2025-2026 District Budget

It is with dedication and enthusiasm that I ask for your vote for the Sweet Home Board of Education.

John F. Kennedy once said, “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” These words ring especially true when it comes to the education of our youth. I am confident that my leadership can help Sweet Home continue its tradition as an outstanding school district.

My wife, Jen, and I are raising four children—Grace (11), Jack (10), Jane (8), and Anna (4). As a young family, we have a personal stake in the success of our schools. That’s why I’m committed to working for the best outcomes for our students, teachers, and staff.

Over the past five years serving on the school board, we've faced many challenges together—and I’m proud of the progress we’ve made:

• We provided both in-person and remote learning options during the pandemic.
• We kept taxes below the cap to ease the burden on families.
• We launched Universal Pre-K to give every child a strong start.
• We opened a brand-new high school auditorium.
• We approved new contracts for all staff.

Of course, there’s still more to do. The solutions aren't always perfect—but we can’t let the pursuit of perfection stand in the way of meaningful progress.

Professionally, I bring over 30 years of business experience. I hold a degree from Canisius University and an MBA from Notre Dame. I'm an entrepreneur, CPA, and founding partner of an investment company. But above all, I’m a dad wanting the best for our kids. My only intent is to serve the public and support our families, students, and educators. Ultimately, we’re all in this together—every student, one community, ready for the future.

Last year you humbled me with your vote and elected me to the School Board. I’m asking again for your consideration and hopefully your vote to continue representing you.

Being a School Board member is not for the faint of heart. We get involved because we care about how our children are educated and how they are prepared for their future.

In the past year, we’ve faced some challenges, but I stood up for our kids-especially on the proposal to have our students walk to school. Along with the strong community outcry no students will have to walk to school. We will provide transportation, ensuring our children’s safety.

This year we held the line on YOUR school taxes. And maintained all the programs.

I consider myself an advocate for senior citizens, of which I am one. It’s difficult for many seniors on fixed income to make ends meet. Higher taxes impact Senior’s abilities to stay in their homes. It’s becoming harder for our younger families to purchase their first homes - and begin raising their families.

I’ve lived in this community for 40 years. My wife, Robin and I are the proud parents of 3 children who were educated in the Sweet Home Schools. We have 6 beautiful grandchildren; we are focused on their future.

I’m a Certified Financial Planner professional who owns and operates a Financial Services company here in Amherst. I have a Business Management Degree from Canisius University. I will always fight to control spending and not burden our taxpayers with increasingly high tax rates.

It is with deep gratitude that you allowed me to represent your interests this past year. I promise to work diligently on your behalf and focus my efforts on ensuring our children receive the best education possible.

After all, it’s about — Families-Students First!

My goal in serving on the Sweet Home BOE is to enhance our students’ experiences. In these times of uncertainty, we must continue to foster our students' development to achieve their academic, athletic, and performing arts goals while enabling them to thrive educationally, socially, and emotionally.

My wife Kristan and I have lived in the Sweet Home District since 2003, with our sons Brayden (10th grade) and Carson (7th grade), who have attended Sweet Home since UPK. This provides us with first-hand insight into the challenges and opportunities facing students and parents throughout the entire Sweet Home experience.

Over the past year, to gain a thorough understanding of what our district faces, I've attended multiple board meetings and engaged with parents to identify their primary concerns. I’m not afraid to ask hard questions and challenge the status quo to drive positive change.

In the past, I've served on the Glendale Principal Hiring Committee and Sweet Home Workforce Diversity Subcommittee. I've also been Vice President for the Parkview Community Board for 10+ years. Professionally, I've managed teams of 100+ and multimillion-dollar budgets for major organizations. Currently, I operate a successful resume-writing business and have been a strategic partner to global executives for 16 years, helping them achieve their professional goals.

Additionally, coaching youth baseball has taught me the importance of building confidence and teamwork in children.

I’m committed to providing level-headed leadership balanced with strategic vision that addresses critical district matters, always keeping the best interests of our residents, students, and teachers at the forefront. My goal is to bring transparency to parents, students, teachers, and the community as we navigate potential changes and challenges. I look forward to collaborating with the school and community stakeholders to continue evolving Sweet Home into a district we can all be proud of.

Greetings, my name is Jonathan Makeley. It is an honor to run for the Sweet Home School Board.

I have lived in the district for the past 8 years. I have regularly attended school board meetings for years. I currently serve as a community member on our district’s DEI committee. I have seen many great things from the people in our community, and I wish to contribute to the future success of our students.

I am a historian, with a focus on American reform movements. I have a Masters in History and a Masters in Library and Information Science. In my work, I have been involved with several historical and academic organizations; from which I have had experience serving on organizational boards, working with others on projects, planning events, creating publications, designing policies, and planning budgets.

I grew up as a disabled student in the small town of Angelica, NY. Education and the support I received in school played a major role in shaping my life. In fostering my personal growth, setting the foundation for my career as a historian, and inspiring my belief in the importance of civic involvement and working to make the world a better place.

I believe strongly that all students should have access to a good quality education, which supports their needs and helps them to grow and flourish. I believe in public service, collaborative leadership, and the importance of listening to members of the community.

If elected, my goal would be to work with the other board members, staff, parents, and teachers to navigate the challenges we face, improve the quality of education, support our teachers, and make sure that the children of this district develop the knowledge and skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.