Shenendehowa School Board 2026

Abigail Gomes

"Every Student Seen."
Go for Gomes · Vote May 20
Meet Abigail Get Involved
Abigail Gomes
Vote
May
20
5
Candidates
2
Open Seats
2
Your Votes
1
Vote She Needs
"You have 2 votes. I only need one of them."
About Abigail

Rooted in
This Work.

20+
Years in Youth Development
4
Kids in Shen Schools
1
Mission: Every Student Seen
"I was the student who looked fine excelling academically while quietly carrying far more than any child should. My mom was doing everything she could, without much support. I felt the weight of that but I didn't have the words for it then. Today, those same students are sitting in Shen classrooms. And they deserve to be seen."

Abigail Gomes is a youth development leader with over 20 years of experience helping young people and families thrive. As the leader of the Capital District YMCA Black and Latino Achievers, she has spent her career connecting youth with mentorship, career exploration, and the life skills they need to succeed not just in school, but beyond it.

A Shen parent of four children spanning elementary, middle, and high school Abigail brings both professional depth and personal investment to this race. She knows this district from the inside, as a parent who navigates it every single day.

She grew up attending under-resourced schools, excelling academically while carrying more than any child should. Her mother worked hard with little outside support, and Abigail felt that weight pushing herself to be great because she felt she owed it to her mom. She's running because she knows those students are in Shen classrooms today, and they deserve to be seen.

Platform

Five Priorities for
Every Shen Student

Rooted in real needs. Built on 20 years of practice.
1
See the "Invisible" Student
Economically disadvantaged students in Shen often present as high-functioning while carrying real unmet needs. Every child deserves support not just those whose struggles are obvious.
2
Invest in Mental Health
Counselor ratios fall far below best practice. I'll advocate for expanded mental health resources and community partnerships so no student navigates hard times alone.
3
Build Belonging for All
Students of color in a predominantly white district face dual pressures of achievement and invisibility. Every child deserves mentors who reflect their identity and a school where they truly belong.
4
Close the Career Readiness Gap
Academic excellence matters and so do financial literacy, life skills, and career pathways. I'll push for curriculum that prepares every student for the full range of futures ahead of them.
5
Support the Whole Family
Students don't exist in isolation. Housing instability, income insecurity, and family stress shape what happens in the classroom. I'll champion wraparound support that meets families where they are.
Get Involved

Show Up for
Every Student

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