Candidate Information
There are two Board of Education seats with terms expiring on June 30, 2026.
Petitions were due by 5 p.m. on Monday, April 20.
Click here to view the Meet the Candidates Forum.
The following candidates (in ballot order) returned their board petitions.
Laura Michalec Olszewski
Occupation: I am the Assistant Regional Chief Judge for a Federal Government agency. Prior to my appointment, I was a trial attorney with Immigration & Customs Enforcement, working in a maximum-security prison.
Education: Proud Westlake High School graduate. I received my undergraduate degree from Bucknell University, my law degree from Fordham University School of Law, and a master's degree in security studies from the Naval Postgraduate School.
Community Involvement: I have served on the School Board since 2017, working on numerous committees and serving several terms as Board Vice President. Prior to joining the Board, I was secretary of the WMS PTA, a Cub Scout leader for Hawthorne Pack One for over 10 years, and Scoutmaster for Mount Pleasant Troop 125. I have also been involved with Westlake Players, Holy Rosary Church's adult and bell choirs, Parish Council, and annual Christmas pageant.
Why are you running? As a lifelong Mount Pleasant resident, I have dedicated my career to public service. I want to continue advocating for the best possible education for our children in a fiscally responsible manner, always with an eye on our community's values and expectations.
What is your overall vision for the school district? Our district should foster a safe environment where students develop a love of learning. I have witnessed incredible growth during my tenure, but we can do more to challenge students academically and help them think critically in an ever-changing world.
What are the most important responsibilities of the BOE? Ensuring fiscal responsibility, maintaining academic rigor, and remaining responsive to community concerns while holding our district to the highest standards.
What accomplishments are you most proud of? Helping pass an instructional bond with zero net tax increase, leading to facility upgrades and improved safety and security. I am also proud of the strength of our special education department and the continued success of our graduating seniors gaining acceptance to increasingly competitive colleges and universities.
Sara M. Beaty
Occupation: I am the Principal Court Attorney for a NYS Supreme Court Justice. The entirety of my legal career has focused on public service.
Education: I received my undergraduate degree from Utica College of Syracuse University in 2002 and my law degree from Albany Law School in 2005.
Community Involvement: I have served on the Board of Education since February 2020. In addition, I serve on the District’s Audit, Budget, and Finance Committee. I have been a member of the Mt. Pleasant Education Foundation since 2018, and now serve as their board member liaison. I served on the Citizens Budget Advisory Committee for three years before serving on the Board. I am also a member of many local bar associations, and serve on the Board of the Rockland Community College Legal Advisory Studies Board.
Why are you running? I am running for re-election because of my experience in leadership matters. This District has accomplished so much in recent years, benefiting the entire Mt. Pleasant community, and I feel blessed to have been part of the team leading our progress. However, there is still more work to do, and I feel that my experience and background, combined with my love of our children, community, and volunteerism, truly matter in this role.
What is your overall vision for the School District? I envision a future of continued growth and progress that aligns with our community’s core values. For a District the size of Mt. Pleasant, the number of programs and services we offer is amazing, and I see that trend continuing, especially with the help of all of our tireless parent volunteers.
What do you believe are the most important responsibilities of the BOE? To enhance programs and opportunities for every student, including general and special education students, in a transparent and fiscally responsible way while preserving the qualities and characteristics that make Mt. Pleasant unique and special.
What accomplishments are you most proud of during your time as a Board Member? During my time on the Board, our District has added over $50,000,000 in tax-neutral capital and instructional improvements, and increased our credit rating to an AA+. I am proud of the District’s many improvements, including enhanced safety and security, a stronger focus on the trades and science research, expanded foreign language instruction in elementary schools, new math and literacy programs, growth in our music and arts programs, and the addition of UPK. I am also encouraged by the many ways the District has increased student and parent engagement.
Tracey Pisano
Occupation: For the past 22 years, I have worked as a special education teacher in The Bronx, teaching students from kindergarten through eighth grade. In the last few years, I have focused on fourth grade inclusion.
Education: I received my bachelor’s degree from the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising and my Master’s in Early Elementary & Special Education from Mercy College.
Community Involvement: I have coached AYSO soccer for several seasons, which has taught me the value of teamwork, perseverance, and providing kids with a positive outlet to grow and have fun. I have also volunteered for PTA events over the years, including collecting donations and selling raffles at the annual Father-Daughter Dance. Currently, I'm collecting book donations to keep our town's lending libraries well stocked.
Why are you running? I want to be a voice for our students, our teachers, and our families. I want to ensure every child, no matter what their background, has access to excellent teachers, safe learning environments, and the resources they need to succeed.
What is your overall vision for the school district? I want our school district to be one where every child has the chance to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, and graduates ready for college, career, and a meaningful life. At the heart of it all are strong teachers who are empowered and respected, and a system that puts students first in every decision we make. That’s the kind of district I want to help build.
What do you believe are the most important responsibilities of the Board of Education? To set a clear vision and high standards for every student’s success and then hold ourselves accountable to meet them. We must also be careful stewards of taxpayer dollars, ensuring our budget prioritizes classrooms, teachers, and students' needs. Above all, we must ensure that every child in our district has access to a safe, equitable, and excellent education.
What do you hope to accomplish during your time as a Board member? I believe every child in our community deserves excellent schools that prepare them to succeed in life. My vision is simple: safe, equitable, high-performing schools where every student feels valued and supported, and where families and teachers are true partners. If elected, I will focus on setting high standards, being a responsible steward of our resources, listening to our community, and putting students first in every decision. I’m ready to bring fresh energy, real-world perspective, and a deep commitment to making our schools the best they can be. I’d be honored to earn your support.