On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, residents of the Lansingburgh Central School District will elect three (3) members of the Board of Education.
The two (2) candidates with the highest number of votes will be elected for full 5-year terms (July 1, 2026–June 30, 2031). The candidate with the third highest number of votes will be elected for a 1-year term (July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027).
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.
- Theadora Hines
- Andrea Fairhurst
- Jillian Manupella
Residents will also vote on whether to approve a proposed budget for the 2026–27 school year and a capital improvement project.
Meet the Board Candidates Event
The district will host a Meet the Board Candidates event and the 2026–27 Budget Hearing at 6:00 PM on Monday, May 11, 2026, at Turnpike Elementary School (55 New Turnpike Rd). Community members are welcome to come learn more about the proposed budget and the candidates running for Lansingburgh's Board of Education.
Theadora Hines
I hold an Associate's in Applied Science with a major in Public Administration from Hudson Valley Community College. I work as a contract management specialist, where I support and assist with special projects. I live in Lansingburgh with my daughter and our pet.
Q: Why would you like to be on the Lansingburgh Board of Education?
A: I'm excited to join the Lansingburgh Board of Education because I'm committed to ensuring every student has access to quality education. Having grown up here, I'm ready to help sustain and adapt the strong programs the schools already have, so we can meet all students' diverse needs.
Q: What do you see as the challenges in US education today and in the future?
A: In my opinion, major challenges for education in the U.S. are maintaining steady funding for programs, learning gaps, and teacher shortages and burnout.
Q: What changes would you like to see in the Lansingburgh School District?
A: While I do not have specific changes at this time, I would like to see the Lansingburgh School District continue to keep working together to improve, address issues, and keep striving for the best outcomes for all.
Andrea Fairhurst
My partner, Joe, and I are proud graduates of Lansingburgh High School, Class of 1996. Our son, Aidan, also graduated from Lansingburgh in 2021, and our daughter is currently a third-grade student at Rensselaer Park Elementary School.
I remain actively involved in our community by coaching U10 girls’ soccer with the Lansingburgh Youth Soccer Association throughout the year and U8 softball with Lansingburgh Little League in the spring. Professionally, I am a Senior Consultant at NYSTEC, where I serve as a Project Manager. Prior to that, I spent 20 years working as a Respiratory Therapist at Albany Medical Center.
Q: Why would you like to be on the Lansingburgh Board of Education?
A: It has been an honor to serve on the Lansingburgh Board of Education for the past five years, including the last two years as Board President. During this time, I have been proud to work alongside a board that is deeply connected to our community and committed to making thoughtful, student, staff, and community centered decisions, grounded in strong fiscal responsibility and sound policy.
I am excited for the opportunity to continue to contribute to the ongoing improvement of our district and collaboration with our community partners.
Q: What do you see as the challenges in US education today and in the future?
A: One of the significant challenges facing education today is the rising cost of higher education, which has led to substantial student debt. At the same time, not all degree paths result in careers that justify that financial investment.
It is increasingly important that we expand students’ exposure to alternative pathways, including skilled trades and public service careers such as emergency services, firefighting and law enforcement. These fields offer high-demand, well-paying career opportunities that do not necessarily require a four-year degree, and they should be presented as equally valuable options for our students.
Q: What changes would you like to see in the Lansingburgh School District?
A: As we navigate an evolving and often uncertain economic landscape, it is essential that our district remains forward thinking. Careful planning today will allow us to sustain and strengthen programming for our students in the future.
Given our reliance on state and federal funding, strategic long-term planning will be critical to ensuring that we can continue to provide the high-quality educational opportunities and support that our students need and deserve.
Jillian Manupella
My name is Jillian Manupella, and I am a graduate of Lansingburgh High School, Class of 1997. My husband and I currently have a child attending Lansingburgh High School, where she is in 11th grade. I have remained actively involved in the Lansingburgh community, serving as a School Board Member and participating in the PTA.
Q: Why would you like to be on the Lansingburgh Board of Education?
A: I would like to serve as a member of the Board of Education because of my commitment to supporting students and strengthening our community. Through my experiences, I have developed a strong desire to help create positive opportunities for students to succeed. I also value collaboration and truly enjoy working as part of a team with the current board members to make thoughtful, effective decisions for our schools.
Q: What do you see as the challenges in US education today and in the future?
A: Family engagement remains a significant challenge in education today. Student success is strongly supported when parents and caregivers are actively involved in their child's learning. Building consistent, collaborative partnerships between families, teachers, and school staff is essential to ensure students receive the support they need both at home and in school.
Q: What changes would you like to see in the Lansingburgh School District?
A: Lansingburgh already offers a strong range of academic and extracurricular opportunities for its students. I would like to see continued growth in community support and engagement, strengthening the connection between the schools and the families they serve. By building these partnerships, we can further enhance student success and ensure our schools remain a source of pride for the entire community.