Meet the LMCS school board candidates

Discipline, Special Ed are among concerns

By Diana Fredenburg | Manor Ink Mentor

Livingston Manor, NY – Livingston Manor Central School will host a budget hearing and informational session on the school’s capital project proposals at 6 p.m., Tuesday, May 2, in the LMCS old gym. During the session, voters will also get a chance to meet the four candidates for the school board. There are two seats open, each with a three-year term, and voters will go to the polls on May 16 to select two of the four candidates on the ballot.

Manor Ink reached out to those candidates, giving them an opportunity to introduce themselves to readers. Here are the profiles they submitted, edited for clarity and space.

SHAWN DUTCHER

Education: Associate’s degree in Aircraft Maintenance Technology; Associate’s degree in Human Resource Management.
Occupation: Currently an Aircraft Fuel Systems Supervisor; also an Air Force first sergeant for personnel programs, family needs, financial matters, military education, recognition programs ensuring the health and welfare of personnel and their families.
Community: 20 years in the Livingston Manor School District and a lifelong Sullivan County resident. Coached Cal Ripken Little League for many years along with AYSO Soccer.
Issues: Continue to improve academics and student programs while expanding special-needs programs. Build relationships between parents and school staff to ensure discipline is handled fairly, equitably and consistently, and to improve the flow of information between the school and parents. Improve our aging school infrastructure while strengthening security and continuing to be fiscally responsible.

AMY LEROY

Education: Bachelor’s degree in English and Criminal Justice from the University of Miami; Master’s degree in English from Stetson University.
Occupation: Director of Staff Training and Advocacy at New Hope Community; also taught middle and high school students with learning disabilities and involvement in the juvenile justice system; served as a Medicaid Service Coordinator for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities; and was a Quality Improvement Consultant for the Joint Commission performing audits on organizations providing disability services.
Community: Has lived in Livingston Manor since 2008.
Issues: Student discipline and drug use; the probationary appointment of teachers; the district’s safety plan; the discrepancy between the compensation of long-term substitutes; and the updating of the LMCS Code of Ethics policy due to the issue of direct supervision of immediate family members.

NICOLE PARK

Education: Master’s degree in Education from Marywood University; Bachelor’s degree in Human Ecology Child and Family Studies from SUNY Oneonta. LMCS graduate.
Occupation: Sullivan BOCES Career and Tech; early childhood education teacher for nine years, former LMCS teacher for AIS Reading and first grade.
Community: Lifelong Manor resident; children attend LMCS elementary, middle and high school.
Issues: Ensure students receive the best education possible. Support student athletes academically and athletically, and learn why so many chose not to play team sports. Ensure teachers and aides receive professional development. Provide conferences that teach new ways to reach the students who aren’t engaged. Ensure staff have a better understanding of possible student disabilities and how best to support them in the classroom.

JILL SMITH

Education: Degrees in Spanish Language and Literature, Multi-Ethnic Studies and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, or TESOL.
Occupation: Photographer
Community: Resident of the district for about 12 years.
Issues: Improve LMCS’s Special Ed program by offering more training for staff. Explore potential funding opportunities. Create a more inclusive environment. Exploring more programs like Future Farmers of America to help students broaden their horizons with career options and hobbies. Improve student and staff mental health and safety.

For additional information about the LMCS school board election, and about the capital project proposals and budget vote, visit lmcs.k12.ny.us/article/1088220.