Jonathan Makeley for Sweet Home School Board

About Me

I am a historian, with a focus on the history of American reform movements. I have a bachelor’s in history from Alfred University, a master’s in history from the University at Buffalo, and a master’s in library and information science from the University at Buffalo.

In my career, I have experience with researching and gaining an understanding of complex topics, and discussing them with others. As a school board member, I would seek to use these skills to better understand the issues affecting the district, to look for good approaches, and work with other members of the board and the community to help ensure that the children of this district receive a quality education.

As a historian, I have been involved with several different historical organizations, from which I have had experience serving on organizational boards, working with others to plan events, creating publications, designing policies, and planning budgets.

In 2016-2017, I served as a representative on the Curriculum and Teaching Committee of the College for Liberal Arts and Sciences at Alfred University, where I provided perspective and input on decisions regarding curriculum, teaching practices, and the operation of academic programs.

I grew up in Angelica, New York. Growing up, my early school experience was difficult, as the local district wasn’t well equipped at the time to support the needs of neurodivergent students. I spent the latter part of elementary school and middle school in a special education classroom in another district, where I was able to get more of the support I needed. I returned to my home district for high school and did well academically. I spent my spare time reading about history, philosophy, and other subjects that interested me, and got into writing. After I graduated, I attended college at Alfred University, where I was able to flourish and begin building my career as a historian.

My experiences going through school have led me to see that learning and education are important for personal development, for allowing us to pursue our potential, for understanding the world, and for becoming engaged members of our community.

I have lived in the Sweet Home school district for about 8 years. I have regularly attended school board meetings since 2022.  I have served on the district's DEI Committee as a community member since November. I joined the committee in order to contribute to the important work of building a school community where students can feel a sense of belonging and community, better supporting the needs of students, and working to improve educational opportunities for students. 

What I believe

I believe strongly that all students should have access to a good quality education, which supports their diverse individual needs, that helps them to grow as people, and helps them to succeed as they move forward in life.

I believe in the importance of community involvement, public service, and working to help build a better future.

I believe that we should do our best to ensure that teachers are supported and have what they need to provide a good quality education to our students.

I believe in collaborative leadership. In working to bring together the perspectives of families, students, teachers, administration, and other parts of the community, to work towards the betterment of our district. 

I believe that is important to work to foster information literacy and critical thinking skills, to ensure strong teaching in key subjects, and to help provide opportunities for students to pursue their special interests.

What I Hope to Accomplish

If elected as a member of the Sweet Home School Board, I would seek to use my skills, experience, and perspective to work with the other board members, as well as the families, teachers, and other members of the Sweet Home community, to identify areas where the school could improve, identify where it can build on existing good practices, and figure out approaches to help move things forward. I would seek to help navigate the various challenges that our district may face in the coming years, to work as part of the board to create well thought out budgets, to listen to concerns of community members, and work to help our district meet its goals.

Additional Information

Sweet Home Election Information

Amherst Bee Article on Swet Home Candidates

May 2025 Election Issue of Sweet Home Source Magazine

Video of Meet the Candidates Night