Voting will take place at
Berlin Elementary School
53 School Street, Berlin, NY 12022
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 from 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.
The BES Art Show will be on display during the vote.
Berlin CSD Budget Update from Interim Superintendent Dr. Maureen Long 5/19
2025-2026 School Budget and BOE Vote
Board of Education Seats
There are three seats up for election this year. All seats are three-year terms (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028).
There are three candidates running for three seats. Voters will be asked to vote for three candidates.
Candidates
The candidates will appear on the ballot in this order:
Elaine Smith
Kim Collen
Rebekah Lamphere
Candidates Profiles
Elaine Smith
I am a 1992 graduate of Berlin Central School. I then went on to receive my Bachelor’s degree from SUNY Brockport. Before deciding to stay at home to raise my children, I worked at the Arc of Rensselaer as a Program Coordinator. In addition to leading a team of Direct Support Professionals, one of my responsibilities was to plan and facilitate person-centered trainings.
These sessions helped to develop meaningful life goals for adults with disabilities. In doing this work, I learned how important it is to truly listen to the needs of others. It also taught me how to work through challenges with an open mind. I believe these skills will help me as a board member, to be in service to others. I am a person who tries to find the positive, even in challenging situations.
Currently, I have two children attending school in Berlin, a son in 10th grade and a daughter in 8th grade. I have always been an advocate and ally of the Berlin school. I speak proudly of my connection to the community here. While my kids were at the elementary school, I dedicated my time and energy to being the PTO co-president. I am now ready to take on a new role as a board member. If elected, I will continue to be an advocate for the families, teachers and students.
Kim Collen
My name is Kim Collen and I am running for Berlin Central School District Board of Education.
I have completed three years of service already but feel I have more to offer.
I have lived in the district, specifically in Grafton, for the past 14 years. My two boys have attended Berlin since Kindergarten. Jake graduated in 2024 and Kyle is a senior this year.
I have worked as a Physician Assistant for the past 30 years. I enjoy meeting new people, listening to their concerns and helping them.
I have come to love this school as well as the community and want to make it the best it can be. We have made great strides over the past few years and hope to continue that work. I believe we all need to come together, problem solve, offer solutions, and work as a group, with the goal of making Berlin Central an example of a well-run rural district.
There will always be challenges, but I have faith in our current staff and administration to continue their hard work. I have no doubt they have the students’ well-being and success as their driving force.
According to the New York State School Board Association, a board member should be an effective communicator, consensus builder, community participant, decision maker, information processor, a leader and a team player. I believe I possess these characteristics and hope I can continue to serve Berlin.
Rebekah Lamphere
I have been a resident in the Berlin School District nearly my entire life. Born in Berlin, after graduation from Berlin CSD, I attended Paul Smith’s College for Urban Tree Management, and Cornell University for Plant Science. I moved back home after graduation to raise my family. I own and manage a landscape design/installation business, Hartland Designs Inc. I have employed many Berlin High School students, often giving them their first job. I served on the Berlin Free Town Library Board for 21 years, only recently retiring. I have one grown son, Gable, who lives in Petersburgh, a daughter, Graziella, who is a senior at Berlin, and son George, who is a sophomore at Berlin. I am a property owner in both Petersburgh and Grafton, so I know how important it is to keep taxes low, I also know how important it is to provide our kids with the best possible education. Graziella and George have thrived at Berlin because of their excellent teachers and staff, their strong music and art program as well as their inclusive sports program, and the academic choices they have had. I am so grateful for this school, and want to do what I can to help it continue its mission to provide a safe, nurturing atmosphere and to continue to develop strong academics. When parents are considering homeschooling and private school alternatives, I want them to choose to send their kids to Berlin, not because it’s a last resort, but because Berlin has developed a reputation for being an excellent choice, for enrichment as well as academically and emotionally.