On May 16, voters in the South Colonie Central School District will elect two board members to fill two vacancies (each a five-year term). Candidates must meet all of the other requirements to run for the Board. Learn more about the South Colonie Central School District Board of Education here.
Stephanie Cogan is running unopposed for reelection for a five-year term expiring on June 30, 2028.
Three candidates are running for a five-year term expiring on June 30, 2028, to succeed Colleen Gizzi.
Candidates are listed in the order they will appear on the ballot:
Meet the Candidates
The South Colonie Central School District Board of Education has the power to develop policies, rules, and regulations for the operation of our school system. There are nine residents who serve, without pay, on the district’s school board. Individuals are eligible for election to the Board if they are qualified voters of the district (district resident for the last year, U.S. citizen, 18 and older) and can read and write. New York State Education Law does not limit the number of terms of office a member may serve.
Stephanie Cogan
Stephanie Cogan is seeking her second term on the South Colonie Board of Education. She was first elected to the Board of Education in 2018.
A long time resident of South Colonie, Cogan became active in supporting the district when her children began school, working in various capacities and serving in officer roles for the Shaker Road Elementary PTA, Colonie Central High School PTSA, and PTA District Council. In her 20 years of PTA service at South Colonie, Cogan was president for 16 of those years earning a PTA Lifetime Member award in 2013. She was instrumental in raising over $150,000 through volunteer efforts to benefit South Colonie students. Cogan has served and continues to serve many other district stakeholder committees.
Cogan was raised and educated in Pennsylvania earning a bachelor’s of Finance from Pennsylvania State University. After graduation, she moved to the Capital District to begin her career as a bank examiner with the federal government. Soon after, she met and married Jim Cogan (CCHS ‘84) and together they raised three children Kyle (CCHS ‘13), John (CCHS ‘16), and Julia (CCHS ‘20). As part of her daughter’s graduation ceremony, Cogan was inducted into the CCHS Hall of Fame, Class of 2020, which was a meaningful and much appreciated recognition of district service.
Eric McDowell
Eric McDowell is seeking his first term on the South Colonie Board of Education. McDowell is currently the president of The Eric Idea Agency where he provides public relations, event management with MC and website content development. He is a Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School graduate and went on to the University of New Haven where he received his bachelor’s degree in communications.
McDowell is an active member of the Lisha Kill PTA and is currently holding his first year, of a two-year term, as president. Additionally, he serves as the president of the Capital District Sports Women of the Year which has honored over 30 young female student-athletes for excellence in academics, athletics, and community service.
McDowell has resided in the South Colonie district for the last 17 years. He has one child who attends South Colonie schools
Thomas (TJ) Blakley
Thomas (TJ) Blakley is seeking his first term on the South Colonie Board of Education. Blakley currently serves as a contract management specialist for the New York State Office of Mental Health and works to execute contracts for various statewide facilities. He is a Colonie High School graduate (Class of 2001).
Blakley is very active in the local sports community having supported the local Colonie Junior Raiders football program for 11 years and serving as the commissioner of the program for eight of those years. Additionally, he is the treasurer for the Colonie Football booster club and on the executive board for Colonie Little League.
Blakley has resided in the South Colonie School District for 14 years. He has three children that currently attend South Colonie schools.
Denise Gangi-Pollacek
Denise Gangi-Pollacek is running for her first term on the South Colonie Board of Education. Gangi-Pollacek currently works as a physician’s assistant in the mental health unit at Samaritan Hospital. She also works in a similar capacity per diem at Conifer Park treating patients with alcohol and substance abuse disorders. Gangi-Pollacek received her bachelor’s in microbiology from Arizona State University and a physician’s assistant master’s degree through Albany Medical Center physician assistant program.
Gangi-Pollacek is active in her church community at St. Michaels Episcopal Church and has held the role of clerk of the vestry for the last five years. Additionally, she supports the drama productions at Sand Creek Middle School by volunteering her time to help with concession stand sales and cast and crew gatherings.
Gangi-Pollacek has resided in the South Colonie Central School District for 16 years. She has two children that attend South Colonie schools.