Meet the Candidates 2023

There are two vacancies on the Galway CSD Board of Education. The vacancies are for two four-year terms of office effective July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2027. The seats are currently held by Linda Jackowski and Dennis Schaperjahn. 

To help residents know more about the candidates, we asked each one the following questions:

1. Your professional title and organization (if applicable), and how many years you have worked there

2. How long have you lived in Galway CSD (and what town do you live in)? 3. Do you have children or grandchildren who attend Galway CSD? 

4. What made you decide to run for the Board of Education? 

5. What are your top three priorities for the district? 6. What other elected offices do you hold? 

7. Do you serve in any other volunteer organizations? 

8. What would you like residents in the districts to know? 

Their answers are listed below in alphabetical order by the candidate’s last name. 

Linda Jackowski

Mrs. Jackowski is a retired educator who served as a speech language pathologist, chairperson and coordinator of the Committee on Special Education and Preschool Special Education, director of special education, and director of pupil personnel services.  She worked in a number of school districts in her evolving career including: Shenendehowa, Ballston Spa, Berlin, Mechanicville, and Galway. She retired from Galway CSD after 10 years as the pupil services director.

Mrs. Jackowski has been a resident of Galway for 28 years. She currently lives in West Galway with an Amsterdam mailing address. 

Mrs. Jackowski’s daughter graduated from Galway CSD and resides with her husband and four children in Galway. Her other daughter moved back to Galway with her husband and two children. All of Mrs. Jackowski’s grandchildren attend Galway Schools and range from pre-school to high school.

Mrs. Jackowski has served on the Board of Education since 2017. She is running for re-election because “As a retired educator, I have a burning passion to ensure all students receive a quality education that addresses the whole child.  It is our responsibility as grandparents, parents and school staff to raise competent, kind and responsible young men and women.”

Her top three priorities for the district are: 

1. Ensure a curriculum that is competitive, challenging and exciting while maintaining fiscal constraints.

2. Rigorously promote social/emotional learning that addresses the world’s complex challenges. Our students are exposed to numerous social pressures and need strategies to cope with social/emotional obstacles. The entire school community needs a safe environment where all students, families, staff and community feel valued.

3. Aggressively address communication weaknesses within our schools and articulate concise, accurate information to our school community in a timely manner. 

  As a current BOE member, Mrs. Jackowski is an active member of the following Board of Education Committees: Finance, Policy, and Safety. She also participates in the Academic Stakeholder Committee. She does not hold any other elected positions. 

Mrs. Jackowski volunteers her time with Beta Omega, Friends of the Library, and Galway Seniors. She is a driver for Meals on Wheels and a former Lioness.

“I am proud of the  accomplishments that the Galway school and BOE have achieved including: a  focus on ELA and math skills, providing smaller classes in the aftermath of the pandemic, additional academic supports for all students, introducing various social/ emotional programs such as RULER, increasing graduation pathways, the new agriculture/horticultural strand in the Junior/Senior High School, Advanced Placement classes to earn college credit, continued enrollment in BOCES trade programs, summer enrichment and summer camp free for all students, upgrades to the school facility, maintaining a fiscally responsible budget etc. That being said, we have so much more to do. Students, families and staff still suffer from the effects of the pandemic. Social interactions have eroded. We need to ensure that all members of our school and community are treated with respect and dignity. We can only accomplish this by working together in an open and honest manner with our children as the main focus.”

Krystal Pashley

Mrs. Pashley is an elementary teacher in the Schenectady City School District, and she has worked there for 16 years. 

Mrs. Pashley has lived in the town of Providence in the Galway Central School District her whole life. She attended Joseph Henry Elementary School and the Galway Junior/Senior High School and graduated in 2002. 

Mrs. Pashley has two daughters who attend Galway Central School District – one in second grade and one in Pre-K. 

Mrs. Pashley is running for the Board of Education because: “I am an involved parent and want the best for all children. I am a teacher and aware of all of the challenges that are impacting districts right now, especially after covid. Education is changing and I feel I can contribute and help our district provide a safe, encouraging environment that will produce students who are ready to enter the workforce and college when they graduate. I feel that there are some changes that need to be made to ensure the best learning environment for our kids. I want to help the district and community build a trusting relationship. I want to establish a transparent and trusting relationship with parents. I want parents to feel that their voices and concerns are heard and work toward common goals.”  

Her top three priorities for the district are:

1. Mental health

Mental Health is a challenge facing all districts. Adapting to the world of technology, phones, social media and how it impacts our students and their learning but also their social and emotional well being. Mental health is a huge issue, depressions and suicide is rising, with that so is bullying in person and online. I want to have resources and staff to aid in mental health, the teachers cannot do this alone. I often find the students who are screaming for help, get the help but, the quiet students who internalize don't get the support needed. We need more mental health professional staff to deal with the daily social emotional issues, specific trauma issues, and or when unexpected traumas or situations arise. I am looking into grants to help support this. I want to provide training and programs for staff but also for parents to look for signs of mental health and resources to meet the needs of our families.

2. School Safety

School Safety is another pressing challenge for all schools, and I think that we need to have hall monitors in the hallway in the high school and middle school. I think there should be one in the high school and one in the elementary school. As a teacher I know it only takes a few seconds for a tragedy to happen. If a resource officer is at the elementary and something is happening at the highschool the response time might be too long, so I would like to add another. Being as though we are in a rural area police officers are 10 minutes or more away. 10 minutes is too long. I rather air on the safe side of things.

3. Curriculum and Program stability

Curriculum and Program stability is another challenge and issue for many districts. Galway has taken on many new programs over the past couple years. We are currently changing our ELA program for Pre K- 8th grade. Not too long ago did Galway adopt a new ELA curriculum. The constant change and curriculum adaptation needs to slow down. Teachers cannot be effective with too many initiatives, and contant curriculum change. Teachers need stability in programs so they can become experts and therefore be more effective teachers. When staff take on too many initiatives and programs they become overwhelmed and not effective. I want to streamline our programs and take a break from constant change. That also means staff stability. Over the past couple of years we have had high teacher and aid resignations. We need incentives to attract great teachers and to keep great teachers. Schools work best when we have consistent and stable staff and our students excel when our teachers and support staff have consistent and manageable expectations. I want our curriculum and programs to be focused on career readiness, life skills, and college preparedness. I want the curriculum to meet the needs of our students, and that may look different for each student, and our school needs to adjust to the ever changing educational changes. 

Mrs. Pashley does not hold any other elected offices.

Mrs. Pashley volunteers her time as a Girl Scout Troop Co-Leader for her second grade daughter, and she is starting a new Daisy Troop this fall for Kindergarten. Through this, she is always involved in the community and Lions Club events and Town events. She is also a volunteer coach of the girls 8 U softball team for the Galway Youth and a Galway tee-ball team. She is working with the Youth Commission to have Youth cheerleading for grades Pre-K-6, and they hope to have this ready for this fall. 

“I want residents to know that I am dedicated to the Galway Central School District and all of its students. I strive for open communication and transparency. I want residents to know that I work for them and our children. I am dedicated to working hard, finding solutions to challenges, and pushing for positive change. I am not afraid to stand up for our students and their families. I want residents to know that I am always available to address their concerns and hope to make the relationship between the community and the school more collaborative.”

Dennis Schaperjahn

Mr. Schaperjahn is an Air Force Veteran and retired special education teacher who worked in the Fort Edward Union Free School District during his 27-year career.

Mr. Schaperjahn grew up in Galway and graduated from Galway High School, as did his parents, grandparents, and children. 

Mr. Schaperjahn does not have children in the school currently, but his children graduated from Galway, as did he. 

Mr. Schaperjahn has served on the Board of Education since 2011. He is running for re-election because: “Twelve years ago, I thought the direction of education needed some changes, such as a stronger financial plan and academic direction. Now that the district is fiscally sound and we have made such progress academically, I want to follow through with the completion of capital projects; make sure Galway CSD remains one of the most fiscally sound districts in the state; and see the creation of new academic programs. I also want to make sure the community has a voice in the decision making.”  

His top three priorities for the district are: 1. Academics

2. Safety

3. Financial security for Galway CSD

As a current BOE member, Mr. Schaperjahn is an active member of the Board of Education Facilities Committee. He does not hold any other elected positions. 

Mr. Schaperjahn has volunteered for many organizations through the years including Boy Scouts, sports, 20 years on the High School Shared Decision Making Team (prior to being elected to the BOE 12 years ago). His volunteerism began in 1977 with coaching gymnastics, softball, and t-ball. He is now the guest speaker for the district’s pole vaulting team. Mr. Schaperjahn was recognized for enriching the athletics program at Galway CSD through his many years of volunteerism in various capacities by being inducted into the Galway Athletic Wall of Fame. 

“I would like the community to know that every student is important to me. Everyone should have the same opportunities as every student in the district and the United States. I would like for our citizens to understand that public schools have an obligation to its citizens: A) We need to develop and maintain a world class workforce, B) We need an informed citizenry, C) Public schools must provide a world class way to equal the playing field with the rest of the world. I truly believe Public Education is the tool we must have to compete in today's world, and it needs to be open to all people. Thank you for having the trust in me for the last 12 years to accomplish this. I hope that you see fit to elect me for the next four years to continue with my efforts. I am open to listening to anyone who comes to the Board with opinions and comments. With great respect for the school community, Dennis E. Schaperjahn.”

Jeremy Sowle

Mr. Sowle is a Commercial HVAC/R (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) Team Leader Service Technician at Trane Technologies. He will be starting his 20th year with them in June. He has been in the trade for 23 years. 

Mr. Sowle has lived in Galway for his entire life and currently resides in the town of Providence. 

He has two sons and one nephew who attend Joseph Henry Elementary School. 

Mr. Sowle is running for the Board of Education because: “My platforms for being on the Board of Education is to help create an environment where our students are encouraged to consider careers in the trades. Great paying, rewarding positions and low debt to time ratios in gaining the education. I’m an excellent resource for buildings and operational guidance. I strive for common sense approaches with all people and feel I have strong communication skills no matter the situation. Open minded and a good listener to all concerned constituents. Problem solving is a specialty of mine and a daily task as a service technician.”

His top three priorities for the district are:

1. School security and personal safety for everyone in the district. Parents’ voices must be heard and we need to have increased trust in the school system. 

2. Improving Transparency is another major focus with each and every decision made on a daily, weekly and or monthly basis. 

3. Review of our building and grounds in a efficient and effective way. Investigate problems that exist with our current structures and discuss plans to improve way’s to save the taxpayers money with operational expenses.

Mr. Sowle is a former Town Of Providence Planning Board member. He served on that board for an estimated three years. He enjoyed the time served helping residents improve there properties under the guidance of the town laws and barriers set forth to us. 

Mr. Sowle has been involved with Galway Pack 4005 for 5 years. His role has been a Den Leader for nearly 22 cub scouts over his 5 years of involvement. He currently has 11 Wolfs who he will guide and mentor for an additional 3 years until they crossover into the Troop. He also serves on Pack 4005 Leadership committee. They meet and discuss what their future plans are for our Cubs. They help guide the fundraising they participate in to keep a very healthy budget and our kids learning and striving at life skills they won’t learn anywhere else. 

Galway sports has a large spot in Mr. Sowle’s heart. He is a dedicated youth Basketball coach and has been involved with that program from 1st to 6th grade for 5 years as well. Youth Baseball assistance is another focus for him as he feels building these teams helps support lifelong friendships and memories they will never forget. Also lessons that teach them and hold children accountable for there actions. Seeing them improve based on the guidance from coaching is the most remarkable reward in the world. 

“I am an Alumni of Galway, Class of 2002 and cherish my childhood years in this town. I feel I left behind a legacy of proper decorum, friendships and a Championship basketball team that I was a team captain of. We posted the most successful season in school history. I chose to build my new home in 2008 and raise my family in the district because of our culture here. I currently have two children in the Elementary School and a Nephew. I’ve been a dedicated tradesmen for over two decades, and one of my platforms for being on the Board of Education is to influence an environment where our students are encouraged to consider careers in the trades. As a father, Boy Scout leader, youth basketball coach and baseball coach, I am involved in our community and serve as a role model and mentor for all Galway children. You can be assured that if I serve on the Galway Board of Education, I will make decisions which are focused on the best interests of our students.”