Two candidates, Nicole Naselli and Pat Oare, are running for two open seats on the District’s Board of Education. These seats are currently held by David D’Amore and Joyel Richardson, whose terms will expire on June 30, 2026.
The newly elected board members will serve three-year terms beginning July 1, 2026.
The community vote will take place on Tuesday, May 19. In addition to electing two board members, voters will also decide on the District’s proposed budget for the 2026–2027 school year. Read more about the proposed plan here.
Nicole Naselli
Nicole Naselli of Johnstown has been a resident of the District for 22 years. She and her husband, Joseph, have two children: a 20-year-old son, Trey, who is currently a junior at Clarkson University, and an 18-year-old daughter, Ayla, who is a senior at JHS. Naselli is employed by the Gloversville Enlarged School District as a second-grade teacher.
Originally from the Boonville, New York area, Naselli is a graduate of Adirondack High School. She attended Plattsburgh State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in education with a concentration in music, and later earned a Master of Science in reading from the University at Albany.
Naselli has been actively involved in numerous school activities alongside her children. She has maintained the scorebook and operated the clock for girls’ soccer games, measured and recorded distances at track and field events, and served as a volunteer judge for the spontaneous competition in Odyssey of the Mind.
I am running for the Board of Education because: I am running for the Greater Johnstown School Board because I care a great deal about our community and the future of our students. As an educator, I recognize the challenges and opportunities within schools. I have always been committed to helping every child succeed. Throughout my time in Johnstown, I have volunteered in a number of ways and taken on many leadership roles. As my last child graduates, I feel I have time to give back to a school district that has prepared my children for their futures. I believe in building a strong foundation for all children, and am eager to serve, listen, and work collectively to help support all.
Pat Oare
Pat Oare of Johnstown is seeking a second term on the District’s Board of Education, having previously served a three-year term from 2019-2022. He and his wife, Meghan, have three children who attend school in Johnstown: a ten-year-old in fourth grade at Warren Street Elementary, a nine-year-old in third grade at Warren Street, and a seven-year-old in first grade at Pleasant Avenue Elementary.
Oare has been a lifelong resident of Johnstown and is a graduate of JHS. He earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Alfred University. He is also a military veteran, having served as a captain in the U.S. Army with the 10th Mountain Division, stationed at Fort Drum, New York.
He is the owner of DAIM Logistics, where he specializes in third-party logistics, including public warehousing and transportation services.
Oare is a volunteer youth coach for the Royal Mountain Ski Team.
I am running for the Board of Education because: I feel my skill sets developed from my experiences and training will lend a unique perspective to the board. I want to preserve the small town qualities that Johnstown possesses. A solid school district is a cornerstone to this foundation.