2026 Board of Education Election

Chatham Central School District's annual budget vote and Board of Education election is Tuesday, May 19, 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. in the Mary E. Dardess Elementary School gymnasium.

Candidates

The Chatham Central School District has eight candidates running for four open seats on the Board of Education. The candidates will appear on the ballot in the following order, as determined by a random drawing of names

David O'Connor
Matthew Fisch
Mary Coulson
Dawn Friedman
Ashley Zwingelberg
Marianne Pierro
Daniel Jones
David Borsh

Candidates provided the following information about themselves:

David O'Connor

David O'Connor

Four Chatham graduates promise:

- LOWER school taxes. Chatham schools lack efficiency and effectiveness. The current board and administration have not opened public discussion to explore options, costs, or savings for sharing services and better utilizing school facilities. With enrollment below 1000 students, we could share a superintendent with up to two districts below 1000 students each. WE WILL undertake thorough budget reviews through open committee meetings and public participation ensuring cost-efficiency.

- Improved performance and outcomes for ALL students. NYSED data for Chatham's "report card" indicates results generally fall below average. WE WILL focus on student learning, performance and enrichment that will make the community proud. WE WILL also establish processes ensuring EVERY student is monitored and mentored to reach their fullest potential.

- Higher job satisfaction for ALL employees. Improving employee job satisfaction occurs by prioritizing support and resources to student-facing employees. WE WILL regularly seek feedback from these essential educators to ensure they have what's needed to inspire and motivate students every day.

Hold us accountable; WE WILL NOT let you down.

Matthew Fisch

Matthew Fisch

I'm Matthew Fisch, and I'm asking for your vote to continue serving Chatham's families.

As a former Chatham student—and now a father to two of this year's graduates and three younger students—my stake in this district is deeply personal.

Independent. Non-partisan. 8 Years of Service.

I view my seat as a direct channel for your voice. I'm committed to active stakeholder communication, government transparency, and fiercely defending independent, local decision-making.

My ongoing priorities for Chatham are:

* Fiscal Restraint & Sustainable Investment: During my tenure, area home values doubled. Through strict fiscal discipline, we kept tax levy increases at half the rate of inflation.

* Academic Rigor & Targeted Interventions: I successfully championed bringing Universal Pre-K here, and strongly support language services, extracurricular enrichment, outdoor education, and early college access.

As the founder of a cybersecurity company, FortMesa, I champion student data privacy. Personally, I'm a firm defender of free speech and an outdoor enthusiast who applies a deep interest in economics to watching the taxpayers' bottom line.

Mary Coulson

Mary Coulson

Four Chatham graduates promise:

- LOWER school taxes. Chatham schools lack efficiency and effectiveness. The current board and administration have not opened public discussion to explore options, costs, or savings for sharing services and better utilizing school facilities. With enrollment below 1000 students, we could share a superintendent with up to two districts below 1000 students each. WE WILL undertake thorough budget reviews through open committee meetings and public participation ensuring cost-efficiency.

- Improved performance and outcomes for ALL students. NYSED data for Chatham's "report card" indicates results generally fall below average. WE WILL focus on student learning, performance and enrichment that will make the community proud. WE WILL also establish processes ensuring EVERY student is monitored and mentored to reach their fullest potential.

- Higher job satisfaction for ALL employees. Improving employee job satisfaction occurs by prioritizing support and resources to student-facing employees. WE WILL regularly seek feedback from these essential educators to ensure they have what's needed to inspire and motivate students every day.

Hold us accountable; WE WILL NOT let you down.

Dawn Friedman

Dawn Friedman

My commitment to strengthening and sustaining our district for the future remains at the center of my service. My husband, my two oldest children, and I are Chatham graduates, and our youngest is currently in 8th grade. Our family’s experience deepens my appreciation for the schools that shaped us and continue to shape our community.

Strong public schools are the foundation of a strong community. They are where students learn to think critically, build confidence, and develop a love of learning.

Since joining the Board of Education in 2023, I have worked with fellow board members, educators, community members, and district leadership to support hiring our superintendent, advance the capital project, and pass budgets at or below the tax cap while preserving academic and extracurricular opportunities. I have also supported student wellness initiatives, recognizing the connection between emotional well-being and academic success.

As enrollment has declined and begins to stabilize, our success will come from working together and making thoughtful decisions that protect what is working well while guiding sustainable progress for the future.

Ashley Zwingelberg

Ashley Zwingelberg (née Jackson)

I am a 2004 graduate of Chatham and part of a multi-generational Panther family. As the mother of three children who will continue that legacy, I am deeply invested in our community’s future. I bring strong local roots, an understanding of the needs of students, families, and educators, and a process-focused skill set shaped by experience in the medical and restaurant industries. As a local business owner, I approach this work with practical perspective, empathy, and a commitment to service.

Appointed to the Board of Education in 2025, I have served on the Policy Committee since Fall 2024. I prioritize thoughtful governance, transparency, and responsible fiscal stewardship. I remain actively involved through Morris Memorial events, coaching, the PTO, and Chatham Little League.

I believe education should reflect both state standards and community input. I support budgets that protect enrichment, wellness, and early education while remaining fiscally responsible. My goal is to listen, make informed decisions, collaborate respectfully, and ensure students are prepared as critical thinkers in a rapidly evolving world.

Marianne Pierro

Marianne Pierro

Serving on the Chatham School Board has deepened my understanding of what it takes to run a school district effectively. As my term comes to an end, I believe the experience I have gained over the past four years will continue to benefit the Chatham Central School District.

During my time on the Board, we hired our Superintendent and guided the district through a major period of transition. This included launching a significant capital project, appointing a new High School Principal, navigating turnover in several key leadership roles, and responding early on to declining enrollment and its impact on the football program.

Looking ahead, I see momentum building. The plans and processes we have put in place are beginning to deliver encouraging results for our students.

The Chatham School Board is made up of sincere, dedicated individuals committed to finding the best solutions for our students, faculty, staff, and the broader Chatham community. It has been a privilege to serve, and I would welcome the opportunity to continue.

Daniel Jones

Daniel Jones

Four Chatham graduates promise:

- LOWER school taxes. Chatham schools lack efficiency and effectiveness. The current board and administration have not opened public discussion to explore options, costs, or savings for sharing services and better utilizing school facilities. With enrollment below 1000 students, we could share a superintendent with up to two districts below 1000 students each. WE WILL undertake thorough budget reviews through open committee meetings and public participation ensuring cost-efficiency.

- Improved performance and outcomes for ALL students. NYSED data for Chatham's "report card" indicates results generally fall below average. WE WILL focus on student learning, performance and enrichment that will make the community proud. WE WILL also establish processes ensuring EVERY student is monitored and mentored to reach their fullest potential.

- Higher job satisfaction for ALL employees. Improving employee job satisfaction occurs by prioritizing support and resources to student-facing employees. WE WILL regularly seek feedback from these essential educators to ensure they have what's needed to inspire and motivate students every day.

Hold us accountable; WE WILL NOT let you down.

David Borsh

David Borsh

Dear Chatham Community,

As a Chatham graduate, I care deeply about our schools and community. My focus is responsible spending, stronger student outcomes, and meaningful support for educators.

With enrollment under 1,000 students, there are opportunities to improve efficiency. Options like shared services with nearby districts deserve open discussion. I believe the community should be included with transparency around costs, savings, and facility use. I am committed to careful budgeting and responsible decisions that respect taxpayers.

Student performance must improve. Every student should be supported, challenged, and given the tools to succeed.

Our educators are essential and deserve support, respect, and resources to do their best.

I believe in accountability, transparency, and doing what is right for Chatham.

We will also work to strengthen communication between families and schools while creating opportunities for students to grow academically and personally. Our goal is to build pride and trust throughout the district.

We are ready to listen and lead with integrity every day.

Sincerely,

Dave Borsh

Open Seats

The District has four seats up for election on May 19, 2026:

  • The expiring term of Matthew Fisch (current incumbent) July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2026

  • The expiring term of Marianne Pierro (current incumbent) July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2026

  • The expiring term of Dawn Friedman (current incumbent) July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2026

  • The unexpired term of Steve Michalek (Ashley Zwingelberg incumbent) July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2028

The three highest vote getters will be elected to three-year terms commencing on July 1, 2026 and expiring on June 30, 2029.

The fourth-highest vote getter will be elected to a two-year term commencing on May 20, 2026 and expiring on June 30, 2028, to fill the remainder of an unexpired term left vacant by the resignation of Steve Michalek.

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

Absentee & Early Voting by Mail Ballots

Applications for absentee or early mail voter ballots may be applied for at the Office of the School District Clerk.  Applications for absentee ballots can be requested no earlier than April 24, 2026 and must be received by the District Clerk no later than 4:00 p.m. on May 12, 2026, if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter; or no later than 4:00 p.m. on May 18, 2026 if receiving the ballot in person. All absentee or early mail in voter ballots must be received by the District Clerk not later than 5:00 p.m. on May 19, 2026. Contact the District Clerk at 518-392-1501 or pottenburghd@chatham.k12.ny.us

2026-27 School Budget Vote

Information about our 2026-27 school budget proposal is available on our Budget Information page.