Board of Education Candidates

Joe Cena

My name is Joe Cena, and I am again running for a position on the Akron Board of Education. I have enjoyed my time on the Board after being elected in 2023. I look forward to continuing the great work our Board of Education has undertaken, and eagerly look forward to celebrating the educational and athletic successes that have become synonymous with our school district 

Outside of the Board of Education, I have been an English teacher at Depew Schools since 2005. In addition to teaching at Depew, I have also coached modified football and track, as well as JV baseball. I have taught at both the high school and middle school level, where I currently teach 8th grade English. Additionally, I also help to lead and implement our middle school leadership program, W.E.B. (Where Everyone Belongs), which is a program that will hopefully be starting at Akron Middle School in the near future . This program allows 8th grade students to serve as big brothers/sisters for our 6th grade students. In addition to teaching and coaching, I have also served as both a high school and middle school class advisor for the past fifteen years. 

I have been married to my wife, Jessica (herself, an Akron graduate, and teacher’s assistant at Akron Elementary), for nineteen years. We moved back to the Akron school district in 2018. We have have three boys (ages 13, 12 & 10) who attend Akron Elementary. 

Serving on the board has allowed me the opportunity to work toward my ultimate goal, which is to listen to the ideas, thoughts, and concerns of our residents, and develop ideas that aim to address these together, strengthening the bond between the board and our community. 

Stephanie Coffta

My name is Stephanie Coffta, and I am running for re-election to the Akron School Board. I am a proud Akron Tiger, graduating in 1990, and Akron Central School has always held a special place in my heart. My son, Aidan, graduated in 2024, and my daughter, Lucy, is currently in 9th grade. My roots in Akron run deep, and so does my love for our school and our community.

Professionally, I am a clinical social worker with a private practice in Williamsville. Through my work, I have had the opportunity to support many teachers, and those experiences have shown me the incredible demands placed on educators today. Teachers are asked to do far more than simply educate students. Their responsibilities continue to grow and change, and I believe it is essential that they receive the support they need to meet those expectations. It has been an honor to work collaboratively with the teachers at Akron, and I want to continue being a strong advocate for them.

As a social worker, I believe every child deserves to feel safe, heard, and to belong. I also believe that strong connections and collaboration among students, families, and school staff are key to helping each child become their best self. As a current Akron School Board Trustee, one of my main priorities has been fostering a welcoming, respectful, and productive environment for students, families, community members, and school staff. When relationships are positive and respectful, we can help every student move forward.

Akron has always been a community that cares for one another, shows up in times of crisis, and works together to create positive change. During my first three years on the Board, I have focused on strengthening relationships across our community, including with individuals, families, and local businesses. I will continue to build on that collaboration, because we are strongest when we work together. I will remain available to families in need and continue to provide transparency, support, and guidance.

It has been an honor to serve on the Akron Board of Education for the past three years, and I would be grateful for the opportunity to continue serving our students, families, and community. I remain committed to building on the many strengths of Akron Central School, while also being honest about where growth is needed. I will continue to put students first, support families, and advocate for the teachers and staff who work every day to help our children succeed. We are Tiger Pride, and we are Stronger Together.

*Please note that statements from candidates have been posted as submitted and were not edited in any manner.