April 28, 2025
On May 20, New Hartford voters will elect one district resident to serve on the New Hartford Board of Education. The individual elected will serve a five-year term beginning July 1, 2025.
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.
JP Kidwell
JP Kidwell is seeking his first term on the board of education. He and his wife, Christina, have three children: one who attends Hughes Elementary School, one who attends Perry Junior High School, and one who attends Whitesboro High School. He has been a district resident for twelve years.
Mr. Kidwell is a graduate of Notre Dame High School. He received his associate’s degree from Mohawk Valley Community College and earned his bachelor’s degree in professional studies and health services management from SUNY Polytechnic Institute. He is currently the owner of AirWell Duct & Dryer Cleaning.
Mr. Kidwell is a member of the Oneida County Board of Ethics, a board member for Charity Motor Club, and serves on Integrated Community Alternatives Network’s (ICAN) board of directors. He is also a judge for the New York Business Plan Competition. Mr. Kidwell is committed to supporting all students, valuing educators, and making fiscally responsible decisions that reflect the communities shared priorities. He would like to strengthen what’s working, make improvements, and ensure the district remains a place of pride, opportunity, and excellence for every family in New Hartford.
Shahida Dar
Shahida Dar is seeking her first term on the board of education. She and her husband, Abdellatif Bourhim, have three children: one who attends Hughes Elementary School, one who attends Perry Junior High School and one who attends Syracuse University. She has been a district resident for nine years.
Ms. Dar earned her high school diploma and master of science degree in physics in Pakistan. She received her post graduate diploma in physics in Italy and attended the University of Delaware where she earned her doctoral degree in theoretical high energy physics. She is a professor at Mohawk Valley Community College where she teaches physics and engineering science.
Ms. Dar is involved in Integrated Community Alternatives Network (ICAN), Utica Children’s Museum and is a science outreach volunteer at the Utica Zoo. She is also a member of the district’s Educational Equity Committee. Ms. Dar would like to prioritize teamwork, transparency, and open communication among schools, families, and the community. She envisions a district that excels academically and promotes an inclusive and nurturing environment where every student feels valued and supported.
Brian Connery
Brian Connery is seeking his first term on the board of education. He and his wife, Andrea, have two children: both of whom attend Bradley Elementary School. He has been a district resident for seven years.
Mr. Connery is a graduate of Beekmantown High School. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical and aeronautical engineering from Clarkson University and attended SUNY Plattsburgh for secondary education. He is currently a physics, chemistry and technology teacher for the Rome City School District.
Mr. Connery formerly attended New Hartford’s Special Education PTSA meetings and is a member of the New Hartford Presbyterian Church. Mr. Connery aspires to fairly represent all district students for the outstanding education and opportunities they expect and deserve. He highly regards New Hartford’s staff for their exceptional educational talent and dedication and eagerly welcomes the opportunity to be a collaborative part of the board.