BOARD OF EDUCATION
 The Board of Education is made up of seven unsalaried district residents elected to serve. The board's powers and duties are derived from the New York State Constitution, the laws of New York State and the rulings of the New York State Commissioner of Education. The Board of Education's main areas of responsibility are:
 • Establish district policies.
• Develop an annual budget for public approval.
• Vote on the Superintendent's recommendations on personnel matters and contracts.
• Review courses of study and textbooks.
• Act as a communication link between residents and their school.
 No person or group of persons acts in the name of the board. All motions require a majority vote before the Board can act. A board member is in an official capacity only during an official Board meeting. The Board employs a Superintendent who is responsible for the day- to-day operation of the district and administration of Board policies. The Superintendent develops policies, programs and plans for Board action.
 


SOUTH JEFFERSON BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS
 


Mrs. Pamela Donoghue, President 
Pamela Donoghue is a life-long resident of the District, currently living in Adams with her three children.  Pam has a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Labor Relations and Business Economics from SUNY Potsdam and a Master’s Degree in Education from SUNY Oswego.  For the past twenty years, she has been employed by Jeff-Lewis BOCES as the Work-Based Learning Coordinator.  Pam has completed several trainings for School Board members including the Fiscal Management series and an eight-course series through the NYS School Boards Association on School Board Leadership.  She has attended several trainings to increase her knowledge of issues facing schools, communities, and students.   Pam has been a Girl Scout Leader and Secretary to Boy Scout Troop 586.  Pam attends the Sulphur Springs United Methodist Church.  She is a Basic Life Support Instructor for the American Heart Association, a member of the Jefferson-Lewis Association for Counseling and Development, and a volunteer for the South Jeff Rescue Squad.  Mrs. Donoghue holds a five-year term of office from July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2025.
 
   
 
Mr. Troy Matteson, Vice President
Troy resides in the village of Rodman with his wife Sarah and their three children, Mikayla, Joshua, and Nathanael. Troy is a graduate of SUNY Fredonia and has his Master’s Degree from SUNY Potsdam. For eighteen years, Troy has taught mathematics at Indian River High School. Despite graduating from Indian River, and now teaching there, he has slowly but surely changed from a Warrior to a Spartan ever since his three children started school at South Jefferson. Troy has also served as a coach and a board member for the South Jeff Little League, a soccer official for the Frontier League, and an active member, working with youth, at his church, New Life, in Watertown.  Mr. Matteson holds a five-year term of office from July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2026.
 
 
 
Mr. Joseph J. Eberle II
Joseph is a 2001 graduate of South Jefferson CSD, a 2005 graduate of Jefferson Community College, Watertown NY (AAS Paramedic) and a 2007 graduate of LeMoyne College, Syracuse NY (BS, Biology). He worked as a Paramedic Field Supervisor and in a pharmaceutical and chemical development laboratory prior to beginning his current career. In 2015, Joseph and his wife, Kendra, formally began J Eberle Woodworking, LLC, designing and building primarily residential casework and architectural millwork. In addition to his vocation, Joseph is very active in his local church, serving as a trustee on their church council, coaching community youth sports and also enjoys skiing with his family. Joseph and his wife have two daughters that both attend South Jefferson.  Mr. Eberle holds a five-year term of office from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2027.
  
 
 
Ms. Erin E. Gaffney
Erin Gaffney, a resident of the District, currently resides in Adams Center with her two children, Max and Mollie. She graduated from South Jefferson in 1997. Erin holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Utica College, a Master’s Degree in Adult Education from the University of Phoenix, and a Master’s Degree in Education and Special Education from SUNY Potsdam. Currently, Erin works as a High School Special Education Teacher at Sandy Creek Central School. Erin also holds a position at the Sackets Harbor American Legion and she tutors students of all ages. Previously, Erin served on the South Jefferson School Board and has completed numerous trainings for School Board members, along with attending various conferences and seminars to enhance her understanding of her role. Additionally, Erin coached Eastern Shore Soccer for 8 years and served as an assistant coach for the JCC women’s basketball and soccer teams. She also serves as a board member for the In Bloom Foundation.  Ms. Gaffney holds a one year, forty day term from May 22, 2024, through June 30, 2025.
 
 
 
Mrs. Kate Mangan
Kate Mangan resides in the Village of Adams with her husband, Rich, and their three children. She grew up in Rodman and attended South Jefferson Central School, graduating in 1989. She subsequently attended the University of Texas/ Austin and Clarkson University, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering. Upon graduating, Kate co-operated a heavy civil construction firm, Tug Hill Construction, Inc. with her brother. They grew the business, which had been created by their parents, to focus on large­scale environmental remediation projects for public and private owners, and the construction of tank training ranges for the Army Corps of Engineers. They performed these projects throughout the United States. She received her contracting licenses in Kentucky, Virginia, and Texas. After 20 years of involvement in the business, Kate and Rich started a family, and Kate then moved into a consulting role at Tug Hill, before starting an interior design and construction management company, 6th Floor Interiors. Eventually, they moved from their home in Henderson back into the district to ensure their children could attend SJCS.  They have twins in 8th grade, and a son, who will graduate this year. Throughout the years at South Jeff, they have been involved in academic, music, and sports endeavors to encourage growth in each area.  Mrs. Mangan holds a five-year term of office from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2029.
 
 
Mrs. Carrie A. Mangino
Carrie resides in the Village of Adams with her husband and their children.  She’s the proud mother of one South Jefferson graduate and three current South Jefferson students.  She and her family are active in the district’s numerous sports programs and area community programs.  Carrie grew up in Syracuse and earned an Associate’s Degree from Onondaga Community College.  She then earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services from SUNY Empire State College, and a Master’s Degree in Behavioral Forensics from SUNY Oswego.  She was also awarded a Certificate from Georgetown University in Public Policy within a Fellowship program in the School of Public Policy.  Carrie is a detective at Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and previously spent eight years as a School Resource Officer, where she was involved in working with area school districts’ school safety plans and working with students on mediation and diversion.  Carrie is an active member at Saint Cecilia’s Church and is a Law Enforcement Ambassador for New York State Special Olympics.  Mrs. Mangino holds a five-year term of office from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
 
 
 
Mr. Justin R. VanCoughnett
Justin is a graduate of South Jefferson Central School, SUNY Jefferson, and Iowa State University and is a NYS Licensed Professional Engineer.  He is an active member of the community and is involved in a number of local organizations including South Jefferson Little League and South Jefferson Pop Warner.  After traveling throughout the country for a number of years managing large construction projects, Justin returned to the family farm in Adams with his wife Shannon in 2012 to raise their three children near family and in the South Jefferson Community.  He now works with a Chicago based renewable energy company in addition to operating a number of businesses including the JVA Companies, JVA Engineering, and JSV Properties.  Mr. VanCoughnett holds a five-year term of office from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2027.