School Budget Vote and Board Election - May 21

The East Greenbush CSD has proposed a school budget for 2024-25 that maintains all programs and services with a 0.55% tax levy increase, which is within the NYS Property Tax Cap. Residents will also vote on a $116 million capital project that would improve school facilities and grounds across the district with no impact to local taxpayers, the replacement of eight school buses, which if approved by voters, will be fully paid for by the Bus Purchase Reserve Fund, and elect three individuals to the Board of Education.

Budget Information | Budget Timeline | Budget Newsletter | Capital Project | Where Do I Vote?

Select Page

Board of Education Candidates – 2021 Election

There are four open seats for the Board of Education – three vacancies are for three-year terms (July 1, 2021-June 30, 2024) and one vacancy for a one-year term (May 19, 2021-June 30, 2022). Qualified district residents may vote for up to four persons to fill these positions. The date of the election is Tuesday, May 18, 2021. 

The following candidates filed nominations:

John DunnJohn Dunn

My wife Sharon and I have lived in the East Greenbush Central School District for 37 years. Our children Caitlyn, Lauren and John Joseph are graduates of Columbia High School.

I am currently in my 9th year as a member of the Board of Education. Having retired from the Albany Police Department after 29 years of service has allowed me to bring a perspective that is fiscally prudent and fair, with an honest approach to all issues.

My goal is to continue to promote the highest standards of academic excellence for all students in a fiscally responsible manner.

Cheryl KennedyCheryl Kennedy

I am looking forward to serving my first term as a member of the East Greenbush Board of Education. My background is in Finance and Accounting, and I bring a fiscal context to the board. I am familiar with the BRAC Committee and budgeting, and its ramifications to the district.

My three children attended East Greenbush schools, and I have experience volunteering in each grade level, K-12. I have coordinated fundraisers, movie nights, the Goff High Honors Dinner and Teacher Appreciation Luncheon. My experience serving as a PTO Board Member as Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary will serve me on the Board of Education.

I am a graduate of SUNY Brockport majoring in Finance, and have my MBA from The Sage Colleges. It is an honor being affiliated with the East Greenbush School District and I look forward to serving the community through the Board of Education.

JoAnn TaylorJoAnn Taylor

My name is JoAnn Taylor and I am seeking reelection to the Board. My husband and I have lived in the community for 31 years; and are the parents of two Columbia graduates.

I have served on the Board for 12 years, and have participated in many committees. They include: Education, Curriculum, BRAC, Policy, Safety, Education Foundation, Appendix D and liaison to the Transportation Department. I helped with the “Food for Families” program during the pandemic.

This year has proven to be a challenge. Remote learning is not ideal, and I’m hopeful that we are close to a full return. I recognize that the return must be safe, and we face many constraints regarding this issue.

Education changes, especially in current times. Many children need additional support. We must be prepared for their academic, social and emotional needs, yet we cannot forget to move forward. Students deserve updated curriculum and new opportunities within the classroom. We must provide this in a fiscally responsible manner for our taxpayers, being mindful that current times have left families in precarious financial situations.

Every student is important. We must provide an environment that is academically rich, safe and nurturing. If reelected, I will work to provide an atmosphere where all students find success.

Frank YeboahFrank Yeboah

I am deeply honored to serve on the East Greenbush Central School District’s Board of Education and to be granted the privilege of contributing innovative and creative ideas that advance quality education throughout our district.

My wife and I have resided in East Greenbush since 2016 and our children attend its schools.

I have served on the board since 2020 and seek to contribute by building consensus, maintaining fiscal discipline, and advocating for students. It is my strong belief that a sound education must be broad-based and built on a foundation of classroom excellence. Opportunities to flourish require resources to update technology tools, and include opportunities to flourish in our laboratories, performance spaces and athletic fields.

I have lived full-time in the United States since 2010, having grown up in the West African country of Ghana.  I have earned an undergraduate degree from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration; and was conferred an advanced diploma in communications studies from the Institute of Commercial Management in the United Kingdom. Graduate studies leading to a master’s degree in health services administration were conducted at the Sage Colleges. My life-long learning continues as I pursue a doctorate in public health at the University at Albany.

My career interests have focused on improving quality care and life for seniors, veterans and the developmentally disabled. For more than 7 years, I have led teams in the health care sector, and have extensive experience working with large workforces and managing human resources in a collective bargaining environment.

Professional associations and leadership roles include the American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA) where I currently serve on its Member Experience Committee.