TICONDEROGA -- Four people are after three open seats on the Ticonderoga Central School Board.

Incumbents Paula Besson and John Reale Sr. will face challengers Christopher Burns Sr. and Lucy Bilow.

Longtime board member Dr. William Brennan is not running for re-election.

The election is in the High School lobby and Hague Community Center from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday.

The Press-Republican asked the candidates what they'd like accomplish, if elected.

Paula Besson: Besson said Ticonderoga's $23 million building project will greatly enhance school facilities.

"I'm excited to see the building project be put into action. That's a positive step forward for the school system."

The plans are being formulated now, she said, for State Department of Education approval.

"We hope to break ground next summer."

Lucy Bilow: "I have interest in the financial and educational goals of the district, working with the community. Ticonderoga is doing a very good job. I have substituted a lot since my retirement, in other schools, and I believe Ticonderoga is doing a great job. Continuing that would be great."

She believes she would be an asset on the board.

"I have educational experience working with students and parents, and I have knowledge of the district's academic and extracurricular programs."

Christopher Burns Sr.: "My many years of budgeting experience would help to assist the board in making fiscally responsible decisions while keeping the best interests of our students in mind. I believe that every effort to minimize the impact on the tax levy should be taken."

He said the school should do more to prepare students for the 21st century.

"Due to the increased influx of drug-related arrests, both in and around our surrounding area, I would like to see an even greater emphasis placed on our already existing drug/alcohol and character-education programs."