On Tuesday, May 20, Cohoes voters will elect three members to the Board of Education. The board is made up of seven volunteer citizens who are each elected to serve three-year terms. The board election and budget vote will be held at the district’s three elementary schools from noon to 9 p.m. The following information was provided by the candidates. The candidates – Sara Burwell, Susan Guzy Paradis, Marianne Gendron and Mykel Dorsey – are listed in the order in which they will appear on the ballot, which was determined by a random drawing.
Sara Burwell
Sara Burwell is a parent to three children in the district; two are in elementary school and one graduated from Cohoes High School.
Tell us about yourself: I’m deeply rooted in our Cohoes community; this has been my home my entire life, and it’s where my husband and I have chosen to build our family and our future. My connection to our schools is both personal and professional. I regularly attend and participate in school and community events because I care about what happens in our educational environment. I have volunteered with various school extracurriculars and served on the Cohoes Youth Advisory Board.
If elected, what will you bring to the board: I will bring a unique and valuable perspective gained from my seven years as a former employee within the district, having worked in one of our school buildings, and later in the central administration office. In my current professional life, I’m a certified paralegal. This legal background gives me practical skills to help navigate the complicated laws that affect our schools, understand board policies, manage grant funding, and oversee school budgets. I believe my combination of community ties, inside knowledge of our schools, and legal expertise makes me well-qualified to serve our children and community on the school board.
If elected, I’ll focus on what truly matters: our students’ success and giving our teachers and staff the support they need. My decisions will always prioritize quality education for every child in our district. I’ll work to ensure all students receive excellent learning opportunities while making sure our educators have the tools and environment they need to teach effectively.
Mykel Dorsey
Mykel Dorsey is the father of two very active girls. One is a fifth grader at Harmony Hill School; the other is a freshman at Cohoes High School.
Tell us about yourself: When I am not working or transporting my children to their games, dance classes, gymnastics or cheer practices, I am also planning and executing events at Harmony Hill School, where I have served as part of the PTA for the last nine years; most recently as PTA president.
If elected, what will you bring to the board: As a member of the school board I would bring a diverse and fresh perspective to the table. Not growing up in or working in Cohoes, I feel I could provide impartial and valuable insight based on my background and my continued focus on the success of our students.
I am committed to the students, their education and the things they need to help them strive to be successful. As long as I’ve lived in Cohoes, I’ve been involved in many different aspects of the school district and the education system.
Marianne Gendron
Marianne Gendron is a mother of three children who have all gone through the Cohoes City School District. She is currently serving her third year on the Board of Education.
Tell us about yourself: I was raised in Cohoes and have lived here almost all my life. I am a wife, a mother and a registered nurse.
If elected, what will you bring to the board? I am a strong advocate for all children and our teachers. With my background in healthcare, I always look to ensure the health and safety of all, both physically and mentally.
I love the Cohoes community. This is a place where everyone looks out for the best interest of all our kids. I am happy I chose to raise my kids here.
Susan Guzy Paradis
Susan Paradis has two sons who attended school in the district. Her younger son graduated from Cohoes High School last year.
Tell us about yourself: I was born and raised in Cohoes and I am a proud graduate of Cohoes High School. I live here with my husband and have two sons who are currently in college. I have volunteered for the Cohoes Little League, PTO and PTA at my children’s schools.
If elected, what will you bring to the board? I am a strong believer in providing a safe and healthy learning environment for our children. My time on the board these past three years has made me more aware of the challenges facing our children; specifically the impact of technology, societal pressures and violence. It is our responsibility to give students the support they need to become successful adults while navigating the complexities of our times. I look forward to the opportunity to continue serving our community and to make sure Cohoes remains a place where all children are supported in reaching their fullest potential.
My time on the board has allowed me to witness the love, dedication, and determination of our staff and educators here in Cohoes. I have seen how committed they are to providing our children with the best education possible, and it is crucial we continue to support them in their efforts. We need to continue to help provide them with the resources they need to succeed, and to make them feel valued and supported.