Angel Maysonet: Warwick Valley Central School Board Candidate
1) What circumstance(s) prompted you to run for the school board? Please be specific.
With the uptick in school shootings around the country, I recognized the value of my experience with counterterrorism investigations as a retired NYPD Detective and former member of the NYPD / FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force.
2) What experience, skills and/or education prepares you for a role on the school board? Please be specific.
I have expertise in security, threat assessment, risk and crisis management and emergency response protocols. Experience with complex, high-stakes situations honed my ability to make critical decisions under pressure. I received training in counterterrorism, intelligence gathering, and investigative techniques, applicable to school security risks. Having investigated Homegrown Violent Extremists and Foreign Terrorist Organizations, I know their goals and methodologies.
As a Puerto Rican child raised by a single mother, poor, having been on welfare and witnessed domestic violence, I recognize struggles many parents and youth experience . My mother being a driving force in my education, involved, engaged, holding myself and my teachers accountable in spite of challenges she faced, I recognize the importance of parent involvement and a life of service. Putting my children through WVCSD schools helped me understand the importance of having fair, strong school board leadership and decision-making.
As a volunteer Warwick football coach, I interacted with students, teachers, and administrators, observing day-to-day school operations and challenges. This involvement gave me a nuanced understanding of school needs.
3) What would you like to change if elected?
My priority would be upgrading school security measures, working with law enforcement and security experts, including improved access controls, surveillance systems, emergency response plans, regular meetings, drills, and joint training exercises.
I would work towards implementing school mental health and well-being programs. Addressing social and emotional student is vital in preventing safety issues by addressing underlying issues that contribute to disruptive behaviors.
I would prioritize transparency, incorporating feedback from parents, students, and community members.
4) What would you like to accomplish as a school board member?
1. Robust security measures
2. Mental health and well-being programs, including counseling, mental health awareness campaigns, and resources for students, teachers and parents.
4. Transparent decision-making, including parents, students, and community feedback.
My goal is a safe, conducive learning environment, driven by a collaborative effort with parents.
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