Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I—Pulaski) made the following statement today after nominating Oswego resident John Sheffield to serve on the Board of Regents during a joint Senate and Assembly session today in Albany. The Assembly majority are largely favored in the selection process and John Sheffield was not selected to serve on the board.

“John Sheffield is exactly the kind of person that we need to serve on the Board of Regents. As a teacher, he has been on the front lines of education for more than two decades and he’s deeply engaged in the community. He is a tireless advocate for public education in rural and low-income schools and his experience as a teacher would have been valuable to the Board of Regents. It is very disappointing that he was not selected today. The Board of Regents would have been stronger for having John’s compassion and energy among its members.

"John can be proud in knowing that he secured the support of many parents, teachers and residents across New York State in his endeavor to become Regent. Despite today’s outcome, one thing is for certain, John Sheffield will continue to be an advocate for students.”