2026 Board Candidates

Candidates appear on this page in the order they will appear on the ballot.

Thomas Mayo

Incumbent Thomas Mayo is seeking re-election to the Board of Education, where he has served as an active member since 2005. His leadership within the board includes past tenures as president, vice president, and parliamentarian, in addition to several years serving on the Audit Committee. A professional with 40 years of experience in the banking industry, Mr. Mayo is currently employed by Sunmark Credit Union. His commitment to the Troy community is further evidenced by his past involvement with the Troy Booster Club and the School 18 PTA. Mr. Mayo is the proud parent of two Troy High School graduates who earned their diplomas with honors in 2016 and 2020.

Matthew Flowers, Jr.​

Incumbent Matthew Flowers, Jr. is seeking a fourth term on the Board of Education. He has contributed his expertise to the district’s Safety, Equity, and Audit committees, and has also served on the statewide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee. A lifelong Troy resident and Troy High School alumnus, Mr. Flowers, Jr. holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from the University at Albany. Currently employed by Excelsior College, his professional background includes tenure at Parsons Child and Family Center and TRIP, Inc. Mr. Flowers, Jr. is an active board member for OurCore INC., a non-profit serving marginalized youth in Newburgh, NY. His past community involvement includes service as a board member for the Troy Boys and Girls Club, where he was honored as a Hall of Fame inductee, and 22 years as a radio host on WRPI. Mr. Flowers, Jr. is the parent of a son currently attending Troy High and two daughters who are Troy High School graduates.

Diana Heckman ​​

Incumbent Diana Heckman is seeking a third term on the Board of Education, where she currently serves as Vice President. She is a member of the district’s Equity Committee. Mrs. Heckman earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from The College of Saint Rose and a master’s degree in public administration from Marist College. She has been employed by the New York State Police Forensic Investigation Center for 29 years and is currently the Supervisor of Forensic Services in the Biological Sciences Casework Section. Mrs. Heckman is dedicated to ensuring that all students receive a high-quality education and a positive school experience. She resides in Troy with her husband, a school administrator in the Schalmont School District, and their two sons who are students in 9th and 11th grades at Troy High School.