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.

Christian Olsen, Vice President

I have been honored to serve for the past 5 years as a BOE member and serving as President for 2 of those; currently, I am serving as Vice President. My wife Beth and I are lifelong residents of Schodack (’89 and ’80 respectively) and have raised our 4 daughters here in Schodack. Hali, Class of 2012; Lauren, Class of 2014; Victoria (Tori), Class of 2017; and Ryleigh, class of 2021. All of our girls have participated in various youth athletic programs and have excelled both academically and athletically at Maple Hill.  I am a life member of the Castleton Fire Company, and a Past member of the Castleton Ambulance. I hold a Bachelor’s degree from SUNY Empire State College’s Forum Management program and I am employed by the University at Albany as the Director of Technical Services for the College of Arts and Sciences.

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.

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.

Bruce Romanchak

Descending from many generations who raised families, worked and served the public in Schodack I try to live up to the traditions and values that make this a great community. It has been a privilege and an education to have served with the many dedicated board members, administrators and staff who have come and gone since I first started on the school board in 1997. There are many challenges and distractions but we can and must stay focused on improving and supporting the long term academic environment and financial structure that supports our schools and the children of our community. My goal is to work with my colleagues to provide each and every one of our students with the best possible set of knowledge, skills and experiences to reach their individual potential, achieve self-realization and have a happy and successful life.

2019-20 Meetings

All meetings are held at 6:00 p.m. in the Maple Hill Jr./Sr. High School library unless otherwise noted.

  • July 2, 2019 (Organizational Meeting)
  • July 31, 2019 (Special meeting at 7:00 a.m. in District Office Building conference room)
  • August 8, 2019
  • Sept. 19, 2019
  • Oct. 17, 2019
  • Nov. 7, 2019 (Workshop)
  • Nov. 21, 2019
  • Dec. 19, 2019
  • Jan. 16, 2020
  • Feb. 13, 2020
  • Mar. 19, 2020
  • Apr. 8, 2020
  • Apr. 23, 2020
  • May 7, 2020 (Public Hearing on School Budget/Workshop)
  • May 19, 2020 (7:00 p.m.)
  • June 18, 2020

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.