On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, district residents will vote for three seats on the Lansingburgh Board of Education. The two candidates with the highest number of votes will be elected for five-year terms (July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2030). The candidate with the third-highest number of votes will be elected for a two-year term (July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2027), which is the time remaining in the term of a currently vacant seat on the Board.
Scroll down to learn more about this year's candidates in their own words. Candidates are listed below in the order they will appear on the ballot.
- Michael Drinkwine
- Michael Cusack
- Daniella Richards
- Jessica Sloan
Voters will also decide whether to approve a proposed budget for the 2025-26 School Year on May 20. See the district’s budget page for more information on the budget, where to vote and more.
Meet the Candidates Event
There will be a Meet the Candidates event on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Turnpike Elementary School Cafeteria (55 New Turnpike Rd), followed by the 2025-26 Budget Hearing. More information is available here.
Michael Drinkwine
I was born and raised in the Lansingburgh School District and still reside in this amazing community. I attended Turnpike Elementary School, Knickerbacker Middle School and was fortunate enough to graduate from Lansingburgh High School in 2008. I attended Hudson Valley Community College and have an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice. I have been a Volunteer Coach for the past 17 years with the Lansingburgh Varsity Football program and have covered in all the District’s buildings as a substitute Security Monitor. I am also a Volunteer Firefighter of 19 years and currently employed at the Rensselaer County Sheriffs office. I have been married to my beautiful wife Erica since 2018, and together we have a four year old Staffordshire terrier named Colt and a 6 year old cat named Gemma. At the end of the day I’m just a kid from the ‘burgh looking to make a difference!
Q: Why would you like to be on the Lansingburgh Board of Education?
A: With all of the turmoil and chaos going on in the world, I believe it is of the utmost importance, to have a good education. I want to ensure that all of the Lansingburgh school students have nothing but the best resources and opportunities available to them, to help prepare them for their futures.
Q: What do you see as the challenges in US education today and in the future?
A: Challenges I see facing education in the United States today are keeping every single kid engaged in learning. Multiple distractions continue to result in declining student achievements. From social media to social pressures faced daily, I believe maintaining student engagement to be a top priority to achieve educational success. I also believe school safety is of utmost importance for the future of education. Every single school should be a safe haven for students and staff alike.
Q: What changes would you like to see in the Lansingburgh School District?
A: One change I would like to see in the Lansingburgh Central School District is a stronger emphasis on promoting alternatives to traditional college pathways. While I value the importance of a college education, I believe our education system often presents it as the only viable option after high school. The reality is that college may not be the right path for everyone—and it’s essential that we recognize and respect that.
We should be equally promoting opportunities in the skilled trades, military service, and public service careers. These are honorable, stable, and rewarding paths that deserve the same level of attention and encouragement as college-bound options. Expanding access to these pathways not only supports student choice, but also reflects a more equitable approach to preparing all students for success beyond graduation.
I also believe that programs like Tech Valley and the STEM High School offer outstanding opportunities for students—particularly those who may not otherwise have access to such specialized learning experiences. These programs help level the playing field and can open doors for students from underserved backgrounds. I’d love to see more of these opportunities become available to Lansingburgh students, as they align with our goals for equity, innovation, and long-term student success.
Michael Cusack
My wife Kelly and I have lived in Lansingburgh for more than 30 years. Two of our three children are LCSD Graduates and our youngest currently attends Knickerbacker Middle School. I'm a lifelong resident of Troy, a US Army Veteran, and work with the Watervliet Arsenal managing a P3 Agreement between the US Army and GO Carlson, a manufacturer of Stainless Steel Alloy.
Q: Why would you like to be on the Lansingburgh Board of Education?
A: Serving our school district is serious work that I enjoy. The current Board is the best I've served with over many years, and it would be a privilege to continue working alongside of them. This role requires an objective decision making lens that supports our families and staff, delivering nothing but the very best possible outcomes our resources can provide.
Q: What do you see as the challenges in US education today and in the future?
A: Generating interest in the decision making processes that drive policy development and funding. Last year we had roughly 1,950 students registered K-12 and only 386 Voters showed up last year to approve or disapprove a $64,741,554.00 School Budget proposal. I would like to hear much more parental input and suggestion on how we design our district to deliver their children's education.
Q: What changes would you like to see in the Lansingburgh School District?
A: I would like to see more staff outside of the schools during arrival and dismissal to help curb some of the over-enthusiastic behaviors that sometimes create a negative perception of our students.
Daniella Richards
I have been a proud resident of Lansingburgh for the past 15 years, and in that time, I’ve had the honor of serving on the school board for the last 5 years—currently as Chairperson of the Policy Committee. I am deeply invested in the success of our schools, having seen my two sons graduate from the district and with my daughter currently attending as a 10th grader. In addition to my role on the school board, I bring 17 years of experience in the security industry, where I honed my leadership and management skills. My current role in the environmental sciences sector, focusing on downtown revitalization projects, further deepens my commitment to creating strong, thriving communities. This blend of experience—managing teams, working in complex, community-focused environments, and prioritizing safety and growth—gives me a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing our schools.
Q: Why would you like to be on the Lansingburgh Board of Education?
A: If re-elected to the school board, I will continue to focus on ensuring our students receive a high-quality, inclusive education. I am committed to advocating for teacher support, fostering student achievement, and communication within our district. As a parent and a community member, I understand the importance of making decisions that are not only educationally sound but also reflective of the needs and values of Lansingburgh families.
Q: What do you see as the challenges in US education today and in the future?
A: The U.S. education system faces several critical challenges, including rising violence in schools, mental health concerns, a teacher shortage, and the impact of social media on students. Violent incidents have created safety concerns, while students' mental health struggles have grown, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Social media pressures and academic stress are exacerbating issues like anxiety and depression. Additionally, the teacher shortage particularly affects specialized fields such as math, science, and special education.
Q: What changes would you like to see in the Lansingburgh School District?
A: Fostering even stronger community involvement in the school system presents a great opportunity for further enhancing the educational experience. By building deeper partnerships with local organizations and encouraging more parent and community engagement, the district can create an even more collaborative environment. This approach would help ensure that students feel supported not only by their schools but also by the broader community, enriching their learning experience and strengthening connections across the area.
Jessica Sloan
Jessica is a passionate educational leader with a Master’s in Education and an advanced certificate in school leadership. As a Program Director, she advocates for inclusive, student-centered support. A certified SEL and trauma-informed trainer, she works closely with schools and families. Jessica, her husband Ryan—a Lansingburgh graduate—and their son James are proud to call Lansingburgh home.
Q: Why would you like to be on the Lansingburgh Board of Education?
A: I’m running for the Board of Education because I’m committed to the success and well-being of all students. As an educator and parent, I understand the value of thoughtful decisions that prioritize student needs, empower staff, and promote growth. I believe in collaboration, transparency, and creating safe, supportive schools where every student can thrive.
Q: What do you see as the challenges in US education today and in the future?
A: Key challenges in education include ensuring student well-being, supporting teacher retention, and securing equitable funding. We must invest in mental health, value educators, and provide all students with quality resources and real-world learning. I’m committed to decisions that reflect our district’s mission and help every student thrive in a changing world.
Q: What changes would you like to see in the Lansingburgh School District?
A: I’d like to see continued growth in social-emotional supports and greater equity in access to resources across the district. Every student deserves a safe, inclusive environment with the tools, opportunities, and support they need to succeed—academically, socially, and emotionally.