Five seek three open Board of Education seats

Five candidates are running for three-year terms on the Akron Central School Board of Education.  The three-year terms of present Board of Education members Ryan Allen, Heather Cayea and Kristy Pingitore will expire on June 30, 2025.

In order of how they will appear on the ballot, the candidates seeking those board seats are Chandra Jagielo, Julie Matusek, Heather Cayea, Connor Borchert, and Kristy Pingitore.

Voting on the above three seats will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 between Noon and 9:00 p.m.   The 2025-2026 District budget will also be voted on at that time.

Each candidate submitted a bio/statement which follows in ballot order.

Chandra Jagielo

With 18 years of dedicated experience in education, I have spent my career working to support students, families, and school communities. Most recently, I serve as the Administrator for Culture & Climate in the Sweet Home School District, where I focused on creating positive, inclusive, and supportive environments that foster both academic success and personal growth for all students.

As the proud parent of four children currently enrolled in the Akron Central School District, from kindergarten to high school, I have a personal stake in the continued success of our schools. Each of my children attends a different building in the district, giving me a unique, firsthand perspective of the strengths and challenges at every level of our educational system.

Working in the Akron district earlier in my career was a significant experience, and I am excited to give back to this community in a new way. I’m running for the Board of Education because I believe in the power of public education to change lives. I want to ensure that every student in Akron has access to a safe, supportive, and high-quality learning experience.

If elected, I will bring my professional expertise, collaborative spirit, and passion for education to serve all students, families, and staff in Akron. Together, we can continue building a district that empowers every child to thrive.

Julie B. Matusek

My name is Julie B. Matusek.  I have been a resident of Akron for 35 years and have taught in the Akron Central School District for 32 years.  I received my Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Elementary and Special Education and a Master’s of Science degree from the State University at Buffalo in May of 1989 and December of 1993, respectively.  In addition to my formal undergraduate and graduate education, I have completed 30 hours past my Master’s degree with a concentration in teaching strategies and pedagogy.  Being a teacher requires continual professional development for which I completed many hours of.  Since retiring, and even before, it became apparent to me that I will always care about what is in the best interest of students.  Serving on the Akron Board of Education will allow me to foster my intentions in a different, yet rewarding way. 

My family is extremely important to me. I am married to an Akron graduate and am the mother of 3 children, all of whom graduated from Akron Central. I have one beautiful daughter-in-law who we welcomed into the family last year.  In addition, we have a dog named Ollie J, 2 cats called Rosemary and Roxy and a 20 year old turtle, named Susie, after my late mother. My granddog is named Ace. He also spends a lot of time with us! At one time in my career, my older boys were in my classroom.  This is a memory that I recall fondly as I was able to enhance and experience with them their formal, public education by being there as a public school teacher and a mom.

Currently, I spend my days traveling, substitute teaching and/or volunteering for Akron Rescue Cats as much as I can. I am also a member of the Council for Exceptional Children which is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving the educational success of children with disabilities.

I am running for the Board of Education because I am vested in the future of children’s education.  I am also running because I am vested in the way public school educators are viewed as professionals.  It is my goal to reiterate the importance of the educators in our district. The knowledge and experience our teachers provide is invaluable to the success of overall student performance.  It is essential that we work together to develop policies, procedures, programs and principles.  I am supported by our teacher union, the Akron Faculty Association.  My hope is to integrate the combination of strong communication, empathy and patience as we focus on positive school experiences.  Teachers are the backbone of our school unit.  I take my candidacy and the fact that I was a teacher very seriously. Working effectively with other board members, parents and stakeholders is also very necessary when supporting student success. I look forward to overseeing programs that will enhance our students’ chances at competing for college placements and vocational training while maintaining a strong relationship with our superintendent, Andrea Kersten, and the competent administrative team for which she surrounds herself.  I plan to attend various conferences, meetings and opportunities for collaboration to enhance my experience and relay key information as it relates to the betterment of Akron Central Schools.

I humbly ask for your vote on May 20th while supporting the proposed school budget. 

Heather Cayea

I am excited to announce my candidacy for a third term on the Akron School Board. As a dedicated parent, experienced educator, and active community member, I remain committed to the continued growth and success of our schools.

My passion for education is deeply personal. I have three children currently enrolled in our district—one in elementary school and two preparing to enter high school—and my oldest is a recent graduate of our schools. These experiences give me a firsthand understanding of the importance of strong, student-focused leadership.

Over the past two terms, I’ve had the honor of helping guide our district through pivotal changes, including the selection of a new superintendent. I’m proud of our direction, particularly our growing commitment to amplifying student voices in shaping their educational experiences. I strongly support expanding electives in the middle and high schools and career and technical education opportunities at BOCES to ensure every student is prepared for life beyond graduation.

As a teacher for students with disabilities, I understand the importance of inclusive, supportive environments for all learners. I remain a strong advocate for special education and for the dedicated teachers who make a difference in our students’ lives every day.

I’ve served on multiple committees, including the Policy Advisory Committee, where we developed our district’s AI policy, focusing on ethical use and responsible integration of technology in education, and the Recreation Department Committee, where I’ve helped bring new youth programs to our community. My involvement extends beyond board meetings—I’m actively engaged in PTA, Girl Scouts, and other community initiatives that support our kids.

I believe in our district’s potential and the power of education to change lives. I’m running for a third term to continue building on the progress we’ve made and to push for even greater opportunities for every student.  I ask for your continued support to keep moving our schools forward.

Connor Borchert

My name is Connor Borchert, and I am a lifelong resident of Akron, NY. I graduated from Akron Central School in 2015 and earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminology with a minor in Sociology from Niagara University in 2018.

Since 2019. I have served as a police officer in the City of Batavia. In September 2022, I began working as a School Resource Officer in the Batavia City School District. Additionally, I have been a member of the Village of Akron Zoning Board of Appeals since October 2023.

Throughout my time as a student at Akron High School and Niagara University, and now as an adult, I have participated in organizations such as SABAH (Spirited Athletes Bold at Heart), the Special Olympics of Western New York, and the Polar Plunge.

As a School Resource Officer, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges that school districts face daily. I believe my knowledge and experience in this role can positively impact all students and community stakeholders in the Akron Central School District.

I am running for the Akron Board of Education because I believe that school safety should be a top priority. For students to reach their fullest potential, they must be provided with the safest learning environment possible. With my dedication to public service and my experience as a School Resource Officer, I can bring extensive knowledge of best practices in school safety to the Akron Central School District.

Akron has always been known as Western New York’s best-kept secret, and I intend to maintain that reputation through a focus on school safety. I humbly ask for your vote on May 20th.

Kristy Pingitore

Kristy Pingitore is seeking re-election to the Akron Central School District Board of Education after proudly serving a three-year term since her initial election in May 2022. A dedicated community member, Kristy has lived in the Akron-Newstead area for 22 years with her husband, Anthony. Together, they share six children, ranging in age from 10 to 27. Four of their children are proud graduates of Akron Central Schools, and two currently attend ACS in the 5th and 9th grades.

Kristy brings over two decades of leadership experience in the construction and building trades industry, having worked in contract finance, operations, and most recently, human resources management. She and her husband also own and operate B+B Door Service, a family-run business that has served the Akron-Newstead community for more than 40 years.

A passionate advocate for public service, Kristy has long been active in local organizations. She has served as Treasurer and President of the Akron Chamber of Commerce and chaired the popular Thursday Cruise Nights on Main Street. In 2022, she spearheaded the Akron Hometown Heroes Banner Program, honoring local veterans and active service members with banners displayed throughout the Village from Memorial Day through Veterans Day—a program especially meaningful to her as her late son Caleb Cray, was a proud U.S. Air Force veteran.

Kristy also serves with the Blue Star Mothers of America in NY Chapter 7 and nationally supports the “22 a Day” initiative, advocating for veterans’ mental health and working to end suicide among service members.

During her time on the Board, Kristy has served on several committees, including: NYSSBA Voting Delegate, ECASB Legislative Team Representative, Strategic Planning Committee (Alternate), 2023-2025 Capital Project Liaison, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee, and WNED/BPO Education Representative

She worked closely with former Superintendent Patrick McCabe in her first year to enhance school safety, including the implementation of upgraded visitor management software across district buildings. In 2024, Kristy was honored by the Erie County Association of School Boards with two distinguished recognitions: the inaugural Ray Carr Emerging Leaders Award and the Rising Star Award, both of which celebrate her commitment to education and student advocacy across the region.

“It has been both a privilege and an honor to serve the Akron Central School District over the past three years,” Kristy says. “I am grateful for the opportunity to advocate for our students and support the talented educators and staff that make our district exceptional. I look forward to continuing this important work and humbly ask for your vote on May 20, 2025.”