Five candidates at Katonah‑Lewisboro forum debate superintendent search, budget oversight and special‑education communication

A Parent Council "meet the candidates" forum for the Katonah‑Lewisboro Union Free School District featured five people running for three school‑board seats and focused on three issues candidates said will define the next board: the superintendent search, fiscal oversight of a multi‑million‑dollar budget and the district’s handling of special‑education services.

Kathy Martin, co‑president of the Parent Council, opened the meeting by outlining election rules and dates and reminding listeners that the top two vote‑getters will take full three‑year terms starting July 1 and the third‑place finisher will fill a one‑year vacancy beginning May 22.

Peter, a partner at Jones Day who is running for the board, said his primary contribution would be detailed financial oversight and stronger contracting practices. "We have an enormous budget," he said, noting candidates referenced figures in the low‑to‑mid‑hundreds of millions, and argued the board should ensure competitive bidding and close audit findings to free funds for instruction. "I think that's something that I can bring more attention to detail," he said.

Matthew Golia, a candidate and senior director of corporate treasury, said the next board should emphasize transparency, accountability and a successful superintendent transition. He stressed support for vulnerable students and family outreach, citing his work with a local special‑education advocacy group and an autism acceptance event with the Lewisboro Police Department.

Marjorie, a current Katonah‑Lewisboro School Board member, framed her re‑election bid around continuity during the superintendent transition and oversight of the district bond project. She pointed to recent initiatives — including full‑day kindergarten and a senior internship program — as accomplishments that should continue.

John Poffenberger described his two decades in education and administrative roles, and Barbara Williams highlighted PTO fundraising she said has provided more than $165,000 for her school’s programs and enrichment.

Throughout the forum, candidates repeatedly returned to a short set of priorities: maintain high academic standards, improve communication between families and administration, and provide direct academic supports to address post‑pandemic learning gaps. Several candidates urged a review of literacy and math supports in the elementary grades.

Special‑education concerns emerged as a central, and at times divisive, topic. Matthew Golia said families sometimes find the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and 504 processes opaque and called for clearer communication; he also said the district is "in a legal battle with the New York State Department of Education" over the provision of services through age 22. Marjorie called some of the characterizations "a disservice to the district" and highlighted recent investments including a new assistant superintendent for student support services and building‑level transitions meant to strengthen special‑education programming.

Candidates also discussed facilities and long‑unused district property, with several urging that the board develop a clear plan for long‑term assets such as the former Lewisborough Elementary School rather than leaving them dormant.

The Parent Council closed the event with logistical reminders: the district is scheduling budget presentations on May 13 and May 14, and polling places will be open on election day, May 21, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Voters were advised to confirm their polling location.

Why it matters: The next board will hire or help set the leadership profile for the new superintendent and will oversee the district’s multi‑million‑dollar budget and ongoing bond work. Candidates’ focus on audit findings, contracting and special‑education transparency highlights issues that could shape board priorities if the candidates win.