association, 2020–present; Faculty Mentor for the Community Health and Advocacy Resident Education (CARE) Track at Golisano Children’s Hospital, 2022–present; Pediatric Faculty Intern Interview Committee, Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong, 2023–present; Team Leader, Stroll for Strong Kids, 2026; BCSD Mental Health Program Evaluation Committee, 2025–2026; Girl Scout Troop Leader, Brighton Girl Scout Troop 60171, 2016–2025; Member, FRES School Based Equity Team, 2021–2025; Member, Monroe County School Boards Association Information Exchange Committee, 2020–2025; Volunteer Dance Instructor, Council Rock PE and Council Rock Play Day, 2018–2024; Weekly Fitness Friday Volunteer at CRPS hosting virtual Zumba classes for students throughout COVID-19 pandemic, March–July 2020; Volunteer, PTSA Book Fair, 2014–2022; Room Parent Volunteer, 2014–2018; Member, Twelve Corners Nursery School Board, 2012–2016; Chairwoman, Twelve Corners Nursery School Board, 2014–2016; Advertising Chair, Twelve Corners Nursery School Board, 2012–2014. 

Statement: I am honored to be seeking reelection. I love and value this community and believe that open communication and active participation strengthen us. I remain committed to thoughtful decision making, respectful dialogue, and keeping students at the center of every conversation. I’m a passionate champion for children’s well-being and a steadfast advocate for ensuring that every child experiences a deep and meaningful sense of belonging. During my time on district committees focused on student experience and family engagement, on mental health and district safety, and at larger tables representing BCSD at the state level, I work to create opportunities and environments where students feel safe, encouraged, and inspired. I am whole-heartedly committed to our schools; for students, as a partner for families, and as a supporter of teachers and staff who work to make our schools run and thrive. It would be an honor to continue to serve you.

Sarah Schlagman

Resident 14 years

Education: B.A., Psychology, Binghamton University; M.S.Ed., Childhood Special Education, Hunter College

Profession/Employment: Bookkeeper 

Family: Children, Etai (seventh grader at TCMS) and Avichai (fourth grader at FRES)

School/Community Activities: Served on the DEI Committee for two of the schools I worked in, as well as the Curriculum Mapping Committee at Crestwood Children’s Center from 2020–2021.

Statement: As both a parent of two current BCSD students and a former student myself, I have a deep personal connection to this district and its future. My experience as a special education teacher has given me firsthand insight into how district decisions have a profound impact on the success of both our students and our educators. In my current role as a bookkeeper, I bring a strong commitment to responsible budgeting and thoughtful financial stewardship to ensure resources are used effectively. Throughout my career in education, I approached every decision by considering what I would want for my own children. If elected, I will bring that same perspective to the school board by working to ensure every student is supported, every educator is valued, and every decision is made with care and accountability. I am committed to listening, collaborating, and making balanced decisions that strengthen our schools and community.

Dr. Robert Cole

Resident 20 years

Education: B.S., Neuroscience, University of Rochester; M.D., SUNY Health Science Center at Syracuse; MBA, Rochester Institute of Technology

Profession/Employment: Board Certified Family Physician, Rochester Regional Health; Chief Medical Officer, Clifton Springs Hospital and Clinic and Newark-Wayne Community Hospital

Family: Wife, Dr. Pamela Viggiani; children, Theodore (2020 BHS grad), Kalyn (2021 BHS grad), James (2023 BHS grad), and Feven Viggiani-Cole (BHS sophomore)

School/Community Activities: Den Leader, Cub Scouts, 2007–2009; Cubmaster, Cub Scouts, 2009–2012; Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts, 2012–2014; Coach/Assistant Coach, Brighton Little League, 2006–2009; Brighton Soccer Booster Club, 2016–2020; Brighton Field Hockey Booster Club, 2017–2021.

Statement: Above all else, if elected to our Brighton Board of Education, I’ll work tirelessly to protect and improve the educational experiences of our children. My name is Bob Cole. My wife, Pam Viggiani, and I have raised four children with the community’s support, as well as Brighton schools. Our older three have graduated (Theo, Kalyn, James). Our youngest, Feven, is a sophomore. I’m the product of a K–12 public school education and amazing teachers/staff. After college at U of R, medical school, and residency, I’ve worked locally as a family physician for 28 years. For the past six years, I’ve also been the Chief Medical Officer for two nearby rural hospitals. I was raised by parents and a community that modeled service. I want to give back. After decades in healthcare, I’ve gathered experiences that I think could help in our community’s educational discussions. I’d like to share my time, energy, and perspective. I hope you’ll consider my candidacy.

Carrielyn Bertino

Resident 40 years

Education: B.A., Psychology and Educational Studies with a certification in organizational management, Denison University; M.S., Education (dually certified in general education grades 1–6 and students with disabilities grades 1–6), Roberts Wesleyan University

Profession/Employment: Owner and operator of a small local business

Family: Husband, Greg; children, Ellie (class of 2031), Charlie (class of 2035), and Brodie (class of 2036)

School/Community Activities: Teaching Assistant, FRES, 2004–2005; third-grade tenured teacher, FRES, 2005–2016; member of numerous district-based committees, initiatives, and curriculum writing, 2004–2016; Founding Board Member, GiGi’s Playhouse Rochester, 2016–2021; PTSA FRES Building Co-Chair, 2021–2024; Member, Brighton Board of Education, 2024–present; member, Brighton Believes 5K Committee, 2023–present; member, Class of 2031 Activities Nights committee, 2024–present; member, Library Program review committee; member, Curriculum Council; member, Monroe County School Board Association Information Exchange Committee, 2024–present.

Statement: I am proud to seek reelection for a second term to the Board of Education. As a K–12 graduate of this district and a teacher here for over a decade, I bring a unique perspective both personally and professionally to this role. For the last two decades, I have contributed to committees, initiatives, pilots, and curriculum development. I have always been of the mindset that when you know better, you do better. I have a deep understanding of how our schools work and what our students and teachers need. As a small business owner, I understand the importance of fiscal responsibility and thoughtful decision-making. I value feedback, collaboration, and believe in bringing all voices to the table. I am passionate about ensuring the district meets the needs of all our students and families. With a deeply rooted love for this community, I would be grateful for the opportunity to continue serving.

Dr. Richard Kraude

Resident 8 years

Education: B.S., Chemistry, University of Montana; M.S., Chemistry, University of Oregon; Ph.D., Business Administration, Michigan State University

Profession/Employment: Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management

Family: Wife, Dr. Sara Patrawala, an allergist at Rochester Regional Health; Children, Nouri (third grader at FRES) and Irfaan (kindergartener at CRPS)

School/Community Activities: Master Gardener, Cornell Cooperative Extension, 2022–2023.

Statement: Richard Kraude is a Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management, specializing in research at the intersection of innovation, sustainability, and risk. He earned his Ph.D. from Michigan State University, M.S. from University of Oregon, and brings a strong analytical foundation to his work, combining empirical research with real-world application. Kraude is a passionate educator known for his engaging, student-centered teaching style that emphasizes participatory learning and practical insight. Beyond the classroom, he is driven by a curiosity for scientific discovery and a commitment to contributing to the broader body of knowledge. His work reflects a belief in continuous experimentation, growth, and the pursuit of meaningful impact through research, teaching, and innovation. He also trained as a Master Gardener for the Cornell Cooperative Extension and grows an array of fruits and vegetables at the Kraudawala nanofarm with his wife and two kids.

Jeffrey Sachs

Resident 7 years

Education: Bachelor's in Business Administration, Campbell University; Master's in Marketing, Roberts Wesleyan University

Profession/Employment: Executive Insurance Agent, Comparion Insurance Agency

Family: Wife, Elizabeth Eden, a FRES fifth-grade teacher; child, Era (CRPS second grader)

School/Community Activities: Coach, Brighton Girls Lacrosse First/Second Grade Team

Statement: I am interested in running for the Brighton School Board because I care deeply about the continued strength of our schools and community. Brighton has a proud tradition of educational excellence, and I am committed to helping preserve that standard while we navigate current budget challenges. Education has always been central to my life. My mother was a teacher, and my wife is a current teacher in the district, giving me a strong appreciation for the dedication and impact of educators. I value the diversity of our student body and believe every child deserves equal access to a high-quality education. I want to see continued efforts to ensure all students in our District can thrive and reach their full potential. I support thoughtful, transparent decision-making that balances fiscal responsibility with maintaining the high standards Brighton is known for. I am eager to listen, collaborate, and work toward solutions that support all students, staff, and families.