Meet the Board of Education

The board is responsible for establishing the quality of education in the district. As elected officials, they represent the public in:

  • defining the philosophy of the district;
  • setting goals and objectives to achieve educational progress;
  • establishing policies for the operation of the school district;
  • evaluating the effectiveness of district programs and services;
  • developing a budget consistent with educational needs and community resources.


2025-2026 BOE Election

There are two seats for 3-year terms to be filled. All nominations for Board of Education seats are considered “at large” rather than for a specific seat.

Amy Kennedy PortraitAmy Kennedy is seeking her first term on the board. She has been a resident of the district for 7 years. She is a graduate of West Babylon Sr High School and Suffolk Community College in NYC. Her son, Tiernan, started at C-RCSD in 2nd grade, and now attends Golding Middle School. Upon moving to the district from NYC in 2018, she immediately began volunteering for CREST and Friends of Music. She began substituting for the district in 2020. She works part-time at The Studio for Art and Craft in Cobleskill. In her free time, she’s a Sunday School teacher at United Methodist Church, and helps coordinate the youth group there. “I feel that running for the school board is a natural progression. I am devoted to improving the student’s experience in our schools. I am hoping to improve some of our school policies. My ultimate goal would be to bring joy into every classroom and foster a love of learning.”



Max Horning PortraitMaxwell Horning is seeking his first term on the board. A life-long resident and former teacher of CRCSD, he currently teaches music to grades 4-12 at Sharon Springs CSD. He is a graduate of C-R High School and holds Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in Music Education from The Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam and the Ithaca College School of Music, respectively. Horning is involved in Schoharie County Music Educators Association where he plans, hosts, and frequently accompanies All-County festivals. He also performs weekly for two local churches, participates in Schoharie Valley Concert Band, and volunteers for the Joshua Project’s Summer Lunch Program. “I believe students deserve meaningful opportunities, teachers deserve respect and support, and the community deserves to be heard and genuinely listened to. This district shaped who I am. Now I’m ready to help shape its future.”



Jason Gagnon PortraitJason Gagnon is seeking his second term on the board. He has been a resident of the district for about 15 years. Gagnon is a graduate of Patch American High School in Stuttgart, Germany, and SUNY New Paltz, from which he holds a BA in Philosophy. He currently works for Conduent, a business outsourcing company, where he is a specialist in social services. He and his wife, Laura, the librarian at Golding Middle School, have three children: Eleanor (Golding); Julian (Radez); and Basil (Ryder). He has assisted her with many programs such as Battle of the Books, The Spelling Bee, and PARP.  “I’m deeply invested in the success of our schools—both as a parent and as a member of this community. I bring a perspective that reflects the day-to-day experience of families and educators. I also believe in open, honest conversation. I’m committed to doing what I believe is right for our students, our teachers, and our community and I’d be honored to continue that work in a second term."



Sarah NiesSarah Nies is seeking her first term on the board. She and her husband, Jeff, have one child, Francesca (Golding). She’s lived in the district for 11 years and currently works as Director to the Office of Community Services for Schoharie County. She holds a Bachelor’s from St. Bonaventure University, where she studied History, Philosophy and Theology. She then earned her Master’s in Franciscan Studies and an MSED in Clinical Mental Health. Nies has been a Citizen’s Budget Committee member. She previously served as Secretary and Chair of the Country Classroom School Board for 6 years. “I believe in giving back to the community. Every young person equally deserves a high-quality education. I believe that school board members should be bi-partisan because they must work for what is in the best interest of students. Schools are the heart of our community and the places where students learn to become citizens.”


Voting for board of education candidates, propositions, and the district's 2025-2026 school budget will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

Meeting schedule

C-RCS Board of Education meetings are normally held in the William H. Golding Middle School library at 6:30 p.m. Board of Education meetings are videotaped by Schopeg. Livestream information will be posted to the district website prior to each meeting. Past Board of Education meetings can be found under the Board Meetings tab.


Board of Education members 

Bruce Tryon, President, [email protected]

Dominga Lent, Vice President, [email protected]
Mary Black, [email protected]
Jason Gagnon, [email protected]
Steven Philbrick, [email protected]
Susan Emerson Strasser, [email protected]
Aimee Yorke, [email protected]

Board of Education committees

Board of Education members serve on many district committees to help ensure representation and transparency across district operations. Below is a list of C-RCSD committees on which BOE members serve.

Audit: Bruce Tryon, Steven Philbrick
Board Policy:
 Mary Black, Susan Emerson Strasser, Bruce Tryon

Facilities: Steven Philbrick, Aimee Yorke
Health and Safety: Dominga Lent
Professional Growth: Mary Black
Strategic Planning: Susan Strasser, Aimee Yorke
Technology: Jason Gagnon, Mary Black
Wellness: Susan Emerson Strasser