草榴社区

(845) 563-3400     124 Grand Street, Newburgh, NY 12550
 

Candidate for the Board of Education Bios Now Available


Voters will select up to six (6) candidates on the ballot. Bios are now available. Below, click on the name of the candidate to view more information about that candidate. Candidates are listed below in the order in which they were randomly selected to appear on the ballot. 

 

NAME: Christine M. Bello

AGE: 69

YEARS IN 草榴社区:
Lifelong Newburgh resident

EMPLOYMENT:
Owner: Chris-Dian Florist, 279 Broadway, Newburgh,NY

EDUCATION: Graduate of NFA
Cum Laude graduate of SUNY Farmingdale, Registered Dental Hygienist

SPOUSE/OCCUPATION/PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT:
N/A

CHILDREN/AGES/SCHOOLS:
Single, no children

NEWBURGH ENLARGED CITY SCHOOL 草榴社区 COMMITTEES AND/OR COMMUNITY COMMITTEES SERVED ON:
City of Newburgh Citizen’s Advisory Committee
City of Newburgh Ethics Board
Newburgh City Council

HOW WOULD YOU COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE?
If I could achieve any one educational accomplishment while serving as a Board of Education member it would be……To increase the graduation and literacy rates of the school district.

WHAT DO YOU VIEW AS THE BOARD OF EDUCATION’S TOP PRIORITIES?
Transparency on all issues especially regarding the expenditure of taxpayer dollars along with budget oversight. Ensuring a safe environment for all students, teachers and staff, policy review and development. Developing a shared vision and goals for the district with fellow board members and evaluating the Superintendent.

YEARS IN 草榴社区: 50

EMPLOYMENT: Retired

EDUCATION: Attended Adelphi University 1982-1986

SPOUSE/OCCUPATION/PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT:
Jacquelin office manager Woodstock woodworking

CHILDREN/AGES/SCHOOLS: None in school

NEWBURGH ENLARGED CITY SCHOOL 草榴社区 COMMITTEES AND/OR COMMUNITY COMMITTEES SERVED ON:
Personnel, Finance, Policy, Exceptional Learners, Library, SAVE, Bus/transportation start times, Curriculum, Buildings & Grounds, Diversity Equity & Inclusion

HOW WOULD YOU COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE?
If I could achieve any one educational accomplishment while serving as a Board of Education member it would be……Understanding that the role of a board member is to advocate for the best interest of students and the community, the one educational accomplishment I would champion would be the enhancement of our “Early literacy initiatives”, I believe this would positively impact student learning and ultimately increase our graduation rate.

WHAT DO YOU VIEW AS THE BOARD OF EDUCATION’S TOP PRIORITIES?
The top priorities of the BOE should be to ensure the success and well-being of all students, which should include academic excellence, student well-being, equity & inclusion, teacher support and development, parent and community engagement, financial responsibility, facility and resources responsibilities, curriculum development, assessment and accountability to measure student progress and teacher effectiveness and overall school performance, and long term planning.

YEARS IN 草榴社区: 23

EMPLOYMENT: Business

EDUCATION: HS and Some College

SPOUSE/OCCUPATION/PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT:
Sundos Tudor N/A

CHILDREN/AGES/SCHOOLS:
Aaliyah Kahn 5 years old New Windsor
Almirak Kahn 3 years old
Ayla Kahn 4 months

NEWBURGH ENLARGED CITY SCHOOL 草榴社区 COMMITTEES AND/OR COMMUNITY COMMITTEES SERVED ON:

HOW WOULD YOU COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE?
If I could achieve any one educational accomplishment while serving as a Board of Education member it would be……
  • Transparency and Accountability
  • Focus on student well-being
  • Commitment to educational excellence
  • Enhanced integration across multiple cultures
  • Innovation in education

WHAT DO YOU VIEW AS THE BOARD OF EDUCATION’S TOP PRIORITIES?
  • Ensuring student success and achievement
  • Promoting equity and inclusivity
  • Fiscal responsibility
  • Support educators
  • Engaging with Stakeholders
  • Advocating for education
Years in District: 34

Employment:
Retired from USDA

Education: US Army Veteran & American Preparatory Institute

Spouse/Occupation/Employment:Sonia Harvey/retired Teacher’s Assistant

Children/Ages/Schools:36, 40

NECSD Committees/Community Committees Served On:
NAACP President Newburgh/Highland Falls chapter
Congressman Pat Ryan Veterans Affairs Committee
Community Voices Heard
E203 Committee (Police Reform)
Newburgh parents alliance

How would you complete the following sentence?
If I could achieve any one education accomplishment while serving as a Board of Education Member, it would be...To bridge the gap between schools and the community to bring transparency and trust.

What do you view as the Board of Education's top priorities:
1. Restoring the harm done between the community and school district
2. Ensuring that students and staff feel safe
3. Students must receive the necessary skills needed to reach THEIR level of success. By doing so, we introduce students to non-traditional forms of employment and ways to make a sufficient living.

NAME: Mackenzie Bousche

YEARS IN 草榴社区: 29

EMPLOYMENT: Senior Project Manager Full Time

EDUCATION: MBA St. Johns University

SPOUSE/OCCUPATION/PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT: N/A

CHILDREN/AGES/SCHOOLS: N/A

NEWBURGH ENLARGED CITY SCHOOL 草榴社区 COMMITTEES AND/OR COMMUNITY COMMITTEES SERVED ON:
Various outreach programs over the years such as Habitat for humanity, meals on wheels, 草榴社区United Basketball team

HOW WOULD YOU COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE?
If I could achieve any one educational accomplishment while serving as a Board of Education member it would be……To raise the graduation rate, improve literacy among all students and ensure each student feels seen, valued and heard.

WHAT DO YOU VIEW AS THE BOARD OF EDUCATION’S TOP PRIORITIES?
1. Literacy, specifically creation of HS learn to read at grade level program
2. Adherence to special education laws
3. Good fiscal responsibility and reduction of expenses
4. Success beyond compliance
5. ELL Advocacy

NAME: Tanika Mccullough

YEARS IN 草榴社区: 7

EMPLOYMENT: Executive Director of D.A.F.T. Youth Services Inc.

EDUCATION: Masters in Social Work (MSW)

SPOUSE/OCCUPATION/PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT: John Mccullough-NYPD

CHILDREN/AGES/SCHOOLS: Elias Mccullough 7 Gardnertown

NEWBURGH ENLARGED CITY SCHOOL 草榴社区 COMMITTEES AND/OR COMMUNITY COMMITTEES SERVED ON:
2023 Police Reform Committee
NAACP
Parent Alliance
SLT Balmville
Board Member of community voices heard
Project Rise steering committee

HOW WOULD YOU COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE?
If I could achieve any one educational accomplishment while serving as a Board of Education member it would be……To prioritize addressing the mental health needs of every student, as it lays the foundation for their academic and social success. By ensuring that students receive the necessary support and resources for their mental well-being, we create an environment where they can truly thrive.

WHAT DO YOU VIEW AS THE BOARD OF EDUCATION’S TOP PRIORITIES?
Mental Health Awareness
Supporting ELL Students
Balanced Budget
Community Collaboration
Adequate staffing and support for teachers

NAME: Victoria Bousche

YEARS IN 草榴社区: 30

EMPLOYMENT: Administrator in healthcare

EDUCATION: N/A

SPOUSE/OCCUPATION/PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT: N/A

CHILDREN/AGES/SCHOOLS: Son Jaxson 4 entering UPK

NEWBURGH ENLARGED CITY SCHOOL 草榴社区 COMMITTEES AND/OR COMMUNITY COMMITTEES SERVED ON:
Never served on committees but have participated in various community outreach programs food pantry, meals on wheels covid clinics/vaccinations
Newburgh Athletics

HOW WOULD YOU COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE?
If I could achieve any one educational accomplishment while serving as a Board of Education member it would be……To Increase the graduation and literacy rates.

WHAT DO YOU VIEW AS THE BOARD OF EDUCATION’S TOP PRIORITIES?
  • 1. Oversight of the district
  • 2. Safety and Security of all students faculty and staff
  • 3. Adherence to special education laws
  • 4. Review and reconstruct policy
  • 5. Engage in the community and ensure all taxpayers, residents, students are heard
  • 6. Fiscal responsibility
  • 7. Transparency
Name: Shadé Burks

Years in District:

Employment: Head Start of Eastern Orange County 

Children: JustyceO’dell Ali Burks

Age: 8

School: GAMS

Community Organization: Member of the NAACP
If I were to achieve any educational accomplishments while serving as a board of education member it would be to … ensure that every student with a disability has the opportunity to become a success beyond the academic field. Mental Health awareness for scholars. There will be Access to state funded advocacy programs. Scholars will have a safe learning environment. Staff will have a safe work environment.

Board of education top priority:
The students
Special educational/ exceptional learners
Budget
Staff layoffs 
Diversity

NAME: BOB CAPANO

YEARS IN 草榴社区: 4

EMPLOYMENT: Supermarket Manager

EDUCATION: Orange County Community College, SUNY New Paltz Master’s Degree

SPOUSE/OCCUPATION/PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT:

CHILDREN/AGES/SCHOOLS: Bobby, 5, GAMS

NEWBURGH ENLARGED CITY SCHOOL 草榴社区 COMMITTEES AND/OR COMMUNITY COMMITTEES SERVED ON:

HOW WOULD YOU COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE?
If I could achieve any one educational accomplishment while serving as a Board of Education member it would be…… To ensure all our children have a safe school community to learn, and our kids with special needs, and our gifted and talented ones have the resources they need and deserve.

WHAT DO YOU VIEW AS THE BOARD OF EDUCATION’S TOP PRIORITIES?
We must end the recent spate of violence we have seen in our schools. No parent should have to worry one iota about the safety of their children on school grounds. Our state spends more per student than anywhere in the country, yet this spending does not equate to top notch test scores. On the local level, we pay heavy school taxes to subsidize our local schools. Our school budget must reflect an emphasis on students actually learning while also respecting the wallets and purses of taxpayers.

NAME: Fred Stewart

YEARS IN 草榴社区: 39

EMPLOYMENT: Self Employed

EDUCATION: Wallkill Sr. High School

SPOUSE/OCCUPATION/PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT: N/A

CHILDREN/AGES/SCHOOLS: Three all Graduates of NFA

NEWBURGH ENLARGED CITY SCHOOL 草榴社区 COMMITTEES AND/OR COMMUNITY COMMITTEES SERVED ON:
N/A

HOW WOULD YOU COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE?
If I could achieve any one educational accomplishment while serving as a Board of Education member it would be……Increase literacy at the elementary level

WHAT DO YOU VIEW AS THE BOARD OF EDUCATION’S TOP PRIORITIES?
Safety, Attendance, Accountability

NAME:
Thomasina A. Bello

YEARS IN 草榴社区: 35

EMPLOYMENT: Intern at Chris-Dian Florist

EDUCATION:
Graduate of NFA
Studied Business Administration at MSMC

SPOUSE/OCCUPATION/PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT:
Separated

CHILDREN/AGES/SCHOOLS: no children

NEWBURGH ENLARGED CITY SCHOOL 草榴社区 COMMITTEES AND/OR COMMUNITY COMMITTEES SERVED ON:

HOW WOULD YOU COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE?
If I could achieve any one educational accomplishment while serving as a Board of Education member it would be……Ensuring all students are meeting educational goals and are proficient in literacy, thereby increasing the graduation rate.

WHAT DO YOU VIEW AS THE BOARD OF EDUCATION’S TOP PRIORITIES?
Oversight and transparency. Taking a close and honest look at the policies and procedures in place that effect the quality of the curriculum in our district, with an emphasis on improving literacy and graduation rates.

Name: Mark Levinstein

Age:  65

Years in District: 30

Employment:  North Point Carpet Supplies

Education:  Associates degree   OCCC

Spouse/Occupation/Employment: Sharon Levinstein, Data Processing Clerk,  NECSD - 草榴社区Main

Children/Ages/Schools:
Aliya,      Graduate of 草榴社区2012,  American University 2016, George Washington Law School 2023.
Rebecca, Graduate of 草榴社区2014, University of Albany 2018.
Michael,  Graduate of 草榴社区2016,  Binghamton University 2020
Matthew, Graduate of 草榴社区2020,  Berklee College of Music Dec. 2023

NECSD Committees/Community Committees Served On:   
NECSD:   Finance, Facilities, Personnel, Curriculum, Building & Grounds, Exceptional Learners, Diversity, Library, & Compact Committee, Capitol Bond Project Advisory, Newburgh Teacher Center Policy Board.
Temple Beth Jacob Trustee.  Jewish Federation of Greater Orange County Trustee

How would you complete the following sentence?
If I could achieve any one education accomplishment while serving as a Board of Education Member it would be....To partner with parents and educators to create better outcomes and opportunities for the children of the Newburgh School District.

What do you view as the Board of Education's top priorities:
To ensure a safe and secure environment for the children and employees of this district, so our educators can provide the best education possible. Strive to make sure that our students graduate, and that they are College or Career ready, and Civic-minded young adults.

Name: Dennis W. Grant

YEARS IN 草榴社区: 20

EMPLOYMENT: New York City Correction Officer

Education: North Carolina Central University

SPOUSE/OCCUPATION/PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT:
Sonya D. Grant/ American International Group (AIG)
Ellyson K. Grant (23) 草榴社区Graduate ’18 - class rank 72 of 723 (top 10%)
Sterling A. Grant (19) 草榴社区Graduate ’21 - class rank 75 of 729 (top 10%)
Hanibal R. Grant (18) 草榴社区Graduate ’22 - class rank 16 of 754 (top 2%)

NECSD Committees/Community Committees Served on:
Strategic Economic Development Advisory Committee (SEDAC); Harriet Tubman statue to the Newburgh Library Committee; Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. - Upsilon Tau Chapter, Former President and Scholarship Committee Chairman; National Pan-Hellenic Council of Mid-Hudson Valley, Former President; Safe Harbors of The Hudson Newburgh Community Cleanup, Planning Committee and Volunteer

If I would achieve any one educational accomplishment while serving as a Board of educational member it would be…
To have parents and guardians within our NECSD community strive and thrive to be learning partners and serve as a chief part of the education of our children with a focus on literacy and STEAM.

What do you view as the board of education’s top priorities…
Build a safe, preeminent academic, athletic, and vocational environment while strengthening our NECSD family with mental wellness assistance.


ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We鈥檇 love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!







Date: 2024-05-03 09:20:35 AM





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