On May 16, 2023, Schenectady residents will head to the polls to vote on the proposed 2023-24 school district budget, four propositions, and elect three Members to the Board of Education. Terms for board members Bernice Rivera, Nohelani Etienne, and Princella Learry will end on June 30, 2023. Ms. Learry has announced that she will not be running for another term.
Polls will be open Noon - 9 p.m.
Polling Locations (click for map):
Yates Elementary School, 725 Salina Street, 12308
Schenectady High School, 1445 the Plaza, 12308
Howe Elementary School, 1065 Baker Avenue, 12309
Paige Elementary School, 104 Elliott Avenue, 12304
Woodlawn Elementary School, 3311 Wells Avenue, 12304
Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School, 918 Stanley St., 12307
Fulton School Building, 408 Eleanor Street, 12306
Mont Pleasant Middle School, 1121 Forest Road, 12303
Amanda Sponable-Pantalone
Schenectady has been my home for my whole life. Growing up playing in the parks where I would test how fast I could run in my cool new sneakers, this city holds many memories for not only myself, but my husband, Justin, and our three-year-old twins, Clara and Joseph. Having been enrolled in Girl Scouts from Daisy’s through Cadets has instilled the importance of what it means to work together for the betterment of our community’s future. As my children are approaching school age and have their entire educational experience ahead of them, I have a direct, vested interest in the future our school district.
After graduating from Siena College in 2010, I worked as an EMT with Mohawk Ambulance on State Street and as a business systems analyst (BSA) with New York State and Local Retirement System. Working as an EMT in Schenectady, not only taught me life-saving skills, but further immersed me into our City. The training and experience I received as a BSA provided me with critical skills used to help build, implement and maintain new systems and processes. Transitioning careers, in 2021 to pursue Real Estate, allowed me to primarily raise Clara and Joe, while also helping people in our community. I always advocate for doing the right thing, being kind to one another and holding each other accountable.
Together we can work towards better, safer schools for a better, safer future!
Nohelani M. Etienne
Nohelani is completing her 1st three-year term and seeking her second. She is a life-long resident of Schenectady County and a graduate of Schenectady High School. Nohelani believes that our children’s future relies upon the support of not only their parents/caretakers, but that of the entire school community. She is a proud mom of four children – two of which are SHS alumni (’20 and ’21), and one student preparing to enter high school in the Fall. The school community has been a strong partner in her children’s educational journey and given them all a strong foundation to build upon.
Her passion for making education equitable for all of the districts’ children drives her aspiration to continue the important work as a Schenectady City School District Board of Education member. During her tenure as a board member, Nohelani has served on the Policy committee, while also being a part of the Teacher Center Policy Board and the School Counseling Advisory Counsel. She is dedicated to working in the best interest of children, while helping to push for a high-quality education for all students. She firmly believes in the district tagline that ‘everybody counts, everybody learns,’ and is committed to serving the students, their families, and the community for a second term.
Bernice E. Rivera
Bernice Rivera, a longtime educator, is seeking her third term on the school board. The
proud daughter of immigrant parents from the Dominican Republic, Bernice taught seventh grade social studies at Mont Pleasant Middle School for 10 years; she also served as an Academic Intervention Services summer supervisor and interim assistant principal. She earned her master’s degree in teaching at Union College while working as an after-school detention professional in Schenectady City Schools. She also earned a School Building Leadership Certificate at the College of Saint Rose.
Bernice currently leads professional learning for New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) Education & Learning Trust (ELT), working with numerous school districts and serving thousands of educators statewide. Her work focuses on classroom management, mental health, trauma, school violence and equity issues. She serves on several boards, and workgroups for NYSUT, the New York State Education Department and community groups like Working Group on Girls and the Miracle on Craig St.
Bernice is currently President of the School Board, collaborating with a strong team of board members to set district policies and priorities — and provide a clear roadmap for the success of ALL students. She embraces the importance of empowering youth, supporting our dedicated staff, and harnessing the many assets of our community.
She is a proud “Mami” of two married daughters, both graduates of Schenectady City
Schools. Thank you, Schenectady teachers, staff, and community for playing a
part in their success!
Anne Kennedy
I am a lifelong city resident and have (4) children, all of which attended Schenectady Schools. I am grandmother of (7) grandchildren with (1) on the way! For (43) years, I have been a Registered Nurse at Albany Medical Center within the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). During my children’s education, I have tried to play an active role and volunteer when available to support their schools and teachers. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to serve as a School Nurse and President of the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) during my children’s elementary school years, as well as participate in Sport Booster Clubs, while also leading various fundraising events over the years!
I decided to run for the Schenectady City School District Board of Education because I believe “we” as citizens have an obligation to our children to do better in all areas of education since, they are our future. To ensure the future, the district must maintain sound fiscal policies that focus on advancing academic achievements while also supporting the growing need for improvements to the existing infrastructure of our schools. I support the proposed Revitalization 2030 Plan to aid in achieving those goals. I believe that school safety and parental involvement are also key elements to ensure the success of our children’s education.