2025-2026 BOARD OF EDUCATION CANDIDATES

Denise Carutasu is a passionate and engaged member of the community with a rich volunteer background in both the education and public service sectors. A dedicated mother and active volunteer, she has spent countless hours supporting local families and the school through her involvement with the Board of Education, W-H Sports Booster Club, and PTO. Her commitment to fostering a positive and nurturing environment for students is evident in her work. Her experience as a nurse gives her a unique perspective on the importance of health and well-being in education. Her leadership in local organizations speaks to her ability to connect with others and her genuine desire to make a difference. Denise is seeking re-election to the School Board, where her diverse experiences as a community leader, devoted parent, and healthcare professional will serve as invaluable assets. She isn't afraid to ask the tough questions to ensure the best outcomes for children, the community, and taxpayers. 

Robyn Adair is running for her first term on the Board of Education. Her two children attend school in the district. Robyn has been active with various activities over the past seven years - PTO, sports booster concessions, field trip chaperone, Waterford Rec soccer coaching, and avid WH sports mom. Robyn is a practicing attorney for 20 years, having worked for NYS in state agencies and the Executive Chamber. She is familiar with the state budget process, local government issues, and legislative agendas. Robyn’s focus is on transparency, ethics, and good governance.

Jamie Kelly is a lifelong resident of Waterford and a proud graduate of the Class of 1996, Jamie has a deep-rooted passion for our school district and community. Jamie holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education from UAlbany. Her passion for education and giving back has always driven her to ensure students have the best experience possible. Jamie's two children attended WHUFSD, allowing her to serve as a Board Member of the Sports Booster Club. She has been involved in nearly every school event, from Coaches vs. Cancer to Bingo Nights, Fordian Fever Weekend, Tag Days, and even 50/50 tables. Her vision is centered on collaboration, continued growth, and increasing community involvement.

Stephanie Gilbert has been a resident of Waterford since 2013 and served on the Board of Education from 2021 to 2024. She has been a very active parent and volunteer throughout the community and the school district for over a decade serving as a liaison between the school and the Elks Lodge for community service events and programs with our students, and she also served on the Board of the Parent Teacher Organization as well as being a member of the Sports Booster Club. She founded the Staff vs First Responder Basketball game that helped bring the community together at the school for the past three years. She has focused strongly on community service and anti-bullying programs in our school and has always pushed for consistency and transparency when it comes to communicating with our community. She is seeking another term on the Board of Education to continue the work that she started, her professional experience in accounting and budgeting will help with a better and more streamlined budget that makes sense for the school as well as the taxpayers, and she wants to open the door to better communication within the school as well as from the school to our community. She truly believes that Waterford is an amazing little community, but there is always room for growth and potential to improve. Let's break out of the box of "this is how it's always been" and start looking for ways to be better.