Dory Masefield: Warwick Valley Central School District School Board Candidate
1. What circumstance(s) prompted you to run for the school board?
Please be specific.
I am running for re-election because I want to continue to work to improve the educational experience for all students in the district.
2. What experience, skills and/or education prepares you for a role on
the school board? Please be specific.
My skills and experience are unique on the board. I completed a B.A. and M.S. in science, and hold a secondary science teaching certification in Maine. I am a lifelong educator, having worked in many capacities, public and private, teaching students from elementary age through senior citizens. I am currently a middle school science teacher at a local private school. I participate in professional development workshops every year focusing on best practices in education and student support.
3. What would you like to change if elected? Please be specific.
During my time serving on the board, the policy choices I collaborated to enact have resulted in Warwick becoming an exemplary district that always puts students first. This path was purposeful, based on strategic planning and community outreach that defined the portrait of a Warwick graduate. We have brought career and technical education programs back to our schools and have established multiple pathways for graduation. We have overseen safety upgrades to school buildings to create safe and secure learning environments. We built the largest school operated solar farm in the state, and incorporated environmental literacy into curriculum. During my tenure, this was accomplished while keeping taxes below the cap by planning ahead, looking for non-tax revenue, and maintaining diligent fiscal responsibility. I would like to continue to build on this progress.
4. What would you like to accomplish as a school board member? Please
be specific.
If re-elected, I have several goals: I would like to continue to provide transparency and build trust between the community, the school board and the administration. I want to be proactive and assess the mental health program, and adjust to students’ social and emotional wellness needs, ensuring that appropriate effective supports are in place. I would like to see continued upgrades in facilities for increased efficiency and cost savings.
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