There are five people running for five seats on the Monticello Central School District Board of Education. Three are for three-year terms while the other two are to complete unexpired terms for one year. Here are the names of the candidates and the essays they submitted in the order they will appear on the ballot.
Wendy Galligan-Weiner
Rock Hill, New York
21 Years at current residence
Deputy Chief Clerk, Sullivan County Surrogate’s Court
I want to serve as a member of the Monticello Central School District Board of Education in order to create a shared vision to promote academic achievement for all students through collaboration with students, parents, educators and the community.
Furthermore, and more dear to my heart, is that I was born and raised in Rock Hill, New York and graduated from Monticello High School in 1986, attending both Emma C. Chase Elementary School and Monticello Middle School at St. John Street. I currently have two children in the Monticello Central School District. The oldest is a freshman in Monticello High School, while the younger is a sixth grader in the RJK Middle School. Additionally, I am an active member of the community serving as a volunteer in both youth and adult organizations.
As an elected member of the Monticello Central School District Board of Education, I am hoping to make decisions which will ultimately make a difference and/or create positive change for future generations.
Helen Jersey
I would like to continue to serve on the MCSD Board of Education because I am committed and care about MCSD as a parent and taxpayer. I understand how schools affect civic pride, property values, and the sense of unity in such a diverse place as Monticello. I have a child in the fifth grade in the MCSD so I can see the accomplishments and the issues that are occurring daily.
Jennifer Holmes
Wurtsboro, NY
1 Year at current residence
Mechanical Engineer
As a parent of a future Monticello student, a daughter of a retired Monticello teacher, and a Monticello graduate myself, I have a deep understanding and passion for the unique nature of the district. I am excited to serve on the school board to ensure the best educational experience for our children, while promoting fiscal responsibility. As a professional engineer, I am eager to share my design and construction knowledge to make the upcoming capital projects as effective and efficient as possible.
Lori Orestano-James
Harris, New York
31 years at current residence
Supervisor of Student Teachers, Ithaca College; Teacher Nesin Cultural Arts; State and National Professional Developer in Education; Education Advocate; Director of Performing/Fine Arts and LOTE (Languages Other Than English), Wappingers Central School District (Retired)
Schools are the strength of a community. I am proud of the work our BOE has accomplished over the past 3 year but, there is much more to be done. Classroom 2020 Phase I and II are on the horizon. Rapid changes are occurring daily in education. It is imperative to have strong voices to advocate for our students and community.
The BOE must focus on student achievement and success by providing a quality, well-rounded education with fiscal responsibility. My 35 years as a successful teacher and administrator gives me an in-depth understanding to continue leading our school district in making a positive difference for ALL students and OUR community.
Stacey Sharoff
I am interested in continuing to serve on the Monticello School Board of Education because I strongly support public education and want to make sure our own schools meet the needs of every single child. I believe it is vitally important to offer curriculum and programs designed to ensure student success while remaining committed to a fiscally sound budget.