Community members are invited to a Meet the Board Candidates Night and the Annual Budget Hearing on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 6:00 PM.
You can find more information below about the two individuals running for two seats on the Lansingburgh Board of Education. Each seat is for a 5-year term (July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2029).
Learn more about this year's candidates in their own words below. The names of the board candidates will appear on the ballot as follows:
- Thomas Zakrzewski
- Catherine Curtis
The Lansingburgh Board Election and 2024-25 Budget Vote both take place on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, from 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM. More information about the budget vote is available here.
Thomas Zakrzewski
Hello, my name is Thomas Zakrzewski, I am a graduate of Lansingburgh High School class of 1991, I have been working for the Eddy Visiting Nurses and Rehab Association for the last 13 years as a Registered Nurse/Case Manager, I provide health care and education in patients homes and help prevent re-hospitalization, I have been a Registered Nurse for 19 years. My wife is Kristin and this August we will be celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary, we have three sons: Tommy who is 23, Jacob who is 20 and Christopher who is 16 and a junior at Lansingburgh High School.
Q: Why would you like to be on the Lansingburgh Board of Education?
A: I have truly enjoyed being a member of the Lansingburgh Central School Board of Education for the last two years and feel we have made great gains in providing quality educational practices for our students and look forward to the opportunity to continue our work.
Q: What do you see as the challenges in US education today and in the future?
A: Students are facing many challenges in education today in the United States including school and student safety as well as continuing opportunities to become valued members of society after completing high school, Schools are at the forefront of doing everything possible to provide excellent, safe and quality education as students continue to excel.
Q: What changes would you like to see in the Lansingburgh School District?
A: Lansingburgh Central School District currently provides excellent educational opportunities to our students, I would like to see increased opportunities for our special education students.
Catherine Curtis
My husband and I have been residents of the Lansingburgh School District since 2007. Our daughter is in 7th grade at Knickerbacker Middle School and our son is in 9th grade, attending Questar III and HVCC STEM High School, as a Lansingburgh student. I have been an active part of different community organizations, having coached youth baseball, softball, and soccer, as well as being the leader for Girl Scout Troop 1559. I have been an elementary educator for 23 years, which has allowed me to gain a depth of educational knowledge and hands-on experience. In my free time I enjoy camping, reading, rock painting, and family game nights.
Q: Why would you like to be on the Lansingburgh Board of Education?
A: I would like to be a contributor on the team that works with our school community to help ensure our district is forward-thinking, where students thrive, staff feels supported, parents can engage as partners in their child’s education, and our community is effectively informed. The board needs to foster positive relationships between all parties. All groups should be kept in mind as decisions are made. I want to help the district and community to build a trusting and transparent relationship, as we work towards the common goal of students’ well-being and academic success.
Q: What do you see as the challenges in US education today and in the future?
A: Some of the biggest challenges are social pressures, bullying, lack of family support, equity and inclusion, motivation and providing effective and realistic strategies to cope with emotional and social obstacles to ensure student wellness.
Q: What changes would you like to see in the Lansingburgh School District?
A: I would like to see more family and community involvement. The school community should be able to find resources easily and have an open line of communication, such as a Let’s Talk platform. I would also like to see more participation in extracurricular activities. Also, for parents to have access to the curriculum that is being taught, as well as expectations. We have an amazing staff in this district and teacher retention needs to be addressed.