April 29, 2024
On May 21, New Hartford voters will elect two district residents to serve on the New Hartford Board of Education. The individuals elected will each serve a five-year term beginning July 1, 2024.
The board is comprised of seven school district residents, elected by voters, and is the official policy-making body of the school district. Board members are not financially compensated.
Candidates are listed in the order they will appear on the ballot.
Andrew K. Ward
Andrew K. Ward is seeking his second term on the board of education. He and his wife, Jennifer, have three children: one who attends Perry Junior High School and two who are graduates of New Hartford Senior High School. Mr. Ward has been a district resident for 27 years.
A Remsen Senior High School graduate, Mr. Ward received a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Union College and a Juris Doctor degree from University of Dayton School of Law. Mr. Ward is an attorney and owner of Ward Arcuri Foley & Dwyer Law Firm, where he specializes in estate planning legal work.
Mr. Ward is involved in the Perry Jr. High PTA and Upstate Caring Partners, previously serving as its Board of Directors President for five years. He is also a member of the Utica Zoo Board of Trustees and the ARC Guardianship Committee. Mr. Ward would like to build on his past experience as a board of education member and president to assure continued growth in the district’s mission to serve its students, while strengthening the communication between the district and its residents.
Robert J. Roberts III
Robert J. Roberts III is seeking his first term on the board of education. He has lived in the district for four years and he and his wife, Michele, have two children: one who attends Hughes Elementary School and one who attends Perry Junior High School.
A graduate of Thomas R. Proctor High School, Mr. Roberts earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Empire State University. He is currently the chief of facility operations at Helio Health.
Mr. Roberts wants to ensure that students, teachers and staff have the facilities and resources needed to succeed. He envisions a collaborative effort, led by a positive, progressive, and future-focused board of education, to maintain the district’s top performance, excellence in education and continued success.
Louis Shkane
Louis Shkane is seeking his first term on the board of education. He has been a district resident for 22 years and he and his wife, Julie, have two children who are both New Hartford Senior High School graduates.
A graduate of New Hartford Senior High School himself, Mr. Shkane received a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and computer science and a Master of Science degree in liberal studies from Utica College (currently Utica University). Mr. Shkane is an administrator to a practicing physician.
He is a parishioner and catechist of St. John the Evangelist Church in New Hartford. Mr. Shkane prioritizes transparency and fiscal responsibility. He hopes to assist the district in identifying areas for improvement and oversee and enact policy that focuses on continuing New Hartford’s tradition of academic excellence.
Jeffrey P. Kolb
Jeffrey P. Kolb is seeking his first term on the board of education. He has lived in the district for 36 years and he and his wife, Melissa, have three children: one who attends Myles Elementary School, one who attends Perry Junior High School, and one who attends Utica University.
Mr. Kolb is a branch service manager at Diebold Nixdorf. A New Hartford Senior High School graduate, Mr. Kolb earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering technology from Rochester Institute of Technology, and a Master of Business Administration degree from SUNY Polytechnic Institute.
He currently serves as a volunteer fireman for the New Hartford Volunteer Fire Department. Mr. Kolb aspires to give back to the New Hartford community, specifically to New Hartford Central School District students. He hopes to improve district communication and foster transparency with the community.
Kim Strong
Kim Strong is seeking her first term on the board of education. She and her husband, Mike, have one child who attends Hughes Elementary School. Mrs. Strong has been a district resident for 15 years.
A New York Mills Senior High School graduate, Mrs. Strong received a bachelor’s degree in health studies and a doctorate degree in physical therapy from Utica College (currently Utica University). Mrs. Strong is a physical therapist and owns and operates Strong Physical Therapy, PLLC in New Hartford.
She is currently a member of the Hughes PTA and has volunteered at a local animal shelter, as well as assisted with spring garbage cleanup in her neighborhood. Mrs. Strong’s top priorities are transparency, accountability and collaboration, and is committed to listening to the voices of parents, students, educators and taxpayers. She wants all students to succeed and teachers to be supported so they’re able to provide a positive learning environment for every student.