On Tuesday, May 21, in addition to the 2024-2025 school budget, District residents will vote to elect three Monroe-Woodbury Board of Education Trustees. Candidates will be elected to serve a term of three (3) years beginning on July 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2027.
The Monroe-Woodbury PTA Council held a Meet the Candidates Night on Thursday, May 16, from 6:30- 7:30 p.m. A recording of the conversation is available below.
We asked the candidates to share a little about themselves and why they wish to serve as a Board of Education Trustee. The candidates are listed below in ballot order.
Kaytlin Simmons
Tell us about yourself
My name is Kaytlin Simmons, and I am seeking election to the Monroe Woodbury Central School District Board of Education. My husband Neville and I have lived in Monroe for nearly 14 years and are the proud parents of our 10-year-old twin daughters, Paityn and Paige, who are currently 5th graders at North Main Elementary School.
Professionally, I am the Deputy Commissioner of Operations & Chief Diversity Officer at the Department of Investigation, one of the oldest law enforcement agencies in the country, charged with combating corruption, fraud, abuse and misconduct through systematic investigations, preventative controls and operational reforms that improve operational integrity, policies, and practices. I graduated cum laude from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and received my J.D. from New York Law School. I am also an active member of the North Main PTA and a member of the Board of Directors of the YMCA. During the spring and summer months, I volunteer with the All-American Blazers Track and Field Club, a non-profit youth track and field organization here in Orange County, New York.
I am a bookworm at heart and love getting lost in a great story. I also love traveling and spending time outdoors with my family and friends exploring all that Orange County and beyond has to offer.
Why are you seeking this position?
I am seeking to join the Monroe Woodbury Board of Education to be an advocate and voice for students, parents, and community members alike. I am deeply committed to ensuring that we provide a complete educational experience for our children that is relevant to the ever-changing world around us and celebrates the learning accomplishments of each child. Our community is based on fortified family values and the strong educational foundation that we provide for our children. That is why I am excited at the opportunity to serve on the Monroe Woodbury Board of Education. If elected, my commitment would be to help establish a vision that focuses on providing policies that will improve educational achievement for each child across the district. In addition to ensuring we maintain fiscal responsibility, budget district resources appropriately and plan infrastructure and technology upgrades for our schools.
What is the most critical issue facing the district and what do you propose?
There are several critical issues facing the district, all of which I feel are of equal importance, such as: appointment of a new superintendent, safety in our schools, combating bullying, student academics and testing, technology and digital needs/upgrades, building infrastructure improvements and maintenance, among others. Together, we can focus on opportunities for our children to obtain a high-quality education and pathways toward personal success, tackle the challenges facing our schools, prioritize what truly impacts and empowers our children while working towards a future where every student thrives and is prepared to contribute productively to society.
Dawn Tauber (incumbent)
Tell us about yourself
As a parent of two college students, I am immensely proud that my children are products of our exceptional school district, which has provided them with a wealth of opportunities for growth and success. In my personal life, I find joy and fulfillment in a variety of hobbies and passions. Whether it's exploring the outdoors, gardening, delving into a new book, or indulging my creative side through decorating and designing, I cherish the opportunities to unwind and recharge. These moments of leisure and self-expression not only enrich my life but also fuel my dedication to serving our community with energy, enthusiasm, and a well-rounded perspective.
Why are you seeking this position?
I am running for re-election as a school board member because I am deeply committed to ensuring that every student in our district receives a high-quality education in a safe and supportive environment. Over my past two terms, I have worked to advocate for students, families, and educators, and I believe there is still much more to be done. I am dedicated to continuing to serve our community, listening to diverse perspectives, and making decisions that prioritize the well-being and success of all students.
What is the most critical issue facing the district and what do you propose to do?
Mental health concerns among students have been on the rise in recent years, with factors such as academic pressure, social media usage, bullying, and societal stressors contributing to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
Addressing mental health in schools requires a multifaceted approach that includes providing access to counseling and support services, implementing social-emotional learning programs, promoting mental health awareness and destigmatization, and fostering a culture of well-being throughout the school community. Collaboration between schools, families, mental health professionals, and community organizations is essential to effectively address the mental health needs of students and create supportive learning environments where all students can thrive.
Candice DeLeo Novack
Tell us about yourself
I have lived in Monroe for twelve years with my husband and two boys. I love hiking with my family, biking the Orange Heritage Trail, and sharing my love for science and engineering with others. I have led and participated in community outreach with Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson and Pittsburgh Public Schools. I have also volunteered as a guest lecturer in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Manhattan College. Working in research and development has afforded me the opportunity to provide career guidance for students in science and engineering.
Why are you seeking this position?
Having two children in the district, I see first-hand the strengths of our schools. I also recognize the budget pressures we face amid a change of leadership. I am looking to leverage my 15+ years experience in multidisciplinary research and development toward the betterment of our great district, offering a unique perspective to the Board of Education in support of the students, teachers, staff and community.
What is the most critical issue facing the district and what do you propose to do?
If elected, my focus will be on ensuring a seamless transition of leadership to our new superintendent, prioritizing student education and safety, and fostering a strong connection to the community. I am comfortable asking tough questions, synthesizing data and collaborating to find optimal solutions to the challenges ahead.
Jamell Evans (incumbent)
Tell us about yourself
My name is Jamell Evans, and I am honored to seek re-election for a second term as a trustee on the Board of Education. Currently serving my first term, I have dedicated myself to the Monroe-Woodbury community, striving to make a positive impact on our schools and students. Recognized by my peers as Vice President since 2022, I have demonstrated leadership and a strong commitment to our district's success. As a long-time resident since 1991 and a proud graduate of Monroe-Woodbury in 1999, I returned to Harriman in 2015 with a goal of providing my family with the same exceptional educational opportunities I enjoyed. My academic journey includes earning a bachelor's degree in Computer Art from SUNY College at Oneonta and a master's degree in Communication Arts from the New York Institute of Technology, reflecting my dedication to personal growth and expertise in my field. With nearly 12 years of professional experience at EPAM Systems, where I currently hold the positions of Experience Director and Head of UX for New York, I have honed my skills in both professional excellence and community service. As a parent of two children enrolled at Pine Tree Elementary, I deeply understand the importance of creating a supportive and enriching educational environment for every student in our district. With my strong ties to Monroe-Woodbury and a proven record of leadership, I am committed to continuing my efforts to ensure the success and well-being of all students and families in our community.
Why are you seeking this position?
As someone deeply invested in our community's well-being, I've always sought avenues to give back, and I've found the school district to be the most impactful space for me. With school-aged children of my own and a personal connection as an alum, I have a vested interest in ensuring our district thrives. Hearing murmurs over the years about a potential decline in our district's reputation concerned me greatly, especially since I envision my own children graduating from here one day. I urge everyone to reflect on how they can contribute their time and attention to enhancing our community's fabric.
Furthermore, I'm seeking a second term because I recognize the pivotal role I'll play in selecting our next superintendent. It's imperative for me to actively contribute to the transition process, ensuring that the incoming superintendent is set up for success. This commitment stems from my dedication to seeing our district flourish and providing the best possible educational experience for all our students.
What is the most critical issue facing the district and what do you propose to do?
In our board's mission statement, we express our shared goal of nurturing "responsible global citizens" among our students. I find immense value in this vision because it speaks to our deeper commitment beyond academic achievements; it's about shaping good people. For me, the heart of the matter lies in ensuring accountability for our actions and decisions while fostering a culture where learning from one another is encouraged without fear of judgment. As a member of the Monroe-Woodbury community, I see it as both a privilege and a journey. Together, we should aim to create an educational experience that our students and families will cherish for years to come.
To bring this vision to life, I'm dedicated to ensuring that our upcoming superintendent interviews prioritize candidates who understand the importance of embracing each student's unique strengths and challenges. I believe that creating an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued starts at the top. It's about leadership that embodies our values of inclusivity and continuous improvement, setting the tone for our entire district community to thrive and grow together.
Anthony Andersen (incumbent)
Tell us about yourself
I am very thankful to be completing my third term on the Monroe Woodbury Board of Education. I have over thirty years' experience in the insurance industry and currently serve as a senior vice president at a large national insurance company. My family is originally from the Bronx, NY and I am a graduate of Cardinal Spellman High School. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Iona College, New Rochelle, NY, and also received my certification in Dispute Resolution from DePaul University, Chicago, IL. We have been residents of the Monroe Woodbury community for 25 years and I currently reside in Central Valley with my wife and two children, both of whom attend (ed) M-W schools. We attend Saint Patrick's (Sacred Heart) Catholic church in Highland Mills. It's been a pleasure serving the Monroe-Woodbury Community and School District.
Helping to ensure a strong education system for our children and watching them grow and flourish into independent young adults is a very important job and extremely rewarding. With your support, I hope to continue to do so for another term.
Why are you seeking this position?
We've dealt with numerous issues over the past nine years, including a cyber-attack on our IT systems, a global pandemic, various curriculum changes and improvements, Capital Improvement projects, and presently the hiring of a new Superintendent. I believe that my experience in the business world dealing with contracts and budgets, negotiating settlements with attorneys, and complying with state and federal regulators, has been an excellent resource for the district to utilize as we've developed resolution strategies and worked our way through the various issues.
What is the most critical issue facing the district and what do you propose to do?
I believe the most critical issue facing our school system is making sure the best possible education resources are available to our children in order to achieve the highest outcomes in Science, Technology, English Reading and Mathematics. We need to focus on results and get away from pushing political statements in our curriculum. Being a member of the Board of Education allows a seat at the table to help ensure this goal is being accomplished.