Five candidates — more than have run for years — are seeking two seats on the Berne-Knox-Westerlo School Board in a special election on Feb. 23.

DUANESBURG — Joseph J. Merli made history tangible through objects. He fixed things no one else could, and he sought to preserve the industrial heritage that built America.

Summer Smith died of a drug overdose. Her mother is organizing a May 14 run that will start at her daughter's alma mater, Guilderland High School.

Although the recently elected supervisor said he wanted "new blood" on the planning board, the town board members re-appointed the board's 40-year member, Daniel Driscoll, over his objections.

Membership in the Guilderland Chamber of commerce plummeted with Obamacare, but is stable now with a focus local business, says the chamber's president who is leaving for a new job.

The new superintendent said that, at the next school board meeting, district programs that alleviate harassment will be explained. "Our mantra has been find it and fix it," he said.

Comments from residents who served on or valued the Budget Advisory Committee moved the school board to postpone its plans to suspend the volunteer group.

Jianwei Zhang, a Guilderland parent who works at the University at Albany, introduced inquiry-based science instruction to the elementary school where students learn by collaboration.

A quick-thinking student helped when his school bus driver fell ill and the bus meandered off the road.

“I’m happy to have other people face the difficult decisions we face,” said school board member Christopher McManus of the unpleasant choices that must be faced to close budget gaps.