There are four (4) candidates seeking three (3) open seats on the Board of Education this year. Each carries a new three-year term beginning July 1, 2025. Below, find bios for each candidate (listed in order they will appear on the ballot, which was determined by a random drawing):
Disclaimer: The below biographical information was written by, and submitted by, each individual candidate and was not edited by the District.
- SAMANTHA HICKS
Samantha is the mother of two AP students making big moves; one heading to Algonquin and the other to APHS. Residents of the district since 2015, Samantha and her husband Jeff continue to fight the Averill Park clay, but turn to our trees to make as much maple syrup as possible. Samantha spent 17 years in the maritime industry before settling down, achieving a 500-ton Ocean Master U.S. Coast Guard license. In that time, she served as a deck officer on large sailing vessels with young people and adults engaging in hands-on STEM education, team building and leadership training on the Hudson River, Atlantic Seaboard and around the world. With a Master’s degree in public administration (MPA) from SUNY Albany, she works in early childhood education and utilizes lessons from grad school and her career to fulfill her current role as a Board President of the Averill Park School Board with curiosity, diligence, and integrity. Samantha brings a core belief in the strength and importance of public school education and good governance as the foundation of a free and equitable society. She proudly sees the local school board as an entity in which the wide variety of stakeholders – students, teachers, parents, staff, administrators, residents, business owners – find common purpose and alignment in service of all students; service that ultimately strengthens the entire community.
- CHRIS PHILLIPS
I was born and raised in Rensselaer County where I attended and graduated from Brittonkill Central Schools. I earned a Masters in Education degree from SUNY Empire State College. I have taught social studies in both middle and high schools for the past seven years. I have been active in athletics outside the classroom coaching multiple sports across various age levels.
I am a devoted educator who will bring a teacher’s perspective to pursue the challenges of the Averill Park School District. I believe education is the key to opportunity and the classroom is where students learn the skills needed to be productive citizens in the 21st century. I understand the important work that is done everyday in our communities’ classrooms. I am passionate about improving our schools to facilitate the success of each and every student in the district and supporting our dedicated teachers and staff.
I am aware of the need to manage our district resources responsibly, retain qualified and inspired educators, enforce accountability in our classrooms, and meet the varying needs of the district stakeholders. I am committed to listening, learning, and leading with integrity. I look forward to working cooperatively with the community to make Averill Park Schools a better place to work and the best place for our children to receive an education in the Capital District.
- ALLISON MASSE
My name is Allison Masse, and I am a mother of two and I work full-time. I grew up in a Navy family, moving often as my father served for 30 years, and after my husband’s – who is from Averill Park – own service in the Navy, we chose to make Sand Lake our home.
My son is entering Kindergarten this fall and that has been my driving force to get involved within our community. I am running for the School Board because I believe that smaller class sizes for our youngest learners are crucial to giving them the strong foundation they deserve. Another critical factor is that our children’s health plays a huge role in their success in school and life. With a background in health and Physical Education and a passion for promoting healthy lifestyles, I prioritize real food and physical activity as foundational building blocks for our children’s growth, learning and life-long success.
- MEGHAN MCGARRY
I am a resident of APCSD for 13 years and mother of three children. My oldest is a recent graduate of APHS. My two current students at APHS and my youngest heading to high school next year. I’m a special education parent with deep understanding of the challenges and extra care required for our special needs students. My family has a long history of helping at-risk youth. We are proud to have multiple teachers named Mrs. McGarry both current and retired. My professional career in risk management provides a unique perspective on preventing loss and protecting financial interests. I remain active in the community supporting our youth in both sports and the arts. I bring all these perspectives to the table when weighing the issues in hopes of achieving and maintaining balance. In my role as a member of the Averill Park CSD Board of Education I have supported transparency, practicality and a commonsense approach to problem solving. I have continued to be available and open to anyone who has reached out to help connect them with the appropriate channels to address concerns. I have worked tirelessly towards funding equity for all students attending Averill Park Schools and am proud to show we are making progress. If re-elected, I will continue to support our most fundamental goal of Every Student Every Day.