Running for Board of Education

Schodack CSD will be seeking community members interested in serving on the Board of Education. There will be three seats on the 2021 ballot. A nominating petition is available here. Please contact District Clerk Michele Reickert at clerk@schodack.k12.ny.us with any questions.

Board of Education Members

Michael Tuttle, President

My wife, Liz, and I are Maple Hill graduates (1987) and our kids, Sidney (2020) and Jace (2022) attend Maple Hill. I joined the Marine Corps after high school. I served on active duty until 1995 then, while remaining in the Reserves, enrolled in college. I graduated from Stony Brook University in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy and retired from the Marine Corps Reserve as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 in 2011.  After working in the physical therapy field for 10 years, both as a clinical therapist and a rehabilitation program director, I left the medical profession to try my hand in the business world. I currently co-own an environmental inspection company based in Long Island and two mining services companies based in southern Africa. I find my service on the Board of Education to be an enlightening and rewarding experience and look forward to my continued service to the children, parents, and community members of Schodack.

Mary Yurista, Vice President

I’ve had the privilege to serve the community for 6 years during which we undertook the transformation of our facilities into a 21st century learning environment. I serve on the Audit Committee and with the support of the Schodack BOE, I serve on the Questar III Board. Having worked in the insurance industry in various technical capacities leading and participating in projects that have brought innovation and improvement to business processes, I believe the private sector offers beneficial guidance and progressive ideas that will allow us to sustain and improve the quality of education and everyday life for all. We have raised three Maple Hill graduates. As a parent and grandparent, I want the same success for every student that my children have been able to enjoy. As a professional, I hope to be able to assist and meet the challenges we face in our schools to facilitate the future success of students in this new uncertain environment and economy.

Michael Charsky

I’ve been an active member of Schodack’s academic, athletic and religious community for 20+ years. I have financial, Information Technology, educational and project management expertise that is beneficial as the future of Schodack schools is discussed. My financial background stems from experience creating and managing budgets at Sacred Heart Church, Maple Hill Booster Club and 30+ years of financial IT application expertise. I held certification as a Math Teacher, taught mathematics, participated in Schodack CSD’s Kindergarten curriculum study, participated in Instrumental classes and coached soccer and basketball for 20 years. I’ve been a Board member for the past 6 ½ years.

Sherri Gibson

I grew up in the district graduating Maple Hill in 1999; and then received my Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Northeastern University. I currently work full time at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals.  My husband, Adam, and I are raising our family in Schodack in order to expose our children (Tyler, 5th grade; Lexi, 4th grade; and Brady, 3rd 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 strive to improve the overall quality of education that the district provides.

Dan Grandinetti

It has been my privilege to represent our community on the Board of Education for the past six years. My wife (Karen) and I are raising three kids in the community and district (Megan 21, Michael 18 and Maya 8). I have spent (30 years) my entire professional career in the field of “Youth Development”. I remain committed/passionate in this field and strive to make a difference in the lives of our children. The “Community” is the School District and our School District is the “Community”. It is an honor to serve our District and Community for another three years on the Board of Education.

Michael Hiser

My wife and I have lived in our home on Main Street/River Road, adjacent to the Village of Castleton, since 1990. We’ve raised two children in this community and we’ve had many of the same experiences as many of our neighbors – we’ve volunteered in youth athletics, church functions, helped with scouting, and been involved with other community activities. Through it all, the school and our greater community have been overwhelmingly positive influences.  It remains an honor to work with our school leaders to retain and advance our district’s academic excellence while holding onto that positive community relationship.

Kyle Hurysz

Raised in Schodack, I was educated in our schools, graduating from Maple Hill High School. Upon graduating I began studying economics, political science, applied mathematics, and data analytics in the Honors College at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. At Edinboro, I pursued my interest in public service. I represented fellow students as the Student Government Association’s Vice President of Procedure. Later, I served on the Edinboro University Council of Trustees, appointed by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf.  As trustee, I participated in many activities closely related to those of the Schodack Board of Education, including a search for president of Edinboro University, curricula and economic planning, physical inspection of University facilities, review and approval of academic programs, annual operating and capital budgets, contracts, labor agreements, and purchases. I was also involved in the “Edinboro 2024” institutional strategic plan, and I serve as one of 12 members of the College Board’s nationwide Advanced Placement Advocacy Council.

Shelley Palmer

In 2014, my husband, Zac, and I relocated our family, Vivienne and Andrew (Class of 2028), from Massachusetts to New York.  We moved to Schodack because we appreciated the sense of community and quality education that the town offers. As a member of the Board, I am dedicated to the continuous improvement of the school district so the students of our community will be well prepared for the challenges of the future.  I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Seton Hall University and a Master’s degree in Forensic Science from the University of New Haven. I have 10+ years of experience in education. I currently work for the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services. I am actively involved in community activities including: Girl Scouts, youth sports, and church activities.

Charles Peter

I am a lifelong resident of Schodack who along with my wife, Cathleen, graduated from Maple Hill High School in 2002. After which I attended Hudson Valley Community College and started working full time on my family’s dairy farm.  I have held numerous positions in our dairy cooperative and Farm Bureau ranging from county board member to President of the Young Cooperators. These positions have given me opportunities to sit in on the cooperative’s board of directors to representing fellow farm bureau members at State meetings.  As both a father to two daughters that will be attending district schools and part of a family farm, my main concern is ensuring the continued high level of academic success the district has accomplished while doing all I can to ensure taxpayers are respected and get the most for the money they spend.

About the Board of Education

The Board of Education consists of nine elected members who are charged with setting the goals and establishing the policies to create a successful school district for our community’s children. Board members are unpaid volunteers serving three-year terms.

Members of the board adopt the annual budget and make decisions on a range of educational concerns. They are not responsible for the day-to-day operations of Schodack’s schools. Parents are encouraged to contact the building principal or appropriate administrator to address specific school concerns. If the issue remains unresolved, please contact the school superintendent.

The community is encouraged to attend meetings to learn about the educational issues the Board is considering. We value your interest and encourage you to attend and voice any questions or concerns you may have about our schools.