BY ADAM ATKINSONNorth Country This Week

POTSDAM — With the annual school vote on Tuesday, Potsdam Central School District voters will head to the polls to not only vote on the $43.2 million school budget, but to pick three of the six candidates running to serve on the board of education.

Of the six running for the open offices, three are incumbents and three are newcomers to the school, with a wide range of backgrounds and skill sets they bring to the table.

Those running in alphabetical order are Molly Andrasik, (Sara) Rivka Eckert, incumbent Ralph Fuller, Scott R. Quinell, and incumbents J. Patrick Turbett and Rachel M. H. Wallace.

Ralph Fuller

Ralph Fuller, a lifelong resident of Potsdam and graduate of Potsdam Central, is running for re-election to his board of education seat.

Fuller, who completed his education at SUNY Canton and SUNY Potsdam, has served on the board for 24 years.

The longtime board member has worked for the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department, and later for the New York Power Authority, retiring after 35 years.

“His long-standing commitment and deep understanding of the time, responsibility, and collaboration required of a board member make him a valuable asset to the district. He takes pride in contributing to a district that has grown from financial instability to one that is now fiscally sound with a strong fund balance,” said the school’s message to district voters about the upcoming election.

Fuller lists his favorite aspects of board service as working collaboratively with fellow board members, staff and administrators as well as seeing students grow through academics, athletics, the arts, and graduation, allowing them to become “the best version of themselves.”

“He values the opportunity to give back to a community that has given so much to him and his family,” the school said.

(Sara) Rivka Eckert

Newcomer to the board (Sara) Rivka Eckert is “a dedicated educator and passionate advocate for arts integration and community engagement,” she said in a Letter to the Editor of North Country This Week.

Eckert holds a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre for Youth and Communities from Arizona State University and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Theater Education and Writing, Literature & Publishing from Emerson College.

Her experience in education, theater, and social change spans Pre-K through university-level teaching, with a strong focus on community-engaged learning and the power of the arts to foster creativity and transformation, she said.

Since relocating to the North Country in 2016, Rivka has been an active member of the community, serving on the board of the North Country Children’s Museum and recently joining the board of SLC Arts, the letter said.

Eckert said her service in the Peace Corps (Samoa and Liberia, 2010–2013) reflects her lifelong commitment to equity, service, and global citizenship.

“As a parent with young children in the district, I am committed to advocating for increased arts-based experiences and equitable educational access for all students,” Eckert said. “I’m deeply invested in strengthening partnerships between our schools and the broader community to create a more supportive and connected educational environment.”

The candidate said she is excited about the opportunity to collaborate with fellow board members, educators, families, and students to ensure that Potsdam schools continue to meet high standards, operate effectively, and reflect the aspirations of the North Country community.

“Public education can be a powerful tool for change,” she added. “I look forward to helping shape a future where every Potsdam Central School student is empowered to thrive.”

The Annual School Budget Vote/Board of Education Election will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in the High School Auditorium. 

Rachel M. H. Wallace

Incumbent Rachel M. H. Wallace has a long service with the board of education having served the district voters in that capacity since 2014.

Wallace serves as an instructional support specialist in the biology department at SUNY

Potsdam, where she supports faculty and students in laboratory instruction and academic programming.

She has been a resident of Potsdam since 2004, and her two children graduated from Potsdam High School in 2021, a message from the school to district voters said.

While presiding on the Potsdam school board, the incumbent has served in various leadership roles including President and Vice-President. She has contributed her expertise on the Finance and Audit Committees and acted as the Board's representative to the Potsdam Teacher's Center.

“Her commitment to educational equity was sparked in 2007 by a desire to better understand and advocate for fair funding in public education. Ms. Wallace believes that public education is the cornerstone of both a thriving democracy and a strong local community,” the school’s message to district voters said.

“One of her favorite aspects of serving on the Board of Education is hearing directly from students and witnessing their growth throughout their academic journey,” said the school.

Molly Andrasik

North Country native Molly Andrasik brings 14 years of experience in healthcare IT to her candidacy for the Potsdam Central School District Board of Education.

Andrasik began her career as an application analyst at Meditech before returning home to work at Canton-Potsdam Hospital. The candidate advanced to director roles at the hospital overseeing clinical applications and project management, and now serves as a director in the IT project management office for St. Lawrence Health and Rochester Regional, the school’s message to voters said.

Andrasik leads system-wide initiatives at the hospital that support clinicians through innovative technology solutions.

Andrasik said she is deeply committed to community service, and is an active volunteer

with the Potsdam Education Opportunity Fund (PEOF), Norfolk Volunteer Rescue Squad, and the Norwood Public Library board of trustees.

Her leadership experience and strong communication skills are assets she looks forward to bringing to the Board, the school message said.

“As a lifelong advocate for public education, Molly believes in its power to create equitable opportunities for all students,” the school’s budget vote message said.

“With both of her young children entering the district this fall, she is eager to give back to the school community.”

Andrasik’s goals as a Board of Education member include “enhancing the student experience, engaging with the community, and helping shape thoughtful, effective policies that support all learners.”

1. Patrick Turbett

Incumbent board member Dr. J. Patrick Turbett is a retired sociology professor from SUNY Potsdam.

Turbett currently serves as the director of the Potsdam Institute of Applied Research, where he oversees research focused primarily on K–12 students with disabilities.

“Dr. Turbett has been a dedicated member of the Board of Education and is committed to continuing his work in support of students, schools, and the broader community,” the school’s message to the voters said. “He believes that strong public education is essential to a healthy society and benefits everyone.”

Turbett said his favorite part of serving on the Board is connecting with students and enjoys opportunities to read with them and be a part of their school experience.

Scott Quinell

Candidate Scott Quinell has worked at SUNY Canton, serving the last 17 spent as an academic counselor in the educational opportunity program there. In this role, he supports students from diverse and often under-resourced backgrounds as they work toward their college degrees, said Potsdam Central’s message to voters. 

Quinell has logged 44 years of service with the Boy Scouts of America in local, county, and regional leadership roles as well.

The candidate comes from a family of educators, with both Quinell’s grandfather and father having served on boards of education, his mother working as a second-grade teacher for over 35 years, and with five of his in-laws currently employed as K-12 educators across New York State. 

Quinell is the parent of two students in the Potsdam Central School District, and said he is eager to give back to the education system.

“Scott believes public education is one of America’s greatest assets, and he is committed to being a strong advocate for students. If elected, he aims to support staff, champion equity, and work collaboratively to find creative, student-focused solutions that help every child succeed,” the school’s message to voters said. 

Poll hours

The Annual School Budget Vote/Board of Education Election will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in the High School Auditorium, from 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

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