On Tuesday, May 21, voters in the South Colonie Central School District will elect two board members to fill- two vacancies (each a five-year term). Candidates must meet all of the other requirements to run for the Board. Learn more about the South Colonie Central School District Board of Education here.
David Kiehle is running unopposed for reelection for a five-year term expiring on June 30, 2029.
Two candidates are running for a five-year term expiring on June 30, 2029, to succeed James T. Ryan.
Candidates are listed in the order they will appear on the ballot:
- Jen Houlihan
- Eric McDowell
David Kiehle
David Kiehle began his journey with the South Colonie Board of Education in 2009, eventually assuming roles as both President and Vice President. Currently seeking reelection, he serves on various committees including Audit & Finance, Academic Achievement, Athletic Hall of Fame, and Transportation/Facilities.
He has lived in the district for more than 55 years. Now retired, he had been employed for 39 years as a mathematics teacher at Shaker High School in Latham.
Kiehle earned master’s degrees in Advanced Classroom Teaching of Mathematics and Educational Administration, and a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Education, from the State University at Albany. He also earned an associate’s degree from Corning Community College.
Kiehle is a former President of the North Colonie Teachers Association and member of the Town of Colonie Community Partnership. He is a former Cub Scout pack leader and football coach at Shaker High School, and has helped over the years with South Colonie PTA and Friends of Music activities. He and his wife Sheila’s two children, Matthew and Kara, are South Colonie graduates. Kiehle assisted with PTA and Friends of Music when his children were in school.
During his tenure on the school board, he has served as a member or chair of the Academic Achievement, Audit-Finance, Board Operations, Strategic Planning, and Facilities committees. He has also served as board representative on the South Colonie Curriculum Review Board.
Jen Houlihan
Jen Houlihan is running for her first term on the South Colonie Board of Education. Currently, she serves as a secondary instructional supervisor in the City School District of Albany, overseeing curriculum development, instructional leadership, professional development, and school improvement planning. A graduate of Shaker High School, she pursued higher education, earning her B.A. in Literature and Rhetoric as well as Political Science from Binghamton University, followed by a MAT in English Education from Rhode Island College. She continued her academic pursuits with a CAS in Educational Leadership SBL/SDL from St. Rose and has completed coursework toward a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction at SUNY Albany.
Deeply involved in the South Colonie school community, Houlihan has held various leadership positions within the Sand Creek PTA and currently serves as recording secretary for the CCHS PTSA. She is also the current president and former secretary of the PTA Council. Additionally, she contributes to South Colonie committees focusing on professional development and parent and family engagement and has participated in district strategic planning through facilitated focus groups.
In addition to her organizational roles, Houlihan volunteers for numerous school programs and events, including Raiderfest, Line ‘N Cue, and the PTSA Craft Fair. A resident of the South Colonie district for 17 years, she is a proud parent of two children attending South Colonie Schools.
Eric McDowell
Eric McDowell is seeking his first term on the South Colonie Board of Education. McDowell is currently the president of The Eric Idea Agency where he provides public relations, event management with MC and website content development. He is a Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School graduate and went on to the University of New Haven where he received his bachelor’s degree in communications.
McDowell is an active member of the Lisha Kill PTA and is currently holding his second year, of a two-year term, as president. He also serves on the Colonie Central High School Athletic Hall of Fame Committee. Additionally, he serves as the president of the Capital District Sports Women of the Year, a program which he founded in 2020. To date, the organization has honored over 30 young female student-athletes for excellence in academics, athletics, and community service.
McDowell has resided in the South Colonie district for the last 18 years. He has one child who attends South Colonie schools.
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