On May 21, voters in Waterville will choose two district residents to serve on the Waterville Board of Education from July 1, 2024 until June 30, 2027.
The vote will be held May 21 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Bud Dorr Board of Education Room, 381 Madison St., Waterville, NY 13480.
Candidates are listed in the order they will appear on the ballot.
Linda Hughes-Kelly
Linda Dapson was born in Oriskany Falls, oldest daughter of Bruce and Barbara Dapson, owners of Dapson Oil Company. She graduated from Oriskany Falls Union Free School, the valedictorian of the Class of 1974.
Linda Dapson became Linda Hughes upon marrying Doug Hughes of Waterville (Class of 1970). They raised two Waterville grads, Doug and Alexandra, on Sally Road. Doug (Class of 2007) and wife, Aubrey, now live in Monterey, CA. Alex (Class of 2009) and husband, Jerry Luchsinger (Class of 2007), live in Oriskany Falls. Jerry owns Dave’s Landscaping. Alex works in cyber security at GAFB. They have three children – Gabe will be in 9th grade and Aleah will be in Pre-K at WCS. Leo will be in Bookworms at the Waterville library.
Linda spent most of her working life in private business. Her last 15 years working were spent at the Waterville Central School District, in the business office, as assistant treasurer. She retired from WCS in 2017. In 2018, she was elected to the Board of Education.
She owns three residential properties; one in Waterville and two in Oriskany Falls. She is an active member of the O’Falls United Methodist Church. She is also a Brothertown Optimist and a member of the Waterville School Foundation.
Husband Doug died in 2007, while Doug and Alex were in high school.
Linda Hughes became Linda Kelly in 2022 upon marrying Hoyt Kelly. Hoyt attended the two-room schoolhouse in North Brookfield until 6th grade, then became a WCS student. He spent his Junior and Senior year at Brookfield School (Class of 1967) in order to maintain a job on the Pierson farm.
Personal Statement: I attribute my strong work ethic to growing up in a family business. My understanding of the inner workings of the school made it an easy transition to board member, and still helps in budgeting, negotiations, policy, and general school operations. Our Board is energetic, insightful, and forward-thinking. I would look forward to being a part of it for another 3 years. My election signs still say “Linda Hughes” because I’m too cheap frugal to buy new ones!
Kenneth Boone
Kenneth C. Boone, 41, ; lives in the Village of Waterville with his wife, Stephanie, and two sons, Brayden & Logan. Both are current students within the Waterville Central School District.
Kenneth grew up in Verona, graduating from Vernon Verona Sherrill in 2001 and moved to Waterville with his wife, a Waterville native, in 2009.
He attended Criminal Justice courses at Mohawk Valley Community College and later graduated from the Cazenovia College Police Academy in 2005 before becoming a police officer in the Village of Frankfort.
In 2001, he became an EMT with the Verona Fire Department and later joined the Waterville Fire Department upon moving into the community. He currently holds the rank of 1st Assistant Chief.
In 2008, he became a New York State Certified Paramedic and became a certified critical care transport paramedic upon completing courses at the University of Baltimore in 2013.
He has also served on the Waterville Pop Warner board for six years, also a small business owner, as an electrician, and currently work as a paramedic with Central Oneida County Ambulance, out of Clark Mills, N. Y. He was elected to a one-year term on the Waterville Board of Education in 2023.
Personal statement: As a board member, I will continue to draw upon my experience as a first responder to help improve the safety of our schools and re-establish trust amongst parents and the community. I believe my strong background in all three areas of first response, medical, police, and fire protection, will contribute positively to our schools to make sure the facilities, students, faculty, and staff are safe. I am open minded and will listen to new ideas. I also believe my involvement in the community and employment with Central Oneida County Ambulance will help build partnerships that will benefit our district. I do not believe in problems, only challenges, which we must strive to overcome.
Katelyn Worwa
Waterville graduate Katelyn Worwa, and her husband Wade, have a daughter, Sawyer, 4, who attends Waterville’s Pre-K program, and 18-month-old twins, Landon and Emily, who have yet to start their educational journey. Kate is a member of the Memorial Park School PTA, as well as the Brothertown Optimist Club. Kate also is a volunteer assistant coach for her daughter’s AYSO soccer team.
Katelyn is a member of the graduating class of 2006, where she was a student leader.
She served as the class president, Student Council vice president, and captain of the soccer and basketball teams. She also participated in band and chorus.
Upon graduation, she attended the State University College at Brockport, graduating in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in History. In 2011, she completed a Master’s Degree in Education from Canisius College. She then began her teaching career at Norwich City School District in the Social Studies department.
In 2014, Kate returned to her alma mater as a High School Social Studies teacher. Throughout her nine years at Waterville, she coached junior varsity soccer and modified basketball, and volunteered with both the junior varsity and varsity basketball teams. Kate served as the Student Council advisor and volunteered on various district committees, such as the professional development committee, the district technology committee, and the faculty council for the National Honor Society.
Kate was selected as a member of the 2017-2019 Education Leadership Mohawk Valley (ELMV) cohort. ELMV’s mission is to support teacher-leaders and cultivate their potential for local educational leadership roles. Through ELMV, Kate worked with local superintendents and educational leaders of the Central New York State region.
In 2023, Kate began teaching Social Studies at New Hartford Central School where she is the advisor for the Students for Justice and Equality club. Kate is an active member of the Executive Board of the New York State Council on Leadership and Student Activities. In 2023, Kate was named the Dr. Earl Reum New York State Council on Leadership and Student Activities Advisor of the Year.
Personal statement: As an active community member, with twelve years of experience as an educator, Kate would make a strong addition to the Board of Education. Kate intends to work closely with students, teachers, board members, and the community to promote a positive school culture and climate. Kate will advocate for policies that support success for all while ensuring school safety and an inclusive environment.