On the May 19, 2026 ballot, voters will be asked to elect candidates to fill two (2) open seats on the Board of Education. One elected seat includes the remainder of a current vacancy plus a full three-year, unpaid term (May 19, 2026 through June 30, 2029). The second elected seat is a full three-year, unpaid term (July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029). The candidate who receives the most votes will serve the longer term and will be sworn in at the May 19, 2026 board meeting.
The 2026-27 Hudson City School District Budget Vote and Board of Education Election will take place on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. at various voting locations. Visit the 2026-27 Budget page and Voting Information page for more details. Visit Meet the Board page to see the current Hudson City School District Board of Education members.
The following order of candidates is how the names will be listed on the ballot: Michael Zibella, Lou Zapp, and Royce “Rip” Noblin. Read about the candidates below.
Michael Zibella, Incumbent Candidate:
I’m a graduate of the Hudson High School Class of 1988 and am proud to be a Bluehawk. I hold a degree in Architectural Engineering Design from Columbia-Greene Community College. I have been self-employed for over 29 years in Columbia County and am a lifelong resident, having always lived within the boundaries of the Hudson City School District.
For many years, I have been involved with volunteer organizations, including the Hudson High School Booster Club, Scouting America (formerly known as Boy Scouts of America), and the MRA (a semi-professional racing organization), where I served as President for five years. I was also actively involved with the HHS Class of 2024, of which my son was a graduate, assisting them with their many fundraising endeavors, including spearheading the first annual HHS car show.
I’m a strong supporter of the public education system and am excited for the opportunity to work diligently with fellow board members, district administration, staff, and families to help provide a safe and stimulating learning experience for all students.
Lou Zapp, Candidate:
I am a lifelong Taghkanic resident and a 2004 graduate of Hudson City School District, and a parent of two children currently enrolled in the district. When my wife — herself a 2003 graduate of Hudson — and I were ready to buy our home, we deliberately chose to purchase within the district because we believed in these schools and wanted our children to have the same opportunities this community gave us.
I earned my degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and have built a career in structural engineering and organic grain farming. Away from work, you will find me on the field coaching my children’s little league baseball and softball teams. This district is not just where we live — it is personal to both of us. I am running because Hudson City School District is facing a real budget crisis, and the decisions made in the next few years will affect every family here. I will read the budget carefully, ask tough questions, and push for honest answers. I believe the board has an obligation to communicate openly with the community. Families deserve to know how decisions are being made and why, and I will push for greater transparency and accountability at every step.
Through it all, my priority will be making sure that every student continues to have access to the resources and programs they need to thrive. As our community continues to evolve, our schools need to be a place where every child belongs and every family has a voice. I would be honored to earn your vote for the Hudson City School District Board of Education.
Royce “Rip” Noblin, Candidate:
With 30 years of history in the Hudson City School District and a family legacy that includes a wife and three children who are all proud HCSD alumni, I am deeply rooted in this community.
My professional journey has been diverse, providing me with a unique, 360-degree perspective on how our schools function—from the physical infrastructure to the classroom. My career reflects a lifelong commitment to hard work and service. Which began with hands on experience in landscaping and custodial work, giving me a practical understanding of building and grounds maintenance. My focus shifted and I have since had a successful career in the business and financial sectors, where I’ve owned my own real estate brokerage, which transitioned into positions in both public and private sector in the property tax and assessment realm. These roles have equipped me with the leadership and fiscal oversight and analytical skills necessary to navigate the district’s budgetary challenges responsibly.
Beyond my professional background, I have directly engaged with our students and staff. Having served as a substitute teacher within the district, I had a firsthand glimpse of the daily successes and challenges our students and educators face. Additionally, I have been deeply involved in sports and coaching which has allowed me to mentor youths, teaching the values of teamwork and perseverance outside the traditional classroom setting.Currently, I work as a Case Advocate for Aventine Inc. and also serve as Pastor of the Wesleyan Community Church of Shokan, a calling that has deepened my heart for people and reinforced my desire to support our youth.
I am running for the Board of Education because I believe our schools require leadership that balances technical expertise with genuine empathy. By combining my experience in facilities management, finance, leadership and direct student mentorship, I aim to be a versatile asset to our students, tax payers, hard working and dedicated staff, the Board of Education, and our entire Bluehawk community.
Write-In Candidates
In addition to these candidates, voters may write-in names of preferred candidates to fill the two open seats. Write-in candidates must reside within the Hudson City School District.