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Board Elections

Board of Education Elections

SAVE THE DATE
SCHOOL BUDGET VOTE & BOARD ELECTION
6 A.M. TO 9 P.M. – TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2026
PENFIELD HIGH SCHOOL GYM

Two of the seven board seats are to be filled in the elections on May 19, 2026. The term of office for a Board member is three years. 

Meet the Candidates Night

The District's Meet the Candidates Night is at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, May 4, 2026. There are three ways to watch:

Budget Vote

In additon to electing two members to the Board of Education, voters will also be asked to approve the 2026-2027 budget.

Learn more about the 2026-2027 Budget

Absentee and Early Voter Ballots Available

The Absentee Ballot Application and Early Mail Ballot Application are available as of Monday, April 27, 2026. Applications can be picked up from the District Clerk between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, at the District Office, 2590 Atlantic Ave, by calling 585-249-5744. Completed applications must be received by the District Clerk (1) at least seven days prior to the vote if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter or (2) the day before the vote if the voter is picking up the ballot in person.

The applications can also be downloaded:

Absentee and early voter ballots must be received by the District Clerk no later than 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

Voting Machines

In 2025, the Monroe County Board of Elections implemented new touchscreen voting machines for all elections, including the School Budget Vote and Board Election. Learn more about how to vote using these new machines by watching the following video: How to Vote Video from the Monroe County Board of Elections Website.

2026 Board of Education Candidates

There are four candidates running for two open seats on the Board of Education. The individuals receiving the two highest vote totals will serve three-year terms from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029. The candidates are listed in alphabetical order.

  • Dr. Aaliyah El-Amin-TurnerDr. Aaliyah El-Amin-Turner

    Email: AElAminTurner@penfield.edu

    Family: Husband, Tanaka, 4 children (2 are PHS alumni), 1 grandchild in Penfield CSD

    Education: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master of Science in Counseling from St. John Fisher University; Doctorate in Counseling and Human Development from the University of Rochester

    Employment: Clinical Assistant Professor in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at D’Youville University

    Honors and Activities

    • Licensed Mental Health Counselor in private practice
    • Board President, Penfield Central School District Board of Education
    • Member, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated


    Personal Statement
    I am proud to continue serving the Penfield community and remain deeply committed to supporting every student’s success. As a lifelong member of this community, I was raised and educated in Penfield schools, and my husband and I chose to return here because of the district’s strong educational foundation. Two of our children are Penfield graduates, and my personal and family experiences shape my deep appreciation for the values and opportunities Penfield provides.

    Professionally, I serve as a Clinical Assistant Professor and Licensed Mental Health Counselor, bringing both educational and clinical expertise to my work. Since being elected to the Board of Education in 2023, and currently serving as Board President, I have focused on thoughtful decision-making, fiscal responsibility, and maintaining a safe, inclusive, and high-quality learning environment for all students.
    I believe strong schools are built through collaboration, transparency, and a commitment to both academic excellence and student well-being. As I seek reelection, I remain dedicated to preserving Penfield’s strengths while continuing to move our District forward to meet the evolving needs of all students and families.

  • Susan KavanaghSusan Kavanagh

    Email: susank.penfield@gmail.com

    Family: Husband, Neil; 1 child in Penfield CSD

    Education: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from St. John Fisher University

    Employment: Senior Director of Client Experience for Global Legal Technology Corporation and Core Executive Leader of employer’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Team

    Honors and Activities

    • Immediate Past-President and Board Advisor, TechRochester (2025-2027)
    • President, TechRochester (2023-2025)
    • Athena International Award (2025 Finalist)
    • Endorsed by Penfield Education Association
    • Endorsed by the Association of Penfield Teaching Assistants


    Personal Statement

    As a 16-year resident and parent of a Penfield student, I believe deeply in the strength, potential, and promise of our schools.

    I have spent much of my career serving on professional boards, where I developed a solid understanding of fiduciary responsibility, thoughtful leadership, and representing a community with integrity. My approach is grounded in collaboration, transparency, accountability, fiscal responsibility, and communication.

    Our district employees - teachers, support staff, aides, and administrators - are at the core of academic success. They are dedicated professionals who deserve to be supported, respected, and empowered to educate, inspire, and guide our students. I am committed to listening to their needs and ensuring their voices help shape the future of this District. I am humbled to receive the support and endorsement of the Penfield Education Association and the Association of Penfield Teaching Assistants.

    Each child deserves an environment that fosters active learning, growth, and a sense of belonging. Strong schools are built on strong partnerships. This requires open dialogue, mutual respect, and a shared focus on student success. I will work to engage our community, celebrate our historic accomplishments, strengthen collaboration, rebuild trust, and support decisions that are centered on our students.

  • Krista KhanKrista Khan

    Email: kkhan@penfield.edu

    Family: Husband, Lee, and 3 children (2 are PHS alumni)

    Education: Certification and International Diploma in Early Childhood Education from Montessori Centre International in London

    Employment: Yoga Consultant, The Healing Connection and Monte Nido of Western NY

    Personal Statement
    I have served on the Penfield BOE for four years and I am currently the Vice President. Over the last four years, I have been part of the Monroe County School Board Association (MCSBA) Legislative committee as well as the PCSD Orientation and Audit committees and the Policy sub-committee. I enjoy attending the annual New York State School Board Association (NYSSBA) Conventions when my schedule allows and I make a determined effort to stay abreast with District activities and trends around New York state. I have had the honor of learning a great deal of valuable information about public education and the many facets that need to work together to make a district efficient, organized, and effective.

    Working as a yoga consultant has allowed me to use my trauma-informed training to support individuals with PTSD, anxiety, and depression. I am an avid believer and advocate in supporting the whole child and ensuring that every student receives what they need to thrive.

    I have called Penfield home for 22 years and I am committed to this District. I would appreciate your support so that I may continue to engage in the amazing work being done by our staff and students.

  • Stacy LonardoStacy Lonardo

    Email: StacyLonardo@gmail.com

    Family: 1 child in Penfield CSD

    Education: Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Michigan State University and Master of Science in Education from SUNY Brockport

    Employment: First Grade Teacher, Spencerport Central Schools

    Honors and Activities

    • Senior Bash Planning Committee, Penfield High School (2025-2026) 
    • Cell Phone Committee, Penfield High School (Spring 2025) 
    • Vice President, Cobbles PTA (2017-2018) 
    • Building Planning Team Member, Munn Elementary School 
    • First Grade Team Leader, Munn Elementary School 
    • Political Action Chair, Spencerport Teachers Association 
    • Endorsed by: Penfield Education Association (PEA) and Association for Penfield Teaching Assistants (APTA)


    Personal Statement
    My name is Stacy Lonardo. My son is a senior at Penfield High School who has grown into an accomplished musician and will continue his studies in college. I’ve enjoyed attending his performances, and look forward to staying involved in the community well beyond his graduation.

    As a 38-year veteran elementary teacher who has taught Kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 6th grades and served as the District’s first Enrichment Specialist, I’ve seen the impact a strong board can have on a district. I will work to unify the board, ask tough but necessary questions, and remain visible in the community. As Penfield faces the loss of quality educators and administrators, I bring valuable insight into attracting, hiring, and retaining strong professionals.

    With education constantly evolving, I will advocate for fiscally responsible policies and programs that support our teachers and strengthen our students’ academic futures.

    I am committed to being a visible, approachable, and actively involved board member who fosters open communication, trust, and understanding within our community.