Michael Petramale
Michael was born and raised in Athens, NY and currently resides in the Town of Coxsackie. He was part of the C-A graduate class of 1978, and has since earned his PhD in Biblical Theology. Michael has worked for 40 years in the construction industry as an estimator, project manager, and drafting and designing houses. Michael also holds the titles of ordained minister and certified chaplain.
“I served on the C-A BOE from 2006-2020, in that run my last two years I served as vice president. I resigned from the BOE to take a position at C-A as Quality Assurance Coordinator, then added the role as Assistant Facilities Director, retiring in June 2024. My 40 years of knowledge in construction estimating, building, and management helped me to take on this role with ease. From day-to-day tasks in making sure code requirements were fulfilled, being involved in lock down drills, fire drills, safety meetings, to meeting with Administrators on all facility matters, listening to the teachers’ needs in classroom updating and finally organizing, establishing and overseeing construction projects. Serving as a BOE member and serving in the role that I held within the district has given me a full understanding of all operations throughout C-A. As a BOE member I understand what my duties and responsibilities are.”
SHELLY WEST
I have a strong vision for supporting both the educational and social development of young children, which is essential for their long-term success. The preschool years are indeed a critical time for building foundational skills and forming positive social habits, and your emphasis on a safe, welcoming environment is key to ensuring every child feels valued and supported. Creating a school environment where every student feels safe, supported, and valued is essential for their growth and development. A zero-tolerance approach to bullying is crucial in fostering a positive atmosphere where children can thrive without fear or anxiety. I would like to see the following included in our school district:
Creating an Inclusive and Supportive Environment: Collaboration between administration, faculty, staff, and families can enhance the development of inclusive teaching practices. This could involve regular professional development and team-building exercises for staff, as well as creating a clear communication channel for parents and guardians to stay involved in their child's learning journey.
Promoting Life Skills: Integrating life skills such as problem-solving, communication, and emotional regulation into the preschool curriculum is essential. These skills can help children transition more smoothly into higher levels of education and society. A curriculum that includes social-emotional learning (SEL), practical skills (like basic financial literacy, health, and nutrition), and the development of a growth mindset would be beneficial.
Fostering Community Collaboration: Strengthening ties with local businesses, organizations, and community leaders can help provide real-world learning opportunities for students. This could take the form of field trips, mentorship programs, or inviting community members to share their expertise with students. Also, involving parents and community members in decision-making processes can lead to increased support and a deeper sense of investment in the program's success.
Encouraging Parent and Community Engagement: It's important to create spaces for parents and community members to express their ideas and concerns. Regular surveys, town halls, or parent-teacher meetings could be beneficial in this regard. By fostering open communication, you can help build a more cohesive partnership that enhances the students' overall experience.
Overall, your emphasis on collaboration, inclusivity, and a holistic approach to education will help create a positive and enriching experience for every child, teacher, and family involved.
Nicole Canning
As a member of the school board, I will assist our Coxsackie- Athens School district by helping to support initiatives that will improve student outcomes, create positive learning environments in each building, and ensure equity and inclusion for all students. I will work to make decisions that increase student achievement, promote social-emotional well-being, strengthen communication between the district and the community, and work to have a healthy and responsible budget. I am a teacher and student focused. I care about supporting quality educational opportunities for this community. My goals for our district include helping to improve student achievement and growth in all core subjects. I will support initiatives that increase graduation rates. I will work to promote positive behavior by assisting in the development of safe, caring and responsive environments in all buildings. I want to be a part of choosing a new superintendent and will assist in the attraction of a qualified candidate who understands the needs of this community. I will work to ensure we have a healthy and stable financial situation for our district.
William Gates
My name is William Gates and I am running for a seat on the Coxsackie-Athens Central School District Board of Education. As a proud parent of a student in our High School, I am deeply invested in the success and well-being of our school and our community.
I hold a BS in Accounting, Magna cum laude, from Siena College and an MBA from the University of Scranton. With a strong background in finance management, I understand the importance of school budgeting and strategic planning to support educational excellence.
I’m a strong proponent of a well rounded education. One that values not only academics but also athletics, music, the arts, and the dedicated teachers who make it all possible. I believe in supporting our educators, empowering our students, and fostering programs that enrich learning both in and out of the classroom.
If elected, I will work to ensure transparency, fiscal responsibility, and continued investment in the programs and people that make C-A a great place to learn and grow. I respectfully ask for your support and the opportunity to service our students and families.
Michael J. Donahue
Michael has a Master’s Degree in Social work from UAlbany and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New York State.
“I am retired from the Northern Rivers Family of Services, a large child and adult treatment agency in the Capital District, after over 40 years of service. Northern Rivers is the umbrella agency for Parsons Child and Family Center in Albany, Northeast Parent and Child Society in Schenectady and Unlimited Potential in Saratoga. Among other position there, I was the Program Director of the Parsons Foster Care and Adoption Program for 10 years, then Senior Director and Executive Program Director for 13 years in the Parsons Residential Treatment Facility. Over the years in those positions, I had oversight over all of the professional providing clinical treatment and physical care for what amounted to hundreds of youth in foster care or places for clinical treatment in 24 hour residential programs. Currently, some of my family members and I are volunteering after school programming for youth in the West Hill Community in Albany.
My wife Mary and I have three adult children who all went to Kindergarten through graduation in the Coxsackie-Athens School District. Our granddaughter is currently a student at Coxsackie Elementary.
I have been on the Board for the past 12 years. I have served as Board President for the past 6 years and the Vice President for one year before that. I have worked to be respectful of all others while helping the district to provide the resources our staff persons need to best educate our children while recognizing the importance of encouraging and nurturing every young person learning in our schools. With my background in mental health and residential treatment, I have brought that interest in mental health along with a foundation in trauma informed care to my work on the Board. I have advocated for youth to be educated in a safe and respectful environment by a group of highly trained, experienced and caring staff while providing a nurturing, therapeutic educational environment for everyone. We focus on learning and offering different ways to learn while offering other opportunities that also teach children, such as sports and extra-curricular activities, with the support of families and the community.
Knowledge of the school board position and experience will be important especially in the next couple of years. Our Superintendent, Randy Squier, has announced his retirement at the end of next year and a search for a new superintendent must be done. Our annual budgets are tougher to solve with increases in costs and we hope to present another Capital Project vote in the future to maintain our facilities. These are just some of the things the Board will be concentration on over the next term while dealing with issues of our district such as recruiting and maintaining excellent staff with the resources we have, improving peer interactions while reducing and addressing any bullying behavior, improving attendance, providing a safe learning environment and promoting evidence based efforts that will best educate our children to become successful in life.”