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 DISTRICT:
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 DISTRICT COMMITTEES AND/OR ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ 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.
AGE: 69
YEARS IN DISTRICT:
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 DISTRICT COMMITTEES AND/OR ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ 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 DISTRICT: 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 DISTRICT COMMITTEES AND/OR ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ 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.
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 DISTRICT COMMITTEES AND/OR ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ 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 DISTRICT: 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 DISTRICT COMMITTEES AND/OR ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ 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……
WHAT DO YOU VIEW AS THE BOARD OF EDUCATION’S TOP PRIORITIES?
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 DISTRICT COMMITTEES AND/OR ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ 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
¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ 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.
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
¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ 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 DISTRICT: 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 DISTRICT COMMITTEES AND/OR ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ COMMITTEES SERVED ON:
Various outreach programs over the years such as Habitat for humanity, meals on wheels, NFA 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
YEARS IN DISTRICT: 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 DISTRICT COMMITTEES AND/OR ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ COMMITTEES SERVED ON:
Various outreach programs over the years such as Habitat for humanity, meals on wheels, NFA 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 DISTRICT: 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 DISTRICT COMMITTEES AND/OR ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ 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
YEARS IN DISTRICT: 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 DISTRICT COMMITTEES AND/OR ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ 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 DISTRICT: 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 DISTRICT COMMITTEES AND/OR ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ 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?
YEARS IN DISTRICT: 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 DISTRICT COMMITTEES AND/OR ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ 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
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 DISTRICT: 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 DISTRICT COMMITTEES AND/OR ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ 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.
YEARS IN DISTRICT: 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 DISTRICT COMMITTEES AND/OR ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ 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 DISTRICT: 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 DISTRICT COMMITTEES AND/OR ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ 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
YEARS IN DISTRICT: 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 DISTRICT COMMITTEES AND/OR ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ 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 DISTRICT: 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 DISTRICT COMMITTEES AND/OR ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ 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.
Thomasina A. Bello
YEARS IN DISTRICT: 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 DISTRICT COMMITTEES AND/OR ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ 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, ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ - NFA Main
Children/Ages/Schools:
Aliya, Graduate of NFA 2012, American University 2016, George Washington Law School 2023.
Rebecca, Graduate of NFA 2014, University of Albany 2018.
Michael, Graduate of NFA 2016, Binghamton University 2020
Matthew, Graduate of NFA 2020, Berklee College of Music Dec. 2023
¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ Committees/Community Committees Served On:
¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ: 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.
Age: 65
Years in District: 30
Employment: North Point Carpet Supplies
Education: Associates degree OCCC
Spouse/Occupation/Employment: Sharon Levinstein, Data Processing Clerk, ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ - NFA Main
Children/Ages/Schools:
Aliya, Graduate of NFA 2012, American University 2016, George Washington Law School 2023.
Rebecca, Graduate of NFA 2014, University of Albany 2018.
Michael, Graduate of NFA 2016, Binghamton University 2020
Matthew, Graduate of NFA 2020, Berklee College of Music Dec. 2023
¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ Committees/Community Committees Served On:
¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ: 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 DISTRICT: 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) NFA Graduate ’18 - class rank 72 of 723 (top 10%)
Sterling A. Grant (19) NFA Graduate ’21 - class rank 75 of 729 (top 10%)
Hanibal R. Grant (18) NFA Graduate ’22 - class rank 16 of 754 (top 2%)
¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ 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 ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ 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 ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ family with mental wellness assistance.
YEARS IN DISTRICT: 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) NFA Graduate ’18 - class rank 72 of 723 (top 10%)
Sterling A. Grant (19) NFA Graduate ’21 - class rank 75 of 729 (top 10%)
Hanibal R. Grant (18) NFA Graduate ’22 - class rank 16 of 754 (top 2%)
¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ 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 ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ 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 ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ 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’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!