2024 Board of Education Election

The annual School Budget Vote and Board of Education Election is May 21, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Mary E. Dardess Elementary School gymnasium.

Open Seats

There are two Board of Education seats up for election in 2024. The two candidates who receive the highest number of votes will fill the following terms:

  • The expiring term of Beth Hover (current incumbent): the candidate elected to this seat will serve a three-year term:  July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027

  • The expiring term of Christopher Spencer (current incumbent): the candidate elected to this seat will serve a three-year term:  July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027

2024 Candidates

Linda Collett

Linda Collett

It would be an honor to serve on Chatham’s Board of Education. I have lived in Ghent for many years. My son, a Chatham graduate, received a quality academic education, as well as the opportunity to pursue his interests in the arts and athletics, something all students deserve.

In my Ichabod Crane career as an English teacher, Director of Special Education and High School Principal, I learned the value of listening to students, parents, administrators, instructional staff and those who manage offices, keep buses rolling, children fed and facilities maintained. Currently providing leadership coaching to school administrators and as a Hospice volunteer, I am still listening. 

Together we are a strong community facing challenges in student attendance and achievement, addressing emotional needs, and helping graduates choose their best paths in becoming world citizens. Dollars do not seem to stretch far enough in homes or schools, and we should use resources wisely.

Children are our hope for the future. Helping students learn and thrive has been my life’s work. Thank you for considering my candidacy.

Beth Hover

Beth Hover

As a long term advocate of education, I ask for your support in seeking another term on the Chatham Central School Board. My eight year board experience, together with my 35 year teaching experience, provides me with valuable insight into the academic and financial needs of our district.

As we enter the district’s next phase, I would like the privilege of addressing the challenges we’ll encounter these next three years; including a new administrative team, rising academic standards, the availability of financial resources and the building project.

In addition to my educational experience, my career as a Realtor allows me to understand and balance the tax concerns of parents, seniors and second homeowners.

And finally my 40+ years as a mother and a grandmother allows me to understand the needs of parents and appreciate how the decisions we make impact them.

I am confident that the above experience will allow me to serve you in the manner that the CCS community deserves. I thank you for your consideration and hope for 3 more years together.

Mikki Lundy

Nikki Lundy

My name is Nikki Lundy. I live in Chatham with my husband and my son who is a 5th grader at the Mary E. Dardess Elementary School. I’m a Doctor of Physical Therapy, practicing in Columbia County for 26 years and teaching at Russell Sage College for 15 years. My experience has helped me develop strong skills in leadership, communication, negotiation, and problem solving. As a business owner, I appreciate the importance of fiscal responsibility and budget management. I would like to help ensure our students benefit from a variety of educational opportunities while managing the burden to the taxpayers in the process.

I believe that high-quality education is a foundation for future success. Having spent considerable time in higher education and witnessing the potential of students, I'm eager to contribute to enhancing their learning experiences. I want to serve on the Board of Education to give back to our community and make sure our children receive the best education and have the resources to be college and/or career ready.

Voter Qualifications:

To be eligible to vote you must be:

  • A citizen of the United States 18 years of age or older

  • A resident of the Chatham Central School District for a period of 30 days or more directly preceding the date of the vote

  • Registered to vote with either the School District or the Columbia County Board of Elections

Voter Registration

Not registered to vote? You can register to vote with the School District on the following voter registration days:

  • Wednesday, May 1, 2024 between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. in the Mary E. Dardess Elementary School lobby

  • Wednesday, May 15, 2024 between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. in the Mary E. Dardess Elementary School lobby

Early Voting by Mail & Absentee Ballots

Voters who wish to vote early by mail may submit an application to vote by mail-in ballot.

Voters who are unable to vote in person on May 21, 2024 may submit an application to vote by absentee ballot.

Applications for early voting/absentee ballots will be available starting Monday, April 22 from the District Clerk in the Superintendent’s Office. The last day to submit an application for an early voting/absentee ballot is Tuesday, May 14 if the applicant wishes to receive the ballot by mail, or Monday, May 20 if the applicant wishes to receive the ballot in person.

Early voting/absentee ballots must be returned to the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on the day of the vote, Tuesday, May 21, 2024.

For more information, contact Deborah Pottenburgh, District Clerk, at 518-392-1501 or pottenburghd@chatham.k12.ny.us.

2024-25 School Budget Vote

Information about our 2024-25 school budget proposal is available on our Budget Information page.