Candidates for Board of Education in 2018
There are two seats on the Board of Education that are open this year, and four candidates on the ballot. However, due to the particularities of local and state election law, candidates must run for a specific seat, rather than simply running for a seat. As a result, Sandy Pangburn will be running unopposed for reelection to her seat on the board, while the other three candidates—Michelle Dischiavo, Alexandra Kane, and Timothy O’Connor—compete for the seat currently held by Pat Masson (who is not seeking reelection).
Sandy Pangburn is a current two-term member of the board and an actuary.
Michelle Dischiavo is the President of the PTA at Forts Ferry Elementary School, a former special education teacher, and currently runs a small business.
Alexandra Kane is a registered nurse and nursing director at a local adult healthcare facility.
Timothy O’Connor is a practicing attorney and adjunct professor.
The District published a summary of the candidates, which is more comprehensive.
The District held their annual “Meet the Candidates” forum on May 2, which provided an opportunity to hear the views on a number of different topics. It’s clear, as it was last year, that all candidates are passionate about working to make sure our schools continue to provide the students of our community with a high quality public education, even if they have different ideas of how to get there.
As we did last year, we reached out to the candidates with some additional questions which we didn’t feel were adequately addressed in the May 2 “Meet the Candidates” forum, and several have been gracious enough to take time out of their busy schedules to respond. Below are the responses we’ve received thus far; we’ll publish others as they come in.
Because we want to be a group representing all in our community who love our schools, we don’t feel it is appropriate to endorse any candidate at this time. We encourage you to read the available information on the candidates and cast a vote for the one you think will best serve the district.