Board of Education
Meet the Board Members
The Board of Education recognizes that to govern effectively, it must clearly define why the district exists and what it aspires to be. The Board therefore adopts the following mission statement to convey the district’s purpose and vision and to set forth what the district should strive to become in the future.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to empower student success through critical thinking, creativity, and respectful discourse, shaping a transformative world that values and elevates their diverse insights and talents, ensuring that every student can thrive.
Click on each board member below to read about them.
Zack Graczyk is a Wappingers Central School District Science Teacher and Baseball Coach who holds a BS in Adolescent Education Earth Science from SUNY Cortland and an M.S. Ed in Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology from SUNY Albany.
Mr. Graczyk’s volunteer activities include board membership in 3UP3Down, an organization that promotes youth baseball and provides additional community support for children with developmental disabilities, as well as with the Pawling Elementary PTA and Pawling Little League.
Mr. Graczyk’s goal is to help build stronger relationships between the community and the school district, and through hard work in his board position, to ensure every student in Pawling has a positive, rewarding, and successful experience in our schools.
Jennifer Walsh and her husband have lived in Pawling since 2007. They have five children in our three Pawling schools. Mrs. Walsh holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Economics from the University of Michigan, a Master’s Degree in Education from Harvard University, and one in School Leadership from Touro College.
For the past 15 years, she has been a High School Math Teacher and Department Chair in Westchester. Mrs. Walsh has served as a Girl Scout Leader, Cub Scout Leader, and PTA volunteer. Currently, she serves on the boards for the Pawling Middle and High School PTSA and Pawling Little League.
Elizabeth Cozzocrea has been a resident of Pawling for over 16 years. She currently holds a board position on the PTSA, is an appointed member of the PMS Counseling Advisory Committee, and has volunteered many hours to our schools and community. Her two children attend Pawling Schools, which has deepened her connection to this vibrant community and fueled her commitment to its growth.
Elizabeth brings to the board her experience & knowledge as a clinical social worker. For nearly two decades, she has focused her career on the social and emotional well-being of children, adolescents, and families. She knows that when communities, school districts, and families work together, all children can succeed. Elizabeth is committed to ensuring that PCSD provides the best possible education and opportunity for every student, while consistently supporting the teachers and staff who are at the heart of our district.
Michael Main was elected to the Board of Education for the Pawling Central School District on May 21st, 2024, and was sworn in on July 2nd, 2024. Michael’s focus, as one of 7 Board Members, is contributing to our school district’s operational oversight via effective policy and fiscal prudence, all through the lens of maximizing beneficial student experiences and incorporating community stakeholder engagement. Michael also serves on PCSD’s Policy Committee.
Michael relocated to Pawling from NYC in late 2020 with his family - Pawling’s reputation for having great schools being the primary driver. Since arriving, Michael has been very active in the community, serving as a coach for youth sports, volunteering for various PTA and community events. Michael’s focus has been, and will always be, giving back to the Pawling Community, especially its children.
Keith has been a proud resident of Pawling for 16 years, where he and his wife have raised their four children. He enjoyed a fulfilling 32-year career teaching math and science at the middle school level in the Carmel School District.
In addition to his work in education, Keith dedicated 25 years to the Carmel Teachers’ Association, serving in a variety of leadership roles. His commitment to service continues today through his work on the board of the Pawling Resource Center and as a deacon at his church.
Keith values open communication and is passionate about serving others and giving his time to help those in need. He remains deeply committed to supporting his community and those around him as a member of the Pawling School Board.
Michelle Spielvogel and her family found their home in Pawling in 2018. She has 2 young children in elementary school, with one more set to enter in a few years. She is an active member of the Pawling Little League board and the PTA. As a certified registered nurse with years of administrative experience, she believes strongly in the power of teamwork and collaboration. Michelle is committed to using her perspective as a parent and a professional outside of education to find innovative solutions that prioritize academic excellence while fostering a safe and nurturing environment for every child.