Board of Education Candidates
4 candidates are running in the 2026 Board of Education election.
The Griffin Guardian Alliance held a Meet the Candidates event on May 12. At the start of the event, candidates gave statements and then answered several questions. After that, there was time for attendees to speak directly to the candidates. This video is of the formal portion of the event.
Candidate Profiles
Sarah Kullman
I have lived in the district for 19 years, and with three children enrolled in BVCS, I am committed to student-focused decisions that strengthen our community. For seven years, I have served on the Board of Education, balancing community input with the facts to guide responsible judgment.
I advocated for expanding academic and extracurricular offerings and believe the merger has broadened opportunities and strengthened connections among our students. Furthermore, I fully support a unified school that better serves the district’s long-term academic and financial needs and promotes efficient use of resources.
A strong schools system supports not just students, but our entire community. I respectfully ask for your vote on May 19 so I can continue to advocate for our district. If you have questions or concerns, I welcome the opportunity to speak with you.
Jim Jackson
I’m running for a seat on the BVCS board of education. I moved here from Long Island in 1965 and graduated from ELCS in 1969. I attended SUNY Delhi for architectural drafting and engineering. I married my wife Joanne in 1979 and helped her raise our two sons, both graduates of ELCS.
I am a former member of the Elizabethtown Kiwanis Club where I served as secretary, president, and Lt. Governor of the Adirondack division of Kiwanis International.
My work history has been varied but has primarily been in the field of construction management. I was the architect’s representative on the 1990s capital project at ELCS. An interesting project that included undermining 3/4 of the school, which was in session during the entire project. This created the cafeteria, library, computer lab, music room, and a few other ancillary rooms. As part of my job, I attended regular BOE meetings and after the project, I was elected to the board. This changed the makeup of the board to a degree and, along with other strong members, such as Paul Fenton, were able to begin facilitating changes.
I’m not an educator, and I have no children in school, nor is my wife a teacher, but I’ve always had an interest in the education and future of our youth. They are our future hopefully finding employment and becoming taxpayers in the district. The operations of the district cover a fine line providing the best education possible for our students while also keeping the taxpayers in mind by providing a sustainable but affordable budget. As a board member I anticipate many challenges on the horizon, but I’m prepared and anxious to face them.
Alyssa Carroll
I am running for the Board of Education for the Boquet Valley Central School District. I grew up in Westport and now live there as a business owner and an active board member with the Westport-Wadhams Community Alliance.
I’m running because I believe deeply in the power of public schools. They provide a vital service and are the heart of a community. They shape friendships, support families, and help define what is possible for the next generation.
Education has always been part of my life. As the daughter of a school board member and a principal, I grew up understanding how schools function and why thoughtful, steady leadership matters. That perspective has stayed with me, but my decision to run is focused on what’s happening today. Our district is facing important decisions that will have long-term impacts on our children and our economy. Those decisions deserve careful attention, clear communication, and community trust.
My approach is straightforward. Listen first. Ask good questions. Make informed decisions that reflect both immediate needs and long-term goals. I value transparency and believe residents should feel informed and included, especially during times of change.
I also believe in unity. School communities work best when people feel heard and respected, even when opinions differ. I am committed to fostering a culture that brings people together and keeps the focus on students and their success.
I’m proud to be part of this community, and I would be honored to serve.
Paul Fenton
I am seeking reelection on the Boquet Valley Central School Board. I have lived in Elizabethtown since 1981. I am married to my wife, Dawn, of 50 years, and we have raised three children who all graduated from Elizabethtown-Lewis Central School and attended college. My wife and I were foster parents for about 10 years. We had 10 to 15 foster children during that time. It was a great experience helping young children grow and thrive.
I worked at the Federal Prison in Raybrook, New York. My position was Purchasing Agent and Warehouse Foreman. I retired after 21 years. After my retirement, I continued to work part time. I always wanted to try substitute teaching, so I became a substitute teacher at several local schools. I worked in Westport in grades 3 thru 12. The teachers knew what type of job I would do. They would request me when they needed a substitute. This became a standard for me at all the school I worked at. I also worked at CV Tech at the Plattsburgh and Mineville Campuses. In addition, was called into the AuSable Valley School District as a substitute teacher for grades 3 thru 12. Again, it shows that I was doing the work that I was asked to do. I learned to recognize the value of teacher and education even more after those experiences.
I was elected to serve on the E.L.C.S. School Board twice in 2000. During that time, we being a small community, we also have to be fiscally responsible. I want all to know that I will work hard to serve our district with honesty and transparency and provide our children with the best education possible.