Board of Education Candidates

Board of Education Candidates

This year there are five people running for four seats on the Board of Education. Three of the seats are three-year terms. One seat is a one-year term, which is to fill the remaining term of the late Board of Education member Paul Puccio. The three candidates with the most votes will receive three-year terms. The candidate with the fourth most votes will fill the one-year term.

Sherri (Colvin) Gibson

Upon completion of my K-12 education in the Schodack Central School District, I received my Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Northeastern University and currently work full time at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. My husband, Adam, and I decided to start our family in Schodack in order to expose our children (Tyler, 4th grade; Lexi, 3rd grade; and Brady, 2nd grade) to the high-quality education and strong sense of community for which the district is known. I am actively involved in the community as a volunteer for youth athletics, church functions, and girl scouts. As a member of the school board, I believe I could help to improve the overall quality of education that the district provides.

Dan Grandinetti

It has been a privilege serving on the Board of Education for the past six years. Like many of you, I am raising children (three) here in Schodack. Balancing the needs of quality education while paying close attention to every tax dollar is critical in sustaining an extraordinary community like this. The “Community” is the School and the School is the “Community”. I remain committed to our “Blue Ribbon” School District and in making sure we maximize every resource available to our students/taxpayers. It would be an honor to serve on the Board of Education for another three years.

Shelley Palmer

In 2014, my husband, Zac, and I relocated our family from Massachusetts to New York. Valuing both community and education, we decided to settle in Schodack. Our children, Vivienne and Andrew, are currently in 3rd grade. I have 10+ years of high school chemistry and physics teaching experience. During that time, I coached and chaired the science department. Since moving to Schodack, I have volunteered with girl scouts, youth sports, and church activities. I believe that a strong school is at the heart of a community. As a member of the Board, I would work to continue to strengthen Schodack.

Mary Yurista

It’s been my privilege to serve our community on the Board for 6 years. I am so pleased that we have delivered an exceptional Capital Project that has transformed Maple Hill into a 21st century learning facility for grades 7-12. Having technical and business experience in the private sector, I can offer beneficial guidance and progressive ideas to sustain and improve the quality of education in a fiscally responsible manner. A resident of Schodack over 32 years, we’ve raised three successful graduates (Chris, Ryan, and Casey) of Maple Hill. I want the same success for every student that my children have been able to enjoy. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration.

Bruce Romanchak

I looked back at my first candidate statement in 1997 and the basic issues remain the same. Like many of you I grew up in Schodack and my daughters and I received excellent educations at SCSD. I agree with you that for the sake of our children’s future and the value of our homes Schodack must have the best schools possible. We all acknowledge that we must do this while making sure that every dollar spent is necessary and effectively utilized. I ask for your support for the opportunity to continue to serve you as a member of the governing body of the organization that sits at the heart of our community.