Jennifer Haggerty, President
TERM July 2018 – June 2023
Jennifer Haggerty has lived in the City of Rensselaer for 25 years and is also married to a life long resident, Mr. John Haggerty. John and Jennifer have a 7 year old son Rocco who attends first grade at Van Rensselaer Elementary. She has been a member of the Rensselaer School Board since 2018. Jennifer currently works for New York State Office of Addictions Services and Supports and has 23 years of experience providing direct services to youth and families. She also serves as a board member of the Questar III BOCES school board and president of the Rensselaer Little League. She has always been passionate about children and education. Jennifer truly believes the children of Rensselaer are our most precious asset and that the world can be very challenging for them to navigate. School has the greatest responsibility and opportunity, second to families, to influence them. It is her highest priority to give them a solid educational base, foster growth and contribute to their success.
Lark Rutecki, Vice President
TERM July 2019 – June 2024
Dana Endres
TERM July 2019 – June 2024
Dana Endres is a lifelong resident of Rensselaer. Her and husband Eric raised their two daughters in the city and sent them both to Rensselaer City School District. Currently working for St. Peters Health Partners, she oversees Non-invasive Cardiology, PFT, EEG and CardioPulmonary Wellness programs. Eric and Dana are heavily involved in our city. Eric is a member of the common council and volunteers his time with Rensselaer High School softball program, they are both actively involved in Rensselaer Girls Softball, and Dana has been a member of the Rensselaer School Board since 2013. Their family strongly believes in the value of a strong investment in our youth, especially the youth of Rensselaer.
Judith Stasack
TERM May 2021 – June 2023
Judy Stasack has lived in the City of Rensselaer for over 20 years and has raised her 4 children here. Her granddaughter currently attends Kindergarten at Van Rensselaer Elementary, as well. Judy has a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and a Masters in Public Health degree with a concentration in Environmental Health and Toxicology. Judy has worked for New York State as a Research Scientist and Project Manager, and as a Business Development manager for Lockheed Martin, where she successfully managed teams to winning multimillion dollar contracts. Judy has coached several youth sports, ranging from t-ball to softball and cheerleading. She has also volunteered her time to raise awareness about the challenges the city and school face with Construction and Demolition landfill located in the center of the city and adjacent to the school campus. Judy is passionate about our children having the best possible education in a safe and supportive environment so that they feel equipped to pursue their passions and achieve their goals.
James Preston
TERM July 2020 – June 2025
James Preston is a lifelong resident of Rensselaer, and wife Melissa has also lived here for the past 20 years. His two children Luke and Madeline both attend Van Rensselaer Elementary School in 4th and 2nd grades respectively. For the past 10 years he has served the Department of Homeland Security for TSA at 8 Airports as a Tier 2 Enterprise Network engineer. James served Honorably in both the United States Marine Corps (88-93) and United States Navy (95-96). Between 2004 and 2008 he supported The United States Army in Both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom for 3 Years, serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait.
James has served on the Board since July of 2020, he ran for the seat because as a parent of students, a taxpayer and friend to many teachers and staff of the district he felt he could bring a well rounded perspective to the challenges we are currently facing.