Our dedicated members

Meet the current Schenectady City School District Educational Foundation members who dedicate time and effort to serve with the organization to support local teachers and students.

Board of Directors

  • Steve Balogh serves as President and is a member of the Allocations, Executive, and Special Events committees. A retired 8th-grade Social Studies teacher, Steve’s career began in the U.S. Air Force. He earned his B.A. from the College of St. Rose and M.A. from SUNY Albany. Steve enjoys traveling, discussing history with firsthand witnesses, and flying his drone.

    He married Susan Smith Schultz in 1973 after a brief courtship in the Soviet Union. They have three children and six grandchildren. Laura is an Economist, Christopher works in finance and Michael is a Social Studies teacher. In retirement Sue and he have been trying to satisfy their wanderlust with trips to China, India, Australia and beyond. In their fifty years of wedded bliss they have visited all fifty states and over seventy countries.

    In terms of his professional activities, Bill taught in the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake School District for 38 years also serving as high school social studies chairperson for 22 years and district social studies chair for 12 years, from 1964 to 2002. He was an adjunct professor in the Union Graduate College Master of Arts in Teaching program for 25 years (1989-2014).

    A believer in the importance of sharing, Bill was very active in professional organizations serving in a variety of offices including the presidency of the following organizations: Capital District Council for the Social studies, Capital District Social Studies Supervisors, the New York State Council for the Social Studies and the New York State Council of Educational Associations. In those positions he dedicated himself to promoting the use of Social Studies to teach reading, writing and research skills, the use of the arts to teach Social Studies, etc.

    He was deeply involved in the New York State adoption of courses in Economics and Participation in Government and the promotion of the arts in education. He also served as a consultant on testing and curriculum with the NYS Department of Education.

    His parents and his teachers strongly encouraged him to become involved with the communities in which he lived. He has been active in Boy Scouts, Study Circles, and the Schenectady High School PTA (served as president). Bill was an active volunteer with the United Way from 1990 to 2004; he chaired review committees on grants for Seniors, Early Childhood Education, Basic Needs, Housing, Health Care, etc. and he was on the steering committees that created the 211 system and the Schenectady County Consortium on Senior Services. Speaking of Senior Services Bill was a member 0f the Schenectady County Advisory Council on Senior and Long Term Care services from 2014 to 2023 (Chairperson 2018-2023).

    Lastly, Bill has served on the Board of Directors for the Schenectady City School District Educational Foundation since 2004 and has served three terms as president overseeing the awarding of about 600 grants to help teachers enrich their students’ learning (total of $500,000).

    Life is good.

  • Angela Tryon is the organization’s 1st Vice President, contributing to the Allocations, Executive, and Special Events committees. A graduate of Mont Pleasant High School, Angela is a 20-year employee of the Schenectady City School District, where she works as a School Secretary.

    A proud alumna, parent, and grandparent of district students, Angela’s personal connection fuels her dedication. Known for her remarkable rubber duck collection and her love of the Yankees, she brings a joyful energy to the Board.

  • Gordon N. Zuckerman, CLU, ChFC, is President of Murray and Zuckerman, Inc. located in Schenectady, New York. Gordon is a graduate of Hudson Valley Community College, Troy, NY, and Union College, Schenectady, NY, with a B.S. in Chemistry and Mathematics. He served in the Army in Vietnam, and entered the insurance industry in 1970. Gordon and his wife, Linda, live in Niskayuna and have two daughters, Cj and Miriam Smith, and two grandchildren, Devon Ezra and Juliet Morgan.

    For over forty years Mr. Zuckerman has held leadership positions on numerous governmental, religious, professional and charitable organizational boards.

    Current Affiliations

    Schenectady City School District Educational Foundation Inc. – (Founding Chair 1996-2004, Treasurer 2004-Present)

    Niskayuna Fire District #2 -Fire Commissioner and Secretary (1984-Present)

    Hudson Valley Community College Foundation Board – (2003–Present, Current Chair)

    Autism Society of the Capital District (2012-Present, Current President)

  • John Wilson is a 1984 graduate of Linton High School and received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Siena College in 1988. John has worked in the construction industry for over seventeen years and is currently a Controller for ARW Drywall Co.

    John has been involved in several community organizations including the past president of the St. John the Evangelist Home School Association, Paige Elementary PTO, treasurer of Schenectady JC Little League for six years, and is a current member of the Friends of Patriot Athletics Board.

    John is married with two children. His wife is a 1987 graduate of Linton High School. One son is a Schenectady High Class of 2013 graduate and the other is attending Schenectady High.

  • Megan Sellepack, Secretary, actively supports the Ambassadors, Archive, Executive, and Internet and Marketing committees.

    A Library Media Specialist since 2019, Megan holds multiple degrees in education and psychology, including a master’s degree in library sciences from St. John Fisher University. She also founded and advises the National Junior Honor Society at Mont Pleasant Middle School.

Members

  • Leanne Bailey is a member of the Allocations committee.

    A Schenectady High School graduate, she holds a B.A. in Childhood Education and an M.A. in Adolescent Literacy from Sage. Leanne has proudly taught in the district since 2007. She loves to cook and bake, with a current focus on gluten- and dairy-free sourdough.

  • Patricia Barney supports the Allocations and Special Events committees.

    A retired Home and Career Skills teacher, Patricia holds degrees from Plattsburgh and the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. A dedicated community volunteer and Rotary member, she has traveled to six continents and is a proud grandmother of three.

  • Erin Catrambone contributes to the Allocations committee after a fulfilling 34-year career teaching Health Education in the Schenectady City School District.

    A Schenectady graduate herself, Erin studied at SUNY Cortland and Russell Sage College. She also served the Schenectady Federation of Teachers in leadership roles. Erin enjoys reading, traveling, and spending quality time with her family and friends.

  • Tom Della Sala focuses on Allocations. A Schenectady educator for 35 years, Tom held numerous leadership roles, including English Department Chair and K–12 Coordinator.

    A Penn Hills High, University of Pittsburgh, and UAlbany graduate, he also served on City Council and SLOC boards. Tom’s love for Pittsburgh sports and live theater reflect his vibrant and community-focused life.

  • Joseph R. DiCaprio, serving as Ex-Officio, is the Deputy Superintendent for the Schenectady City School District.

    A proud 1995 graduate of Schenectady High and alumnus of SUNY Cortland, SUNY Albany, and SUNY New Paltz, Joseph is deeply tied to his community. He cherishes time with family and supports all New York professional sports teams.

  • Lisa DiVietro is involved with Allocations and Special Events.

    A retired middle school science teacher, she taught for her entire career with Schenectady schools. Lisa also co-manages Jack’s Place, a hospitality house for medical patients and families. A sports fan, hiker, and yoga enthusiast, Lisa brings passion to her work.

  • James Masi works on the By-Laws, Internet Marketing and Content, and Special Events committees. A retired Assistant Superintendent of the Schenectady City School District, James spent over 40 years as a teacher, administrator, and leader.

    He is a Mont Pleasant graduate with further degrees from SUNY Brockport, St. Rose, and SUNY Albany. James enjoys time with his grandson, discussing music and sports, and reading mystery novels.

  • Brenda A. Morrow is a member of the Allocations and Special Events committees. A retired teacher from the Schenectady City School District, she holds degrees from Lock Haven University and Bloomsburg University.

    Brenda is the proud parent of two Schenectady alumni and a committed city resident. She enjoys cheering for the Yankees, Buffalo Bills, and Penn State Nittany Lions, bringing her enthusiasm into all she does.

  • Nicole is a 1994 graduate of Schenectady High School and a 1999 graduate of SUNY Oneonta – where she majored in Interdisciplinary Studies. Upon graduation, Nicole has worked at Anthem for the past 21 years.

    She is very active in her community and is a member of multiple boards, including the following: former Deacon at Woodlawn Reformed Church and Nursery School Administrator, former Woodlawn PTO President, member of CPMS PTO, former Schenectady Little League Board member (14 years), past treasurer of the Schenectady PTO Council, current board member of Rotterdam Boys & Girls Club, volunteer for Schenectady athletics, assistant to the Schenectady CDYBL program and long time basketball coach for the Boys & Girls club.

    Nicole has been married for 20 years and resides in Schenectady. She has 2 children in the Schenectady School District. She enjoys spending time with her family, particularly her 2 boys.

  • Agnes Phillips serves on the Allocations, By-Laws, and Special Events committees. A retired science teacher of Chemistry and Biology, and former Science Department Chairperson at Schenectady High School, Agnes dedicated 33 years to teaching in the Schenectady City School District. She holds a B.S. in Biology from SUNY Albany and an M.S. in Educational Psychology from the College of St. Rose.

    Agnes enjoys cooking, gardening, and pickleball. Her passion for education and teachers' commitment drives her continued service on the Board, helping educators make a difference.

  • Elaine Pickett is an active member of the Allocations and Special Events committees. A college graduate and former PTSO President, Elaine is a dedicated community resource coordinator.

    Her children are proud graduates of Schenectady City Schools. Elaine enjoys gardening and karaoke, brightening both gardens and gatherings.

  • Ann M. Reilly serves on the Allocations and Special Events committees and works as a Social Worker. A University at Albany graduate, Ann and her husband are both alumni of Schenectady Schools, as are their four children. She also served 12 years on the Board of Education.

    Ann's love for the outdoors and passion for rowing reflect her active approach to life and community service.

  • Jerry Rosen serves on the Allocations committee and brings 34 years of experience in the Schenectady schools as a Biology teacher, coach, and administrator.

    A Linton High School graduate, Jerry earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University at Albany. He is an active member of the Capital District Men’s Senior Baseball League.

  • Nancy Sagendorf is a member of the Allocations and Special Events committees.

    A retired science teacher, Nancy spent 33 years teaching in Schenectady schools. An alumna of Oneonta State and Union College, she now works part-time at Howe Caverns.

    In retirement she volunteers for the Mooncatchers Project, the Reading is Fun program, the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley and serves on the Board of the Cave House Museum of Mining and Geology.

    Nancy is starting her 43rd season working retail at Howe Caverns Inc.

    She enjoys reading and traveling.

  • William J. Schultz serves on Allocations, Development, and Special Events. A Social Studies Chair and Union College MAT Supervisor, William is the parent of three Schenectady graduates.

    He has traveled to all 50 states and 72 countries, enjoys reading and golfing, and is committed to making a difference in education.

  • Michael Sheridan is a member of the Ambassadors, Archive, Internet and Marketing, and Special Events committees.

    A Digital Learning Coach and long-time Schenectady employee, Michael earned degrees from SUNY Albany, Sage, and the New York Institute of Technology. A Mets fan, Michael is passionate about technology innovation in education.

  • Dawn Vavala serves on the Special Events, By-Laws, and Internet Marketing and Content committees. She is the Owner and President of Nite Owl Marketing and a graduate of Mont Pleasant High School and Siena College.

    A passionate volunteer, Dawn is a longtime member of the Twin Bridges Rotary Club. She loves golf, Siena basketball, spending winters in Florida, and volunteering, particularly at assisted living centers.

Advisory Board

  • Dr. Raymond Colucciello, long time educator, teacher, principal and Superintendent of Schenectady City Schools as well as Albany and Troy along with several other Interim Superintendent positions.

    Dr. Colucciello received his BA from SUNY Oneonta, Master’s Degree from Columbia University and his Doctorate from SUNY Albany. He has served as a member of the Board of Directors of a number of community organizations. He is an initial member of Foundation Board of Directors and is currently serving as Interim Superintendent of Schools in the Greater Amsterdam School District.

    He is married to Irene Colucciello who is a retired educator. They have four children and seven grandchildren.

  • Joanne Wolcott, an Advisory Board member, contributes to the By-Laws and Nominations committees. A retired teacher, coach, and administrator in the Schenectady City School District, Joanne has both teaching and administrative certifications. An advocate for education, she finds joy as a dog mom and in engaging with her community.

    Haley also serves on the Board of Directors of the Schenectady Greenmarket, and is a member of the Schenectady East Rotary. Haley graduated from the University at Albany and lives in the City of Schenectady.

  • Fred G. Denefrio, a Niskayuna resident, was born and raised in Schenectady and graduated from Mont Pleasant High School. He went on to earn as AAS from Hudson Valley Community College and his BBA from Hofstra University.

    Fred worked for the Capital District Off Track Betting Corporation as the Senior VP/Controller. He completed his career at the Capital District YMCA Corporation as VP of Finance/CFO. Always active in civic activities, he has served on numerous community boards and non-profits.

    Some of these are: Past President and founding member of the Board of Directors for the Schenectady Local Development Corporation; Past President and Treasurer of the Board for the St. Clare’s Hospital Foundation; Past President of the Board for Catholic Charities of Schenectady County; Past President and Past Rotarian of the Year and Paul arris Fellow for Schenectady Rotary; and Past VP of the Board for the Schenectady County Chamber of Commerce.

  • Gina C. Gould, PhD, has been a museum enthusiast since childhood and is happy in her role as President of miSci. Her love of the environment, the history of Earth, and the objects testify to that history, has shaped her career. After receiving a BS in Zoology from SUNY Oswego, Gould joined the Peace Corps as the Curator of Mammalogy of Paraguay’s national museum. Thereafter, Gould worked for Ralph Appelbaum Associates, the acclaimed museum design firm in NYC until she was awarded a fellowship by the American Museum of Natural History to Columbia University‘s PhD program in earth and environmental sciences. Since then, Gould has pursued a career in developing science exhibitions for museums nationwide.

    An Associate Research Professor in the Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering at the University of Connecticut and the Education Department at Clarkson University, Gould brings to the Educational Foundation her love of science, her passion for telling stories through immersive hand-on STEAM exhibitions, her executive experience and commitment to employing best practices to, and her successes in building community around science education.

  • Haley Viccaro is Director of Communications for New York State Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. She previously worked at the New York Conference of Mayors, and was a reporter for the Daily Gazette of Schenectady covering City Hall, state government, business and development.

    Haley also serves on the Board of Directors of the Schenectady Greenmarket, and is a member of the Schenectady East Rotary. Haley graduated from the University at Albany and lives in the City of Schenectady.

Not Pictured:

Carmella Parente