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VOTE411 Voter Guide

Cortland School Board {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

Every public school district is governed by a local school board, elected by members of their school district. Every year elections are held to fill school board positions for individuals who have completed their 3-yr term of service. Polls will be open from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Cortland Jr.-Sr. High School (8 Valley View Drive) for the City of Cortland and Cortlandville residents and at the Virgil Town Hall (1176 Church Street, Virgil) for Virgil, Lapeer, Harford, and Dryden residents. A public budget hearing will take place at 5 p.m. in the JSHS Auditorium on Tuesday, May 5th. A "Meet the Candidate" Event will take place on May 12th at 6:00 p.m. at the Kaufman Center, 1 Valley View Drive, Cortland. More info can be found at https://www.cortlandschools.org/Current Board Members:Term Expires 2026:Janet S. Griffin, Vice PresidentLori J. MegivernTerm Expires: 2027:Brett K. BarnesBrendan McGovern, PresidentSherlyn L. PallassinoTerm Expires: 2028:Joseph M. McMahonGavin TeeterPropositions on the ballot:The School District budgetPurchase of Diesel School BusesEstablishment of a Capital Reserve FundEstablishment of a Transportation Capital Reserve FundCortland Free Library Funding

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    Donald Chu
    (O)

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    Janet Griffin
    (O)

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    Lori Megivern
    (O)

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    Katherine Swanson
    (O)

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    Margaret Treichler
    (O)

Biographical Information

Why are you running for school board?

What would you like to achieve during your time on the school board?

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Contact Email ktswan88@gmail.com
I am running for the school board because of my desire to continue advocating for what matters most: putting students first. I have seen firsthand how each Board of Education decision impacts students, families, and our community. I want to ensure each Cortland child receives a high-quality education with multiple learning opportunities and each Cortland employee is supported. I will work to ensure that these two priorities remain at the center of every BOE decision. I will utilize my strong collaboration skills to work with diverse stakeholders to make thoughtful, informed decisions. I’m ready to serve, ensuring that decisions are guided by experience, collaboration, and an unwavering focus on students’ best interests.
If elected to the school board, I will ensure every decision reflects a students-first approach. I will work to expand academic opportunities so all students have access to engaging, high-quality learning environments. Supporting and retaining strong educators will be a priority by advocating for needed resources and professional growth. I am committed to collaboration and open communication with families, staff, and the community to make informed, transparent decisions. Drawing on 30 years in education, I will focus on what works, improve what doesn’t, and keep student success at the center, helping every student feel supported, challenged, and prepared for the future.
I’m running for school board because Cortland is home. I grew up here, went through our schools, and this community helped shape who I am. I’ve since had the chance to leave, see other parts of the country, and work with a variety of young people facing real challenges. Now I’m back, ready to put what I’ve learned to use and give back to the community that has given me so much. Our district is facing real challenges, from budgets to student support, and I want to be part of thoughtful, student-centered solutions that ensure every kid has the opportunity to succeed.
I want to help build a stronger, more connected school community where students, staff, and families feel heard and supported. That means working directly with the people most impacted -- listening to students about their experiences and partnering with teachers and staff to understand what they need to succeed. I want decisions to be grounded in real voices, not assumptions. By strengthening relationships and focusing on collaboration, we can find solutions that actually work and create schools where every student has the support they need to thrive.
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