The 2024-25 school budget vote will be held on May 21, from 2:30 to 9 p.m. in the Middle School foyer. At that time, district residents will also vote on two open seats on the school board. The elected board members will serve a four-year term beginning July 1, 2024.
Board members serve without pay. They attend regular evening meetings once a month, as well as special meetings and work sessions. Board members also serve on one or more Board Committees. Their duties are diverse, ranging from developing and adopting the annual budget to approving policy.
The information below has been supplied by the candidates. The views of candidates are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the district. Candidate biographies are provided as a service to voters. For additional information, attend the PTA Meet the Candidates Night, May 6, 7 p.m. at the PAC.
Matthew Bergeron
Current/Former Employer (list 3 most recent):
2011-present: New York State United Teachers, Office of General Counsel
2003-2011: Satter and Andrews, LLP (nka Satter Ruhlen Law Firm, PLLC)
1994-2001: Grand Union Supermarkets
Educational Background:
Albany Law School of Union University, Juris Doctor, Magna Cum Laude
State University of New York Plattsburgh, Bachelor of Arts: Political Science, Concentration in History
Clinton Community College, Associate in Arts: Humanities and Social Science
Civic Involvement and Activities (list up to 5):
2020, Voorheesville CSD COVID Parental Advisory Group
2022-Present, Clinton Community College Foundation Board of Trustees; Chair since January 2024
2016-2019, SUNY Plattsburgh Alumni in the Classroom Experience
Albany Law School Mentoring Program and Client Counseling Competition Judge
Clinton Community College, guest lecturer
Honors/Awards (list up to 3):
Distinguished Alumni Award, Clinton Community College Alumni Association
New York State Senate Undergraduate Legislative Session Assistants Program
Louis Armstrong Jazz Award
Formerly a Board Member? Yes or no?:
No
Additional Comments (limit to 100 words):
My family has called Voorheesville home since 2012. Our daughters Molly and Abby are a Senior and a Sophomore. When you live in a community like ours, you develop a sense of belonging and the need, if not obligation, to give back to your neighbors. That’s why I’m running for school board.
I believe I can contribute a unique and valuable perspective to the Board and on behalf of our community. Above all else, my integrity and willingness to learn and listen will guide me as a Board member if given the honor and privilege to serve.
Kathy Fiero
Current/Former Employer (list 3 most recent):
Voorheesville Central Schools Elementary school teacher, 32 years of service, retired
Educational Background:
Master’s in Elementary Education
Civic Involvement and Activities (list up to 5):
Chair of the Village of Voorheesville’s Planning Board
Certified Master Gardener through Cornell Cooperative Extension, Albany County
Beekeeper
Maple syrup producer
Formerly a Board Member? Yes or no?:
No
Additional Comments (limit to 100 words):
I am excited to be a candidate for the Voorheesville School Board. I believe that my professional experience combined with my community relationships gives me a unique perspective that will allow me to be an asset to our school board.
Timothy Kremer
Current/Former Employer (list 3 most recent):
Executive Director, New York State School Boards Association, Latham, NY, August 1998 — December 2019
Deputy Executive Director, Ohio School Boards Association, Westerville, OH, June 1979 — July 1998
Educational Background:
Master of Public Administration, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, June 1979
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, Kent State University, Kent, OH, June 1976
Civic Involvement and Activities (list up to 5):
VCSD Policy Committee membership
VCSD Curriculum Committee membership
Principal search staff and community focus group facilitator
Past VCSF board member
Volunteer, PTA Backpack Program
Honors/Awards (list up to 3):
NYSSBA President’s Award
NYSCOSS Friend of the Council Award
Formerly a Board Member? Yes or no?:
Yes, January 2020 — present
Additional Comments (limit to 100 words):
As a school board member, I supported the following decisions:
- In-person K-5 instruction during pandemic
- Full-time Universal Pre-Kindergarten program
- New early reading program
- Improved superintendent evaluation process
- Elementary school renovations
- New transportation center
As a school board member, I will:
- Support educational program improvements and press for good results.
- Assure a safe and productive school environment.
- Employ a well-qualified staff.
- Budget and oversee wise spending of resources.
- Represent community interests.