Read below to find out more about the five (5) candidates who will be running for two (2) seats on the Hudson City School District Board of Education! The 2024-25 Hudson City School District Budget Vote and Board of Education Election takes place on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. at various voting locations. For information and presentations on the 2024-25 proposed budget, please click here.
Click here to meet the current Hudson School District Board of Education members!
The following order of candidates is how the names will appear on the ballot.
Micaela McClinton, Candidate:
My name is Micaela McClinton, I am a farmer, ag educator, and single mom with 3 sons in the Hudson City School District. I moved to Hudson 10 years ago seeking the best school district to meet my son’s needs when his hearing loss & autism were diagnosed; while also trying to finish my degree in Environmental Science. Having kids young meant facing a great deal of adversity and my relationship with the school district was not always pleasant. With the support of admin, teachers, and friends in this community my family has been able to overcome our hardships and thrive. My hope is to combine my lived experience as a young parent of meager means and my professional experience working with local school districts & youth groups as the Agriculture & Curriculum Director of a local non-profit to effectively advocate for all of our students. I believe that when students graduate they should be more than just employable. My goal is for all students to feel empowered, supported, and driven.
Amanda Grubler, Candidate:
Amanda Grubler is excited to run for school board and for the opportunity to use her experience to make a positive impact on the Hudson public schools. She is a mother of two students in the district, Henrietta in pre-kindergarten, and Dorothy in 3rd grade at MC Smith. Amanda has worked in public education for the past 19 years. She started her work in education teaching middle schoolers in both the Boston and New York City public schools. She taught for eight years before moving into school leadership serving as a Middle School Director in Brooklyn, NY. She currently works as the Senior Director of K-8 Academics for a network of schools in the Albany and Troy area. In this role, she supports school leaders with the implementation of strong literacy and math curriculum and instruction across six schools that serve over 1,000 students. She holds one Masters in Education from Harvard University and a second in School Building and District leadership from Hunter College. Amanda has previous board experience, recently serving as Vice President of the board of directors for Columbia Children’s Center, a local non-profit daycare. Amanda is excited to apply her insight as a parent, teacher, leader and regional curriculum and instruction expert to support the Hudson Schools.
Daryl Blanks, Candidate:
Daryl was born in Mobile, Alabama to parents Brenda and Albert Blanks Jr. His parents relocated to Hudson, New York when he was two years old. Daryl attended Charles Williams Elementary School, Greenport Elementary School, Hudson Middle School and Hudson High School until his graduation in 1984. Daryl is a graduate of Columbia-Greene Community College (Business Administration A.A.S). He was the first Director of the kindergarten-4th grade after- school program at John L. Edwards Elementary School. He has three children who were also educated in the Hudson City School District. Daryl is a retired Court Officer for the NYS Unified Court System and is currently the Assistant Director of Security and Safety at Columbia-Greene Community College. Daryl serves on the C-GCC College Senate and the C-GCC IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Awareness) Committee. He also serves on both the Columbia County Threat Assessment Management and the Greene County Threat Assessment Management teams.
Selha Graham, Incumbent:
I have been on the Board of Education since 2021. I moved to Hudson, New York in 1994 with my mom and sister.
I believe in community and volunteerism. I love my children and believe helping the school district is an extension of that love. I love hearing about the growth and development of our youth, district and community. I love helping make the school more enjoyable and for everyone.
I have seven children, four of them have come through the district and graduated. I have 3 remaining children coming through, one in each building.
I did go to Hudson. I didn’t appreciate much of the opportunities during my student life. I didn’t like the culture of Hudson then. I think if culture was different, I might not have signed out and taken my GED. I look forward to making the culture at Hudson a lot healthier and healing than when I attended.
Matthew Mackerer, Candidate:
A 2001 Hudson High School graduate, I hold degrees from Cornell University and Ithaca College. I am the parent of a current student and have witnessed HCSD’s efforts to prepare the next generation firsthand. I hope to leverage my professional knowledge as a Certified Public Accountant to serve the school community, working to increase transparent, effective financial management for the District. My prior board service includes the Columbia Children’s Center, Columbia County Habitat for Humanity and the Ithaca Public Education Initiative. I look forward to working with District administration, staff and families to secure a bright future for our students.
There will be a “Meet the Board of Education Candidates” night on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 6 p.m. in the Hudson Junior/Senior High School auditorium, moderated and sponsored by the Hudson Senior High School Student Council. All candidates will be participating and answer student-centered questions, providing an opportunity for the school community to learn more about this year’s candidates’ ideas. This event will be open to the public but will not serve as a question-and-answer period for community members and the candidates. The event will also be livestreamed on the District’s YouTube page.