On June 9, Stillwater residents will elect four members to the Board of Education. Three board seats will be three-year terms and one will be a one- year term to replace a seat that will be vacated by a board member on June 30.
Residents will vote on the school budget proposal and Board of Education members via absentee ballot.
William “Bill” Callanan
Bill Callanan is currently serving his third year on the Stillwater Board of Education. He lives in Stillwater with his wife, Renee, who has been a teacher at Stillwater for the past 18 years, and their children Aidan and Madelyn. Aidan is a current 6th grader and Madelyn is a 5th grader.
Bill is the Assistant Superintendent of the Albany terminal for Global Companies where he oversees the facilities budget and everyday operations. “I feel that this gives me a great background to bring to the table when helping to make wise financial decisions for the district,” Callanan said.
He has proudly coached football for many years at the modified level as well as the youth Battle program.
“It is my pleasure to be involved in betterment of the Stillwater Central School District,” Callanan said. “We are very proud Warriors! I am very committed to helping this community in any way possible.”
As a current BOE member, Bill serves on both the Facilities Committee and Planning Committee. He is actively involved in overseeing all projects and improvements made to the Stillwater campus at large. He is also involved in looking at proposed curriculum and other important ideas brought to the table to make our school better for kids.
“I feel that after getting rolling in the first three years I am really settling into a groove to do even more as a member of the Board of Education,” Callanan said. “I am hopeful that I will be re-elected so that I can continue to help create an even better Stillwater.”
Dave Giso
Dave Giso is seeking his second term on the Stillwater Board of Education. He and his wife Ingrid have been Stillwater residents for 20 years. They have two sons, David Jr. and Carlo, both who attend Stillwater Middle School. Dave has spent the last 25 years in executive roles in Healthcare Finance.
“I would appreciate the opportunity to continue to move Stillwater CSD in the positive direction experienced over the past several years,” Giso said.
Brian McNeil
Brian McNeil is a lifelong resident of Stillwater. He lives in the community with his wife of 20 years, Christy, and their two children Brian (18) and CJ (16), both who are students of the Stillwater School District. Brian grew up in Stillwater where he was engaged in school functions and was a member of the football team. He graduated from St. John Fisher College with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and is currently employed by Wine and Spirits of Slingerlands.
Dedicated to serving the community, Brian served on the Stillwater Area Community Center Board of Directors. He served on the Stillwater Battle Football Board and he is a continuous volunteer coaching the kids of the community in both basketball and football. Along with these volunteer positions, Brian is an active member of the Stillwater PTA.
Shay Valigorsky
Shay has lived most of her life in Stillwater. She graduated from Stillwater in 1996. Both of her children, Simon (19) and Amelia (15), have attended school at Stillwater since kindergarten. Shay was active with the Stillwater PTA when her children were younger and sat on the Board of Education from July 2016-July 2019. She has been a very strong advocate for ensuring an appropriate education for all students. Having earned her bachelor’s degree in theatre, she is also a strong supporter of the arts. Shay currently works in Human Resources at a local hospital.
“I am looking forward to the prospect of rejoining the Board of Education as I have always thoroughly enjoyed my time volunteering in this capacity,” Valigorsky said.