Residents will have the opportunity to meet the five Board of Education candidates on Wednesday, May 15 at 7:00 p.m. in the Howard L. Goff Middle School cafeteria for Meet the Candidates Night. There are three open seats in this year’s election, which is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21.

Each of the five candidates will discuss their qualifications and answer questions. The event will be hosted by the League of Women Voters.

Information about each of the candidates can be found below. They are listed in alphabetical order.

To learn more about the Board of Education, visit https://egcsd.org/board-of-education.

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Cheryl Kennedy

I am seeking a second term as a member of the East Greenbush Board of Education. My background and my profession is in finance and accounting. On the Board I strive to foster quality education together with fiscal responsibility for our students and our community. Currently I serve on the BRAC Committee in addition to the Education Foundation. I also continue to serve as the Board’s Assistant Clerk.

My family and I have been East Greenbush residents for over 24 years. My husband and our three children were all educated by the East Greenbush Central School District. I have experience volunteering in each grade level, K-12. I have coordinated fundraisers, movie nights, the Goff High Honors Dinner and Teacher Appreciation Luncheons. My experience serving as a PTO Board Member, as Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary have and will serve me while continuing 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 Central School District and I look forward to continuing to serve the community through the Board of Education.

Samantha Phillips

I have 20 years of experience including roles in the public and private sectors and academia. I am adept at collaborating, building partnerships, and have a keen understanding of what makes organizations thrive. I have extensive leadership experience and have served on various forums and in advisory positions.

My experiences include an appointment by Governor Charlie Baker to serve as the Director of the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and serving under two mayors as the Director of Emergency Management for the City of Philadelphia. I also led a research and training center at SUNY Albany and served as a Professor in Practice/adjunct lecturer at SUNY Albany and Temple University. I have a B.S. from American University and an M.P.H. and M.A. from the George Washington University and the Naval Postgraduate School, respectively.

I moved to Schodack with my family in 2017 and I am an active community member. I am excited by the opportunity to serve as a member of the East Greenbush Board of Education. I believe strongly in supporting our communities through investments in public education. If elected, I will take a holistic approach to addressing the challenges and opportunities facing our public school system through collaboration and dialogue.

JoAnn Taylor

My name is JoAnn Taylor and I am seeking reelection to the Board. My husband and I have lived in the community for 34 years; and are the parents of two Columbia graduates.

I have served on the Board for 15 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.

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.

Kimberly Turner

I have been a resident of East Greenbush for 23 years. I am a proud parent of Alexandra (8th grade) and Nicholas (11th grade). I have a master’s degree in criminal justice from SUNY Albany and worked for the Division of Parole until I resigned to stay home with my son (and later, my daughter). I have been actively involved as Treasurer for both Genet and Goff PTOs as well as one of the primary PTO contacts for all events and activities at Goff. Since 2019, I have served as the parent representative on the district’s Advocacy Committee. I am also highly involved in Girl Scouts as both a troop leader and as a service unit cookie Manager.

With my children getting older, I feel like the timing is right to take on a new role in our district. I’m extremely grateful for the quality education that my children are receiving in the EGCSD and I want to be a part of ensuring that our district continues to excel. In support of that goal, it is important to make sure that students, teachers, and staff are provided the opportunity and support they need to be successful within a safe and inclusive environment.

Catherine Van Orden

I have lived in East Greenbush with my husband for 17 years, and my two children attend Goff. I have my degree in English from Williams College, my teaching certification from MCLA, and my Master’s from Westfield State University. I am the Tutor Coordinator for the Siena College Higher Education Opportunity Program. Previously, I was the Wellness Director at the Greenbush Area YMCA, I led youth programs at the YMCA, and I taught high school English in Massachusetts.

I serve on the Advisory Council of the Greenbush Area YMCA and on the Parish Council for the Church of St. Mary’s in Clinton Heights. I also volunteer at the Goff Middle School book fair, and while my children were at Genet, I was a library volunteer and I taught an Explore and Grow class.

I feel blessed to live in the EGCSD. The quality of the teachers and the variety of activities offered make this one of the best school districts in the Capital Region. I am seeking a seat on the Board of Education to ensure we maintain our level of excellence by supporting our faculty and staff and developing innovative ways to help our students achieve their goals.