On Tuesday, May 20, the community will vote on the district’s proposed spending plan for the 2025-26 school year. They will also elect two candidates to serve on the board of education for three-year terms beginning July 1, 2025.
The Duanesburg Community PTA will once again host “Meet the Candidates” night to give the community an opportunity to hear from candidates running for open seats on the district’s Board of Education. “Meet the Candidates” will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 15 in the library at the Duanesburg Jr.-Sr. High School.
Board members whose terms are expiring this year include Sarah Gwiazdowski and Avis Sanchez.
Three community members turned in petitions to run for the two open Board of Education seats. This is the order in which the candidates will appear on the ballot:
SARAH GWIAZDOWSKI
Sarah Gwiazdowski from Delanson is finishing her first term as a member of the Board of Education (2022-2025) and is running as an incumbent candidate for a second term. She is a graduate of Duanesburg High School. After earning her B.S. degree in Business and Sociology from the University at Albany, she established a career as a real estate professional.
Gwiazdowski says she is “passionate about our community and schools.” She and her husband are “raising three wonderful and energetic children,” currently in kindergarten, second grade, and fourth grade.
Gwiazdowski is actively involved in the community through her participation at Bethel Community Church and by volunteering with prekindergarten programs. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, camping, cooking, and spending time outdoors with her family.
I am a candidate for the Duanesburg BOE because: I believe in transparency, fiscal responsibility, parental rights, and fostering a professional, collaborative work environment. I am committed to open, honest communication and decision making that reflects the values of our community. My focus is on supporting student success while ensuring responsible stewardship of district resources. I’m committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful atmosphere where families, educators, and taxpayers are informed, engaged and valued.
MICHAEL BAILEY
Michael D. Bailey of Delanson is running for his first term as a member of the DCS Board of Education. Mr. Bailey is a graduate of Schalmont High School and currently leads IT teams in his role as Director, Infrastructure Operations at Kaseya US, LLC based in Miami, FL.
Mr. Bailey and his wife have three children. Two of their children attend DCS and one is currently enrolled at Christian Brothers Academy.
Bailey is very active with the Boy as Scouts of America; specifically for the past six years with Troop 501 based in Esperance, for which he has previously served as a Committee Member. He also chairs the Bylaws Committee of the Duanesburg PTA.
I am a candidate for the Duanesburg BOE because: I would like to ensure that my children continue to receive a quality education while ensuring that resources required to deliver it are used efficiently. Additionally, I anticipate state funding pressures and want to ensure that our district responds thoughtfully and decisively, should that occur.
AVIS SANCHEZ
Avis A. Sanchez from Duanesburg is finishing her first term as a member of the Board of Education (2022-2025) and is running as an incumbent candidate for a second term. Mrs. Sanchez graduated from Schenectady Christian School, and attended the University of Phoenix and Excelsior College. She currently works as a Lead Human Resources Specialist.
Sanchez has previously volunteered for SCAP Head Start, Capital City Rescue Mission, and the Highland Soccer Club, for which she served as a coach for two seasons.
I am a candidate for the Duanesburg BOE because: I am passionate about ensuring that student safety remains a top priority. I believe in fiscal responsibility and the careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Transparency within the school board is essential, and I am committed to upholding the rights of parents and making sure their voices are heard.