Board Candidates
MEET THE CANDIDATES
"Scott Blanchard is a 27-year-old English teacher and a Canastota graduate. He was born in the Oneida Hospital and grew up in Canastota; he and his wife now live in their home on Seneca Turnpike. He earned his B.A. in English and his teaching certification from SUNY Geneseo, and he went on to earn his M.S.Ed. in Literacy Education from SUNY Cortland while substitute teaching for the Canastota Central School District.
He has since taught English for the Utica City School District for 4 years, and he has continued to be an active member and volunteer in the community. He serves as vice president of the Canastota Recreation Commission and as a member of the Lenox Planning Board. Now, he is trying to serve his hometown in a new way by running for school board."
"As a lifelong resident and Canastota graduate, I have been an active member of this community supporting many local programs and organizations. I currently sit as the President of the Board of Education and have served as a trustee for 7 years. I have two boys ages 10 and 12 who attend Canastota.
My primary focus is to be engaged with my children and their peers to help provide whatever assistance needed to help them become successful young adults. Over the last decade, I have volunteered countless hours and time to many youth programs. From holding seats on other boards, to coaching and volunteering time, I have been an active member of the Canastota LIttle League, Pop-Warner, AYSO, and Village Recreation Basketball programs. In addition to my time volunteering to the many athletic programs for our children, I have also worked closely with the Canastota Community Council to raise funds and help organize many of the children's musical and drama productions. As an individual, I have made personal commitments and contributions to help launch Canastota's first Lego League and STEM program at the Robert Street complex as well. My focus is to give our youth as many opportunities as possible to help enhance their daily learning and education.
As a board member, my focus is to help facilitate communication and engagement. The more we can all share ideas and play a role in our district the better this community will be. The school district is a critical facet to our community. I look forward to the opportunity to continue these efforts and provide the best resources to our students and staff. I truly love talking with people of this community and being part of such a great organization."
"Hello! My name is Tracey Quinn, and I would like the opportunity to be re-elected for the Canastota Central School District Board of Education. My husband Rick and I have lived in Canastota for twenty years. Our twin boys were born and raised here in Canastota and graduated with the class of 2021. I am currently a nursing student at the Pomeroy College of Nursing at Crouse Hospital.
I have proudly served on the BOE for three years. During my time on the BOE our district has achieved many great things. I am honored to be on committees as an advocate for our community, teachers and kids. I have had the opportunity to work with administration, teachers and staff members from all departments to help achieve great opportunities for our students and families. I had the opportunity to work with our student government club of RSES and complete grants to help build the playground for RSES. I also had the opportunity to work with teachers and administration to help bring back ski club and field trip experiences. I had the opportunity to work with administration and schedule many different assemblies which helped support character education in our school district. With great support from our staff and community I was the chairperson for our Halloween Trick or Treat night. I am still currently working on phase two of the Roberts Street Elementary School playground with Senator May's office. I am passionate about giving our students great opportunities.
If I am reelected one of my accomplishments would be to continue to provide all children with an exemplary educational experience, exposing them to numerous positive experiences for them to fulfill their dreams.
I am asking for your continued support to be a voice for the community and our district.
My priority will always be our kids.
Thank you again for your support! "
"I have been married to my husband, Jeffrey Wood, since 1999, the same year we moved to Canastota. We have two daughters. Carley is a 2021 Canastota graduate currently attending Clarkson University. Cassandra (Casey) is currently a junior at Canastota high school.
I have an Associate degree in Business Administration from MVCC and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business/Public Management from SU NY-IT. I have worked in the insurance industry for 29 years.
I have been actively involved in school activities, meetings and volunteering my time since my kids began pre-K. Pre-Covid, I also taught 8th grade Faith Formation at St. Agatha's Church. "