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Ballston Spa Board of Education {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

7 members/3 year terms. This year there are 3 seats open.Voting Location(s)/HoursBallston Spa High School (residents of the towns of Ballston, Milton and Charleton)Malta Town Hall (residents of Malta)May 19, 2026 7am - 9pmVoter AccessIf a resident of the school district meets the definition of a “qualified voter” but has not registered to vote, (s)he must first register to be eligible to receive a ballot. A qualified voter is a United States citizen, at least 18 years of age on election day, residing in the Ballston Spa Central School District for 30 days immediately prior to election day and has registered to vote. A qualified voter must register with the county by contacting the Saratoga County Board of Elections. If you are registered with the county Board of Elections to vote in the general election, you are all set to vote on May 19, 2026. Absentee BallotAbsentee ballots are available for voters who are unable to visit the polls on May 19, 2026. An application for the absentee ballot is available for pickup at the District Office or by calling (518) 884-7195 x1320. Absentee ballots must be received no later than 5:00pm on May 19, 2026. PropositionsProposition I: School Budget proposal for the 2026-2027 school year in the amount of $113,742,988.Proposition II: School Vehicle Replacement in the amount of up to $1,620,100 to purchase and replace school buses and vehicles.Proposition III: The district will spend up to $295,000 to purchase one electric bus.Proposition IV: The district will be authorized to collect and contribute $65,902 towards the expense of operating the Ballston Spa Public Library.Webpage for Voter Information and Budgethttps://www.bscsd.org/about/publications/the-scotties-recap/2025-2026/2026-annual-school-budget-presentations-boe-elections-and-voter-information5/6/2026

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  • Candidate picture

    Matthew Dreher
    (NOP)

  • Candidate picture

    Dr. Julia Routbort Baskin
    (NOP)

  • Candidate picture

    Katie Whittemore
    (NOP)

Biographical Information

Please list your relevant Qualifications and Experience:

Being on the Board of Education requires great personal commitment and a tremendous amount of time. What motivates you to be on the Board and how are you prepared for this intensive commitment?

What is your # 1 concern for education in your school district for the coming year?

School board members serve five constituencies: Students, parents, teachers and staff, the administration, and the community. On a scale of Strongly Agree to Strongly Disagree, please respond to the following statement: They are all equally important.

Please explain your answer.

Do you have any additional comments?

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I have lived in the Ballston Spa school district for 22 years and both my children attended district schools from K-12. I have been a board member since 2022 and have served on various committees, including the audit committee, the capital project committee (which I chaired) and the policy committee. I have also been part of the district-wide Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging committee for the last several years. Professionally, I'm a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in peer to peer support programs, suicide prevention and crisis management. I'm passionate about supporting mental health and about creating inclusive communities where everyone can contribute and thrive.
I am incredibly grateful for the educational and co-curricular opportunities both my children experienced in the Ballston Spa schools. They both benefited greatly from committed and skilled teachers, coaches and administrators and serving on the board means I can pay that gratitude forward. I also believe deeply that strong public schools are a crucial part of building and sustaining strong communities and a healthy democracy. I have served on the board for the last several years, and it has been an honor and a privilege to serve. I truly believe in the Ballston Spa school district motto "Educating Everyone Takes Everyone" and I would love to continue to contribute.
I believe we continue to need to continue to plan our budget responsibly and carefully as we prepare for longer-term fiscal challenges (rising prices, uncertain state aid year to year) that we cannot control. I also want to focus on continuing to reduce absenteeism and making sure that all our students have multiple pathways to engagement and success. Finally, I want the district to continue to focus on professional development and support so that we can attract and retain the best teachers, staff and administrators possible.
Strongly disagree
Disagree
Neither agree nor disagree
Agree
Strongly agree
I believe that successful school districts keep students at the heart of every decision. By focusing on student achievement and support, we can make sure that we are distributing resources most effectively. We also know that student achievement is inextricably linked with strong teachers, positive family connections, and community support, which is why I strongly believe that all five constituencies (students, parents, teachers and staff, administrators and the community) are equally important over time.
It has been an honor and a privilege to serve on the Ballston Spa Board of Education and I hope to be re-elected so that I can continue to serve.
I have served on the Board for 6 years and 5 years as vice president. I have put in the steady work behind the scenes to help create a well rounded school district.
What motivates me to serve as a board member is caring deeply about our students, teachers, and school community. As both a parent and educator, I know how important it is for students to feel supported, challenged, and ready for whatever comes next.
My #1 concern is the growing role of technology and artificial intelligence in the classroom, and ensuring these tools enhance learning without replacing critical thinking, human connection, and meaningful instruction.
Strongly disagree
Disagree
Neither agree nor disagree
Agree
Strongly agree
A strong school district only works when all five constituencies are valued and heard. although, the needs of one group may require more attention in a particular situation, long-term success comes from recognizing that each group plays an essential role in creating a quality school community.
I want to serve as a board member because I care deeply about our school community and want to help make thoughtful, responsible decisions that benefit everyone. As a parent raising my family here, I’m invested in the future and committed to contributing my time and perspective to make the student experience better each day.