On Tuesday, May 19, Cohoes voters will elect two members for the Board of Education, which is made up of seven volunteer citizens, each elected to serve three-year terms.
The candidates – David Jarosz and Mykel Dorsey – are listed in the order in which they will appear on the ballot, which was determined by a random drawing.
The school board election will be held on Tuesday, May 19 during the school budget vote from noon-9 p.m. at the following polling locations: Abram Lansing Elementary, Harmony Hill School and Van Schaick Grade School.
David Jarosz
Incumbent David Jarosz is seeking a second term on the Board of Education, motivated by a deep commitment to the Cohoes community and a genuine passion for serving alongside his fellow board members. A lifelong Cohoes resident, Jarosz said the experience of working collaboratively to support students, families and educators has been both rewarding and inspiring.
“I truly enjoy working with the dedicated group of people on our board and I’m proud of what we have accomplished over the past three years,” he said.
Mr. Jarosz is a graduate from SUNY Polytechnic Institute, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in telecommunications. Professionally, he serves as an IT specialist at the Albany VA Medical Center, bringing a strong background in technology, problem-solving and public service to his role on the board.
In addition, Mr. Jarosz is a busy father of five children currently attending schools throughout the district (one in elementary, two in middle school and two in high school). As both a parent and board member, he said he has seen the firsthand quality of education, extracurricular programs and student opportunities offered in Cohoes.
“I couldn’t be happier with the education they receive and the opportunities they take advantage of throughout the year,” he said.
He said that his decision to run again is rooted in his desire to continue building on the district’s progress while helping students prepare for future success.
“I’m excited to see what the next three years have in store,” said Mr. Jarosz. “I look forward to continuing to work with district leadership, staff and families to ensure every student has the support and opportunities they deserve.”
Mykel Dorsey
Mykel Dorsey is seeking his first term on the board of education, where he plans to prioritize student needs, better understand and address the challenges facing our district, and advocate for transparent and effective communication between the school district, families and the community.
A Cohoes resident and father of two daughters – one at the middle school and one in the high school – Mr. Dorsey said he is personally invested in the continued success and future of the district.
“I care deeply about the quality of education our children receive,” he said.
Mr. Dorsey earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the Rochester Institute of Technology and serves as a business manager at Keeler Honda. He believes his professional background has provided him with strong leadership, organizational and problem-solving skills that he is eager to bring to the board.
His decision to run for the board grew naturally from years of involvement in the school community. Mr. Dorsey previously served as president of the PTA at Harmony Hill School, where he worked closely with parents, teachers and administrators to support student success.
He is also actively involved in his daughters’ extracurricular activities, including soccer, softball, cheerleading and Girl Scouts, giving him an understanding of student life both inside and outside the classroom.
“As both a parent and active community member I believe every student deserves the best possible opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed. I am committed to bringing a fresh, updated, and outside perspective to the board—one that is open, thoughtful, and focused on progress. Together, we can ensure that Cohoes schools continue to move forward in a positive and productive direction.”