May 7, 2026
BIO OF DR. UZMA MEHR: I feel like a native of Hornell after living in Hornell for 25 years, however, I grew up in Jersey City, New Jersey. My success is attributed to my devoted parents and dedicated teachers who supported me in pursuing a high level of education. Excelling in school was of the utmost importance to my parents, who were teachers in their country. Apart from ensuring academics, they ingrained a strong work ethic, dedication, integrity, and a value system that my siblings and I still benefit from. My parents were also highly involved in their community and were the “mom” and “pop” of the neighborhood. It was not until the loss of my father last year that I realized how significant an impact one person makes. My dad’s commitment to his community has given me a renewed resolve to continue involvement in Hornell.
I graduated as Valedictorian from James J. Ferris High School. I attended Drew University and went onto pursue a career in medicine in the Dominican Republic. I completed my pediatric residency in Nassau University Medical Center in Long Island, NY and became a board-certified pediatrician. I have been practicing Pediatrics in Hornell for the past 25 years. I am the Medical Staff President at URMC-St. James Hospital, board member of the Bethesda Foundation, and serve on multiple committees in the hospital.
I became a part of Hornell after I married a Hornell native, Dr. Ismail (Izzy) Mehr, who had a love for Hornell like no other I know. He has an unshakable love for Hornell that inevitably passed onto me. My children, Ibraheem and Zahra, have been a part of the Hornell school district from Kindergarten to High School. They have graduated from Hornell High School and are both enrolled in college pursuing their careers, forging a path towards serving as that is now hopefully ingrained in them. Being an empty nester and having had children go through the Hornell school district puts me at an advantage to help seek change where it is needed.
I can safely say that my patients are a family to me and this connection gives me valuable insight with which I can be a voice for them. There are many challenges for children, parents, and even educators that are new territory. I feel that I have a unique level of understanding that can bridge many facets of community to improve the quality of education provided by the Hornell school district. I have served on the Hornell City School board for the past 10 years and I hope to continue to make improvements in our education system by providing a positive direction for the district and ensuring success for our children.
BIO, FROM HORNELL BOARD OF ED CANDIDATE JULIE CONKLIN: Born and raised in Hornell, I am a proud 2006 HHS graduate. After earning a Bachelor’s in Health Science from Daemen University and a Master’s in Social Work from Nazareth College, I began my career supporting others as a mental health therapist and success coach at Alfred State. For the last four years, I have built upon that foundation, transitioning into the field of Talent Acquisition. My husband, also an HHS alum, and I chose to return to our hometown and the support of family and friends in 2018 to raise our three children, who are now students in the district My desire to join the board stems from a deep personal connection to Hornell, wanting to give back to the community that helped shape who I am today. My unique professional background can offer a fresh, balanced perspective. My years as a mental health therapist and student success coach have given me the tools to advocate for those who need it most, while my recent career in Talent Acquisition provides a strategic lens for attracting and retaining the best educators for our system. I look forward to being a new voice on the board, approaching our district’s challenges with an inquisitive mind and asking the right questions to ensure transparency and thoughtful decision making. As a parent, I have a front row seat to our schools’ successes and challenges, and I’m deeply invested in the long term vitality of our community. I want to help ensure that Hornell continues to be a place where every student thrives, every teacher feels valued and every graduate leaves prepared.
BIO, FROM HORNELL BOARD OF ED CANDIDATE JOE LIBERTO: I have been residing in Hornell with my wonderful wife, Molly Liberto, for the past 30 years. We raised 3 great kids, Reilly, Vinny, and Quinn. I have completed a 38-year career in teaching science at all levels of education from middle school through high school and college. In my retirement, I have stayed active in improving our community health and supporting family growth by volunteering as Vice President of the Hornell Board of Education. Our teachers, administrators, staff, and volunteers have contributed greatly to the success of the Hornell School student body. My role as Financial Officer of the Hornell Public Library has allowed me to support many community outreach programs that provide free family services to the public. I am fortunate to volunteer in an appointed position of City Commissioner of Public Works providing an opportunity to work with Mayor Buckely and his hard working crew of Public Works directors that maintain, repair, and upgrade the City’s infrastructure of water sanitation, roads, and sewage treatment. Obtaining a seat on the Board of Education will allow me to continue to support a school community that is vital to the success of our City.
BIO OF HORNELL BOARD OF ED CANDIDATE JESSICA TALBOT: Jessica Talbot is a 2001 graduate of Hornell High School and a lifelong advocate for public education. She holds an associate’s degree in liberal arts from SUNY Alfred, a bachelor’s degree in early childhood and childhood education, and a master’s degree in literacy from Alfred University, as well as a certificate of advanced study in educational leadership from SUNY Brockport. With 20 years of experience in public education, Talbot has served as both a classroom teacher and a school administrator, including roles as an elementary principal, secondary principal, and director of special education. She also previously served on the Hornell City School District Board of Education from 2015 to 2023. Talbot is the proud parent of two Hornell High School graduates from the classes of 2021 and 2023. She brings a deep understanding of school systems, budgeting, and policy development, along with a strong commitment to supporting educators and making fiscally responsible decisions that benefit students and the community.
