Meet Our Candidates
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Must be a qualified voter of the school district;
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Must be able to read and write;
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Must be a resident of the district for at least one year prior to the election;
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May not be employed by the board on which they intend to serve;
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Must not have been removed from any school district office within the preceding year;
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May not reside in the same household with a family member who is also a member of the same school board;
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Must not simultaneously hold another incompatible public office;
Debbie New
For over 42 years, I served the Canastota Central School District as a teacher, coach, and class advisor. I had the privilege of teaching 5th through 9th grade, with a special focus on Global for 9th graders. After retiring in 2010, my passion for education never wavered as I continue to substitute teach across multiple districts, staying connected to classrooms and students. Beyond the classroom, my commitment to Canastota runs deep. My late husband, Don, and I made this district our home in 1968, raised our five children here, all graduates of Canastota School, and today, our 17 grandchildren remind me daily why strong schools matter. I proudly served three terms on the Board of Education (2015 to 2024), and while I initially stepped away last year to focus on my husband's health, I now have the time, energy, and passion to reengage. Canastota has always been my home, and our school district has always been my heart. My top priority will always be what is best for Canastota students. I will continue working alongside the Board, administration, teachers, support staff, and families to ensure our children have the resources, opportunities, and support they need to succeed and thrive.
My name is Kristen Muir, a proud alumni of the class of 1999, who married a class of 2002 graduate. My husband Justin and I believed in CHS so much that upon military retirement, we chose Canastota to raise our family in the district that shaped us into who we are today. We are very proud of our children's (Lucianna; alum Joey; junior and Cole; freshman) ability to become educated, kind people because of their time spent in CCSD. I obtained my Bachelor's Degree in Human Services from Cazenovia College and my Master's in Social Work from the University of Southern California. I am currently employed by the Westmoreland CSD as a social worker. I am incredibly fulfilled by my job working with children and families to ensure their success in school is something I take very seriously. I am also the Section 504 Chairperson and the Child's Study Team liaison for the high school. These positions allow me to work with a team of individuals that are invested in the students success. I look forward to serving as a strong voice for the children, families, taxpayers and staff of our district and would be humbled by your support!
Kristen Muir
Douglas Scott Blanchard
Douglas Scott Blanchard is a lifelong resident of the Canastota School District where he graduated in 2012. He earned his BA in English from SUNY Geneseo and his MSEd in Literacy Education from SUNY Cortland while he was substitute teaching for Canastota. Since then, Scott has taught English for seven years in the Utica City School District including two years at Proctor High School and five years at JFK Middle School, and he currently serves as Assistant Principal at Donovan Middle School. Scott is dedicated to serving the community that made him who he is today, and he has volunteered on multiple boards over the years including the Canastota Recreation Commission, Lenox Planning Board, and Community Action Partnership Board of Directors. As a new father, he is determined to work hard to keep this District a great place to raise kids. Scott wants to continue to serve as an advocate for teachers, parents, students, and community members, as he believes this partnership is essential to the District's success. Scott is proud to be endorsed by the Canastota Teachers Association.
My Name is Zachary Stevens and I am humbly asking for your support. As a lifelong Canastota Resident deeply rooted in our community, I am dedicated to contributing positively to the education landscape that has been instrumental in shaping not only my life but also the lives of my family. Having graduated in 1999 from CHS and subsequently obtaining an associate’s degree in business administration, I have cultivated a wealth of experience in both family business endeavors and corporate environments. Throughout the years, I have been actively engaged in various community roles, serving on numerous boards. The Roles have instilled in me the value of teamwork, leadership and community engagement. The decision to run for board of education stems from my desire to reciprocate the boundless opportunities and support that Canastota has extended my family and me. In light of the evolving educational landscape influenced by federal and state level changes, I believe that an unwavering commitment to advocacy, transparency and collaboration is paramount in steering our school system towards continued success. If elected, I pledge to approach all decisions with meticulous consideration, enduring that the interests of all our students, educators and community members are at the forefront.
