District residents are invited to learn more about the budget proposal and Board candidates at the public budget hearing and Meet the Candidates Night at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 12, in the high school large group instruction room (LGI).
Board of Education candidates will be giving statements and answering predetermined questions from an outside moderator.
Four candidates are running for two open seats on the Board. In ballot order, they are: Heather Lanaro, Melissa Laudano, Chad McFarland and Elizabeth Lewis. Information and statements were provided by the candidates.
Heather Lanaro
Heather Lanaro is seeking a first term on the Board of Education. A Mohonasen resident for 25 years, she and her spouse, Richard, have two children who attended the district, with their youngest graduating this year. Lanaro works at Arrow Bank as a universal banker senior specialist. She earned an associate’s degree in travel and hospitality management at Schenectady Community College.
Lanaro served as the Mohonasen PTO treasurer from 2012 to 2018 and implemented the School Banking Program at Bradt and Pinewood in 2009, and was the school banking chairperson from 2009 to 2018.
“I’m committed to reassessing how we allocate our finances, time and programs to ensure we’re supporting our students, teachers and the rest of the communityー while remaining fiscally responsible.”
Melissa Laudano
Melissa Laudano is seeking a second term on the Board of Education. A Mohonasen resident for more than 10 years, she has four children who have either graduated from or are currently attending Mohonasen.
Laudano works for the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board as a senior business systems analyst and is also a realtor. She attended the College of Saint Rose, where she received her bachelor’s in history and political science, and earned her master’s degree in diplomacy from Norwich University.
“Our children are our future, and deserve to attend a public school that meets both their academic and safety needs. As an incumbent candidate, my experience can be used to continue our mission and vision to prepare our students to face the world with confidence.”
Chad McFarland
Chad McFarland is seeking a fourth term on the Board of Education and currently serves as the board’s vice president. A Mohonasen resident for 15 years, he and his spouse, Ruth, have three children who have either graduated from or are currently attending Mohonasen.
McFarland is a senior attorney at the New York State Department of Labor. He earned bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Akron and Juris Doctor from the University of Akron.
“I am passionate in seeing all of our students receive the best education we can provide, along with a conviction that parents play a vital role in their child’s education. I meet challenges facing our district with objectivity, compassion, decisiveness and candor.”
Elizabeth Lewis
Elizabeth Lewis is seeking a first term on the Board of Education. A Mohonasen resident for 17 years, she recently graduated from the district and is currently attending Schenectady Community College. Lewis plans to transfer to the University at Albany this fall to study biology.
Lewis works in the admitting department at Ellis Hospital, where she helps patients navigate their healthcare.
“I want to serve on the Board so I can ensure that we refocus on our students and their quality of education. I want everyone involved in the district to know that they have a Board member who listens and addresses their concerns with logic and compassion.”