2025 Board of Education Candidates
There are four candidates running for two vacant Board of Education seats on the May 20 district budget and board election ballot: Robert Tynes, Charles Kachigian, Patrick Boyd, Kelly Borrelle, pictured from left to right above. Each were sent the same three questions at the same time and given the same deadline to respond. Below are their unedited responses, listed in the order in which they appear on the ballot. For more on the budget and board vote, visit the voting information page.
Each board member elected would serve a term of three years to begin on July 1, 2025 and expire on June 30, 2028.
Robert Tynes
Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Education?
RHCSD created a terrific learning environment for my two sons. As an educator and experienced administrator, I want to make sure that students, all students, will keep getting the resources they need — excellent teaching, books, special education support, school lunches, and extracurricular activities such as sports and theater. Given the recent and likely future cuts to federal funding for public education, I am concerned about the short and long-term impacts it will have on the Red Hook Central School District (RHCSD). I have skills in budget analysis, partnership building, and collaboration that would be useful on the board in this time of uncertainty.
What is your connection to the school district?
I have lived in Red Hook for 21 years with my wife and my two sons. Both boys (now young men!) were students at Mill Road, Linden Avenue, and Red Hook High School. One son graduated from the University of Vermont (UVM) in 2021 and the other son will graduate from UVM this May. I have spent many years in the Red Hook school community, engaged in numerous parent-teacher conferences and school open houses, and I have avidly cheered at soccer, lacrosse and wrestling matches. I appreciate the education that the Red Hook schools provided my sons, in classes such as chemistry, math, English, history, and film, as well as on the sports field. The Red Hook Central School District contributed to the success of my children in higher education and beyond.
What do you consider to be the most important issue(s) in the school district?
Charles Kachigian
Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Education?
I am running to keep my seat on the RHCSD school board to represent our young families and help strengthen the connection between our schools and broader community. I believe every child deserves access to a high-quality education, and that begins with a strong foundation of social and emotional support. When we care for the whole child, we create the conditions where academic achievement and personal growth can flourish. I'm also committed to fostering open, intentional dialogue between the district and our community. By ensuring that every voice is heard, we can work together to shape a future for our schools that reflects the hopes and needs of all families
What is your connection to the school district?
My connection to the school district is both personal and deeply rooted. Public education is a family legacy, my great-grandfather served as Superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools for 25 years, and my mother dedicated 30 years as a teacher in the same district. Today, I continue that legacy as a board member of RHCSD as a parent of three young children: a first grader, a kindergartener, and a future Pre-K student. With my children currently enrolled in the district, I am personally and actively invested in the future of our schools.
What do you consider to be the most important issue(s) in the school district?
One of the most important issues facing our school district is addressing the growing mental health needs of our students. Today’s youth are navigating an unprecedented combination of challenges, including social pressures, online exposure, and overlapping personal and societal crises. Supporting their well-being requires bold, intentional action.
As a district, we must take shared responsibility for this burden by supporting the adults who work most closely with students and by fostering safe, welcoming environments throughout our schools. This includes providing teachers and staff with meaningful professional development that promotes a healthy, judgment-free school culture, while also reducing workplace stress.
I believe we should expand our student support services by adding staff where needed, ensuring that school facilities include spaces dedicated to stress recovery, and clearly communicating available resources to both students and families, on campus and within the broader community.
As a school board member, I will make student mental health a top priority and work to ensure our schools are safe, supportive places where every student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Patrick Boyd
Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Education?
I am interested in serving on the Board of Education because I believe in the importance of providing a well-rounded education to all students. It essential that we are providing real-world experiences for students and providing an education that will prepare them for life beyond high school. Our schools should reflect the needs of our students and we need adjust accordingly. As a Board member, I would look forward to finding ways to support our administration, staff, and faculty in providing those successful educational experience for students.
What is your connection to the school district?
I have lived the majority of my life in the Red Hook Central School District and am a proud alumnus. I currently have three children who attend Red Hook schools.
What do you consider to be the most important issue(s) in the school district?
We have an amazing school district that graduates are proud of. Our district needs to continue to be at the forefront of innovation and creating exciting educational experiences that meet the needs of students. One important issue our district needs to continue to evaluate and address is our facilities and accessibility to our schools, fields, and programs for all students. We want our students and our alumni to be proud of our facilities and to be able to provide safe spaces for our students and community to utilize.
Kelly Borrelle
Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Education?
I am seeking a second term on the Board of Education to continue my commitment as an engaged parent, dedicated community member, and strong liaison between the district and its stakeholders. My focus remains steadfastly student-driven; I believe that by supporting our exceptional faculty, staff, and administrators, we create the strongest foundation for student success. I am passionate about fostering transparent communication, equitable opportunities, and a collaborative educational environment where all students can thrive.
What is your connection to the school district?
I am deeply connected to the Red Hook Central School District through a variety of organizations and committees, but most meaningfully, through my children. My oldest daughter graduated in 2022 and is now thriving in her third year at a large university. I attribute much of her success to the academic rigor, civic values, and confidence instilled in her by our schools. My younger daughter, currently an 11th grader at Red Hook High School, is also flourishing under the guidance of her dedicated teachers and through her participation in the Dutchess BOCES program, demonstrating the diverse and valuable pathways to success our district offers.
Over the past 14 years in Red Hook, I've had the honor of actively engaging with our school community. I've chaired and participated in numerous ongoing events through Mill Road PTA and the LAMS & RHHS PTSA. I've also attended Raider Sports Club meetings and proudly served as a board delegate for both the Red Hook Education Foundation and the Dutchess County School Board Association. As a member of the Community Engagement Committee, I've had the sincere pleasure of working collaboratively with fellow parents, educators, and community members to help strengthen the connection between our schools and the broader community.
One of the most rewarding initiatives I've been a part of is hosting the Community Partnership Tours at each of our three school buildings during the school day, in collaboration with parents, community members, and district administrators, we've invited stakeholders into our schools to witness firsthand the vibrant learning environments, engaged students, and the wide array of classes, clubs, and activities offered. What truly sets these tours apart is the open dialogue that follows, providing space for community questions, suggestions, and feedback in conversation with our department directors, administrators, and board trustees. These moments of collaboration and transparency are a highlight and were already enthusiastically planning the next round of tours for the coming year.
You'll often find me attending meeting, events, concerts, theater performances and athletic games across all three of our schools, throughout the community, and around Dutchess County. I believe staying present and visible is essential, not only to remain informed, but to be an accessible, engaged representative of the broader community I serve.
What do you consider to be the most important issue(s) in the school district?
I believe the most important responsibility we have as a school district is to meet each student where they are; academically, socially, and emotionally, while providing access to a variety of pathways that define success. Supporting our students means supporting our teachers, staff, and administrators who guide them each day. They included ensuring they have the resources, training, and support needed to thrive in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment.
As we navigate ongoing changes in state and federal funding for public education, it is more important than ever to remain diligent in our fiscal responsibilities and committed to advocacy at both the local and state levels. I've had the opportunity to serve on committees with our local representatives, focusing on key issues like mental health in rural areas and affordable housing, and I've built relationships with state legislators through Lobby Days at the Capital in Albany. These connections are vital as we work together to ensure sustainable and forward-thinking for our students and our district.
Above all, I believe in the power of community engagement and transparent communication. When we listen to one another and work together, we strengthen the foundation of our district. Red Hook is incredibly fortunate to have a passionate and committed community, our greatest resource is, without a doubt, our people. It would be my honor to continue serving on the Board of Education and to build on the progress we've made together.