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District

Meet the BOE Candidates

Katherine Kehn

 


A smiling woman with blonde hair wears an orange blazer.

A Perspective Rooted in Family and Service

I am a mother of four and a dedicated member of the Phoenix community. Since 2020, I have been honored to serve on your Board of Education, bringing a perspective shaped by the diverse experiences of my children. From the discipline of my eldest, a Freshman in the Norwich University Corps of Cadets, to the curiosity of my youngest in 1st Grade, I see the full spectrum of our district’s impact every day. Whether we are at youth sports games or school musicals, my family is deeply invested in the success of Phoenix CSD.

Professional Expertise in Security and Analysis

My professional journey began with a Bachelor’s Degree in Research Intelligence and Analysis from Mercyhurst University. After starting my career with U.S. Customs, I chose to return home to serve in local law enforcement. Over the years, I worked closely within community relations and the School Resource Officer Unit, ultimately retiring as a Sergeant in 2025. Today, I continue my commitment to educational safety as the Director of Security for a neighboring public school district. This unique background allows me to understand school operations from both an administrative and a protective standpoint.

The Platform: Safety, Accountability, and Transparency

I believe that while our primary mission is education, the safety of our children and staff must be the foundation upon which that education is built. My platform is centered on the idea that safety is a collective community effort. I am running to ensure that accountability and transparency remain at the forefront of everything we do. As a board member, I have pushed - and will continue to push - for our district to be better at communicating its decisions and taking responsibility for its outcomes.

A Vision for Our Future

If re-elected, my goal is to continue aligning our district’s goals with the values of our incredibly supportive community. I want to ensure we move forward as a unified force, where the school and the community work hand-in-hand to provide the best possible environment for our most important people: our children. I will leverage my professional experience to keep our schools secure, my experience as a board member to ensure fiscal and academic accountability, and my heart as a mother to ensure every child is seen and supported.

Closing Thoughts

Serving on the Board of Education since 2020 has been a privilege. I offer a 360-degree view of our district - as a parent, a retired officer, an incumbent leader, and a school security professional. I am asking for your vote so that we can continue to build a district that is safe, open, and excellence-driven. Together, we can ensure the Phoenix Central School District remains a place where every student can thrive.

Wayne Halstead

A group of five people pose for a photo outdoors, smiling at the camera.

Dear Parents, Educators, and Community Members,

As I seek reelection for the school board, I want to express my deep commitment to supporting all students in our district and ensuring they receive the very best education possible. Having been born and raised in Phoenix, I have walked the same halls as our students and understand the unique challenges and opportunities they face.

With three children who have successfully graduated from this district, my dedication to our schools is personal. I believe that every student deserves a nurturing environment where they can thrive, and I am committed to fostering that for each child in our community.

My active involvement in the community extends to being involved in Boy Scouts for over 40 years and most recently a scout master for over 10 years. During this time, I had the honor of helping more than 20 young men achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. I fostered a sense of belonging among the scouts, ensuring that no one felt left out, whether at a meeting or undertaking a 50-mile trek in the Adirondacks. I believe in providing every opportunity for success and will continue to champion that philosophy in our schools.

In addition to my community work, I enjoy spending time with my two amazing granddaughters, who certainly keep me on my toes! I love camping with family and friends in my camper—no more tents for me—and indulging in the variety of food truck at Great Northern Mall on Wednesday nights. I also absolutely love the time spent helping my wife refinish furniture, turning old pieces into cherished creations.

As a fiscally responsible leader, I understand the importance of managing our district's resources wisely to create positive learning experiences for all students while ensuring our schools remain sustainable for the future.

Together, we can continue to build a brighter future for our children. I humbly ask for your support in this election and look forward to collaborating with you to make our district the best it can be.

Thank you for your trust and support.

Earl Rudy

A man with glasses smiles at the camera, wearing a blue polo shirt.

I am honored to seek re-election to represent our community on the Board of Education. As a 1982 graduate of Phoenix I take great pride in where I came from and in doing my part to help our district continue to grow while holding onto the traditions that make it special. As a member since 2006 and past president, I have humbly served our community making it a priority to be present at every meeting, to listen and to be a reliable, consistent voice for all our residents.


I take this responsibility seriously and remain passionate about ensuring that every student receives a high-quality education in a safe and supportive environment, with opportunities aligned to their
individual goals —whether that path leads to college, the skilled trades, the workforce, the military, or another career of their choosing. I am also proud of my role in advocating for responsible budgeting, helping reduce tax levies to an average of 1.5%, with some years at zero—down from averages of nearly 10% in the past. It is important to me that the Board of Education and the district operate with accountability, responsibility, and transparency in all communications with our community.


After marrying my high school sweetheart, Michelle, we made our home in Phoenix where we proudly raised our two sons here and stayed involved in the district along the way. Over the years, I’ve coached high school and community basketball teams, supported the marching band and the drama club wherever needed – including transporting equipment, helping with musical sets, chaperoning and much more. For me it’s always been about showing up and supporting our kids.


Outside of the school community, I am proud to be a National Archery Association level three coach, medalist, and have coached many local students to achieve similar success in the sport. As a
communicant of St. Stephens Church, I have had the honor of serving in many roles over the years. For fun I enjoy driving my dirt modified race car at a few local tracks. Professionally, I am a Master Plumber and owner of Rudy Plumbing, LLC. With my background in construction, plumbing design, project management, estimating, and finance, I have been able to assist the district over the years as a member of many building committees and major projects.


I’m asking for your vote so I can continue serving this great community with honesty, integrity, respect, and a commitment to doing what’s right for our students and residents. Phoenix has given so much to me and my family, and I want to continue doing my part in helping it remain a strong place for future generations.

Lisa Bowman

A group of people pose for a photo in a brightly lit hallway.

Hello, my name is Lisa Bowman. I am a 15-year resident of this community and a proud mother of three Phoenix Firebirds. My daughters—Julia (Class of ’24), Chloe (a Freshman), and Emily (a 5th grader)—have been part of the district since the start of their school career. Through their involvement in the marching arts and Girl Scouts, I have had the privilege of serving as a chaperone and co-leader, supporting not only my own children but the talented students and families who make our community so great.

Professionally, I have dedicated my career to human services since 2001 and currently serve as a School Social Worker in a neighboring district. My work is rooted in advocating for children and families through a lens of cultural responsiveness. Central to my philosophy is the understanding that equity does not mean equality; every student arrives with unique needs, and it is our responsibility to collaborate on effective strategies that ensure every child has the tools to succeed.

If elected, I am committed to supporting our staff in fostering safe, inclusive environments where students can develop a lifelong love of learning and social-emotional resilience. I believe a healthy school district functions like a high-performing team—one where the needs and voices of students, staff, and community members are all valued. I look forward to combining my professional expertise with my perspective as a long-time resident and parent to advocate for the continued success of our entire district.