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Richfield Springs CSD

Responsibility, Scholarship, Confidence, Success

BOE Members and Biographies

Meet the Board Members

 

Click on each board member to learn more about their biography.

Requests to contact the School Board should be directed to the Board Clerk, Sherry Farrington, by email at sfarrington@richfieldcsd.org or by phone at 315-858-0610.

Nancy Duevel

President, RSCS Board of Education

Nancy Duevel brings a wealth of leadership and technical expertise to the Board, backed by a distinguished career as a licensed structural engineer for Brown and Caldwell in Seattle, Washington. Her commitment to public service includes a ten-year appointment to Washington State's Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Clarkson University, as well as Master of Science degrees in both Civil Engineering and Engineering Management from Southern Methodist University.

Raised on a farm outside Starkville, Nancy is a proud graduate of Owen D. Young Central School. Twelve years ago, she returned to her roots and settled in the Village of Richfield Springs. Deeply invested in her local community, she also chairs the Village’s Zoning Board of Appeals and serves as a member of the Community Literacy Alliance. An avid reader with a particular passion for biographies, she credits her early education at ODY with sparking a lifelong love of learning.

A dedicated advocate for local education, Nancy joined the Board in 2020 and was elected to a full term in 2021. Now serving in her second year as Board President, her primary goal is to ensure that today’s students receive the same high-quality educational opportunities that shaped her own journey.

Brad Smith 

Vice President, RSCS Board of Education

A lifelong resident and graduate of Richfield Springs Central School, Brad Smith was inspired by his Richfield Springs teachers to pursue a career in education. He earned an associate degree in Humanities from Herkimer County Community College before completing both his bachelor's and master's degrees in industrial arts/technology education at SUNY Oswego.

Throughout his 33-year teaching career, Brad prioritized experiential learning. Early on, he trained with national Expeditionary Learning professionals to deepen his expertise in active pedagogy, school culture, and leadership. In his classroom, students gained hands-on experience with engineering, robotics, CAD, 3D printing, laser cutting, woodworking, welding, and electronics. As a NYS Master Teacher, Brad developed STEM curriculum connecting science, math, and engineering to technological development. His school leadership roles included Tech Club advisor, 8th Grade Team Leader, Outward Bound Coordinator, Union Representative, and teacher mentor.

Elected to the Board of Education in 2008, Brad has served 4 years as Board President and 13 years as Vice President; he currently sits on the Finance Committee. As a third-generation educator, he believes strongly in the correlation between effort and outcome. On the board, his priority is expanding diverse student opportunities while maintaining a financially responsible budget that respects local taxpayers.

Brad’s extensive community involvement includes Boy Scouts, youth sports, sports and band boosters, the Canadarago Snowtoppers, and the development of the Community Literacy Alliance. In retirement, he enjoys spending time with his two adult children and four grandchildren, all future RSCS students, who inspire his continued service to the district.

Larry Bohling,

Member, RSCS Board of Education

Larry Bohling brings a strong background in business ownership, technical education, and community advocacy to the Board of Education. A graduate of New Hartford High School, he holds an AAS degree in Landscape Horticulture from SUNY Morrisville and a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from The Ohio State University. For over four decades, he was the owner and operator of Bohling’s Auto Service in Utica. Long dedicated to supporting the next generation of tradespeople, he serves on the Advisory Board for the Auto Tech Program at OHM BOCES, regularly hosted student interns, provided tools and awards to entry-level technicians, and established endowed scholarships at SUNY Morrisville in memory of his parents.

A long-time visitor to the area since 1961, Larry and his wife moved to Richfield Springs permanently four years ago. His extensive record of civic involvement includes serving as a board member for the Service Station Repair Shop Operators of Upstate NY, the Neighborhood Center in Utica, the Cornhill Business Association, and Habitat for Humanity, as well as 20 years in volunteer fire service—five as Chief. Locally, he serves as Captain of Fire Police for the Richfield Springs Fire Department, assists with Community Center activities, and volunteers for literacy and lake improvement efforts.

Elected to the Board of Education in June 2026, Larry serves on the Finance Committee. Driven by a mission to keep the district a vibrant community staple, his focus is on ensuring every student has access to a well-rounded education, real-world preparation, and career-focused pathways like BOCES. In his free time, he enjoys boating, snowmobiling, photography, landscaping, and gardening.

Rebecca Marzeski

Member, RSCS Board of Education

A lifelong resident of Richfield Springs, Rebecca Marzeski attended RSCS from kindergarten through graduation, an experience that inspired her lifelong passion for education and service. Following her high school graduation, she raised a family before pursuing her higher education, ultimately earning a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, a Master of Science in Reading, and a Certificate of Advanced Studies in both Building-Level and District-Level Administration.

Rebecca brings decades of extensive educational leadership to the Board. A National Board-Certified Teacher, her career spans roles as a classroom teacher (Kindergarten, 1st, and 5th grade), college literacy instructor, Elementary Principal, Director of School Improvement, and Superintendent. She also served as Teachers’ Union President and Vice President, secured a $25,000 STEM grant, and earned the Distinguished Leadership Award.

Elected to the Board of Education during the 2022–2023 school year, Rebecca serves on the Policy Committee and acts as a Surrogate Parent. Inspired to run by her husband—who previously served on the RSCS Board for 24 years—her core priority is ensuring a high-quality, well-rounded education for every student. Since 2023, she has also served as President of the Community Literacy Alliance, an initiative established by the Board.

In her retirement, Rebecca remains deeply committed to local non-profit work. She serves as President of the Garden Club of Richfield Springs, sits on the Board of Directors for the Richfield Springs Community Center, and teaches Sunday School.

Rebecca and her husband have two grown children, Amanda and Michael—both RSCS graduates—and six grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys reading, gardening, outdoor recreation, and spending time with her family.

Michelle Zuba

Member, RSCS Board of Education

A resident of Richfield Springs for the past decade, Michelle Zuba brings a strong background in healthcare leadership, active civic involvement, and a deep dedication to student success to the Board of Education. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and serves as the Sterile Processing/OR Materials Manager at Bassett Medical Center, holding multiple professional healthcare certifications including Certified Healthcare Leader (CHL).

Michelle was elected to the Board of Education for the 2025–2026 school year. Driven by her desire to ensure local children—including her stepdaughter, a current RSCS student—have access to rich educational opportunities, her primary focus on the Board is always putting students first. She also serves on the Community Literacy Alliance and is an active member of the PTO.

Deeply rooted in community service, Michelle holds numerous local leadership roles. She serves as Vice President, Board Member, By-Law Committee Chair, and active member of the local Fire Department, as well as Treasurer of the Fire Department Auxiliary. Additionally, she is the Treasurer and Membership Chair for the local Lions Club, a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), and coordinates both the annual Community Yard Sale Days and the Santa Anonymous program.

Michelle lives in Richfield Springs with her partner, Rick—an RSCS alumnus—and their family. A self-described "nerd," lifelong learner, and avid reader, Halloween is her favorite holiday, and she counts the Mothman and Bigfoot as her favorite cryptids.

Welcome to the Richfield Springs Central School District Board of Education

On behalf of the entire Board of Education, welcome to our online home! As your elected representatives—and as parents, alumni, neighbors, and longtime members of the Richfield Springs community—we are deeply honored to serve the district that brings our town together.

At RSCS, our highest priority is simple: putting our students first. Whether in the classroom, on the field, in the arts, or out in the community, we are dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing, and dynamic environment where every child from pre-K through 12th grade has the opportunity to thrive, grow, and achieve their full potential.

Strong schools build a strong community, and exceptional education is a true team effort. We work hand-in-hand with our Superintendent, dedicated teachers, staff, and families to chart a clear, bright path forward for our district while remaining responsible stewards of your community resources.

Your voice matters to us. We invite you to stay connected, attend our public meetings, and join us in supporting the next generation of Richfield Springs leaders. Thank you for your partnership, your pride, and your ongoing commitment to our students and schools!

A group of five diverse adults stand together indoors against a white tiled wall, smiling for a group photo.    

 

Board of Education — Frequently Asked Questions


What is the role of the Board of Education?

We are a team of community members elected by you to oversee the long-term vision and governance of Richfield Springs Central School. Our main responsibilities are setting school policies, developing and managing the annual budget, and hiring and evaluating the Superintendent.

What is the difference between the Board and the Superintendent?

  •  The Board sets the big-picture goals, establishes policy, and manages the budget.

  •  The Superintendent oversees day-to-day district operations, manages staff, and carries out the educational programs inside our school.

Do individual Board members make independent decisions?

No. Individual trustees do not have official authority on their own. The Board acts strictly as a collective body, taking action only through votes during public board meetings.

When and where does the Board meet?

We host regular public meetings throughout the school year. You can find our upcoming meeting dates, times, location details, meeting agendas, and archived minutes right here on our webpage.

Can members of the Richfield Springs community attend meetings?

Absolutely—we strongly encourage it! All regular meetings are open to the public. Every regular meeting includes a dedicated public comment period where residents can address the Board, share feedback, or bring ideas forward.

How does the annual school budget get approved?

Each spring, the Board works with school administrators to build a balanced budget focused on student success and financial responsibility. District residents then vote on the proposed budget during the annual statewide school budget vote held every May.

How can I contact the Board or get involved?

We welcome community input! You can reach out to us by contacting the Board Clerk, Sherry Farrington at sfarrington@richfieldcsd.org or by phone at 315-858-0610, attend an upcoming meeting, or get involved in district committees and local groups like the PTO and Community Literacy Alliance.