Let’s get this right and vote for Diana Armstead
On Tuesday, May 15, our New Paltz Central School District community will have both the privilege and responsibility of electing three members to serve on the Board of Education. Each elected member will serve for three years — the same length of time for three of our schools to welcome an entirely new group of children to its halls and classrooms — over one-half the lifetime of our youngest learners entering Duzine. For all of these children, and their families, this tenure is a long and influential time. And in this election, it is our job to get this right. We all must consider the qualities and experiences of each of the six candidates, the commitment to community service past and present, as well as the policy priorities and fiscal vision that will inevitably imprint onto all of our children’s futures. We need to consider the values and actions of each of the candidates carefully. The stakes are high and the work is extensive. Today, it is clear that the community does not see eye to eye on many of the issues of concern or the priorities sought, yet we can all agree that serious decisions require serious dedication. It is not the time to let friendships overrule experience, nor let familiarity be the measure for fit. We need board members who can build upon a lifetime of work, challenging and changing the systems that compromise the health and safety of all our children, while focusing their tireless efforts on positive, inclusive reform. We need board members who are willing to listen with eagerness to the wishes of those most involved and the needs of those most vulnerable. For me and my family, this choice is clear. We will enthusiastically be voting for Diana Armstead on May 15. She is the candidate who meets and exceeds our expectations, and will ensure that all voices are thoughtfully considered and heard. Please, join me in electing Diana Armstead as the newest board member in our community. Let’s get this right.
Jim Culp
Gardiner
Cournoyer, O’Donnell and Armstead for school board
I’m writing to support Brian Cournoyer, Michael O’Donnell, and Diana Armstead for school board trustees.
There are many reasons to re-elect Brian and Michael and elect Diana, but in all elections, we seek representatives who will best manage our affairs for us by proxy. I look for candidates who demonstrate competence, exercise good judgment and can accomplish the task at hand without rancor. The next few years are critical as several key administrators may choose to retire; our school board plays an integral role in finding high-quality people and filling these key positions. Brian and Michael, past and current board president have that experience and know the needs of our school district.
Brian is seeking re-election after serving on the board for six years, with two of those years as president. In that time, his accomplishments include leading the board to successfully pass the $52 million capital bond, speaking out and crafting legislation against high-stakes testing, and protecting taxpayers by speaking out against and forming a policy against PILOTs (payment in lieu of taxes).
Michael is also seeking re-election after serving for the past three years, this past year as president. The district is fortunate to have someone with his ability to sift through research and information and then distill the research for others with actionable objectives. Michael’s attention to detail has been instrumental in assessing and reworking the school’s budget to ensure a healthy fund balance, which had been nearly depleted, but is now at a healthy $2 million.
Diana, the newcomer to this process, is seeking election to bring her three decades of experience working with at-risk youth and community service leadership to the board table. The board would benefit tremendously from the breadth of her knowledge; she is a frequent guest lecturer at colleges on the opioid epidemic and crisis prevention, two issues that need to be addressed more in our schools.
Competence, stability and hands-on experience are what Brian, Diana, and Michael will bring to our school board. Please join me in voting for Brian Cournoyer, Michael O’Donnell, and Diana Armstead on Tuesday, May 15 at the New Paltz High School.
Randall Leverette
New Paltz
Michael O’Donnell, Brian Cournoyer and Diana Armstead have my strong support
This letter is to express my strong support for Michael O’Donnell, Brian Cournoyer and Diana Armstead who are candidates for the upcoming elections for members of the school board in NPSCD. They each have many years of experience engaging in public service here in New Paltz. They have stood for equity and fairness in the many public roles they have undertaken. Some of the issues that they have been actively involved in have been opposing high stakes testing, stopping a sewage plant being constructed next to the high school, a commitment to the achievement of all students regardless of immigration status and initiating conversations around issues of diversity. They all have worked with people from all walks of life and have built their reputations based on their people skills. They have voiced their strong support for school-community partnerships and developmentally appropriate practices. The school board elections take place on May 15 at the high school between 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Gowri Parameswaran
New Paltz
Three voices, one mission — Goodnow, Lapolt and Garcia for New Paltz School Board
This letter is being written for Meghan Goodnow whom I have known for the past ten years. Meghan has many qualities that would make her an excellent new member to the New Paltz Board of Education. Meghan possesses a caring, respectful, responsible and honest demeanor about herself that aligns with the district’s goals of maintaining a safe, secure and inclusive environment for all students, staff, faculty and community members.
When we talk about supportive parents within the New Paltz community, Meghan fits that role. Meghan cares for well-rounded students that have the opportunities to be involved in theatre, music, arts, intramural activities, clubs, extracurricular activities and athletics. Meghan believes that these opportunities will allow students to explore their personal health and well-being which leads to better social skills and emotional and physical health conditions.
Inclusion of students should be a primary goal of all districts and Meghan will be at the forefront of these issues to see that all children receive the same benefits and opportunities that are guaranteed of non-inclusive students. In fact a few local districts now have athletic opportunities for inclusive students to participate in Unified sports. I’m sure Meghan will find ways for the New Paltz students to also be a part of these sports.
In summary, the block of candidates Goodnow, Lapolt and Garcia have a vision that demonstrates their commitment to all children in the New Paltz School District. These three candidates all have children in the district and bring different intangibles that will serve the students, staff, faculty and community members. They have a goal to make the New Paltz School District the very best in New York State. and beyond. Please vote for these block of candidates Goodnow, Lapolt and Garcia on May 15.
Jim Malak
New Paltz
Glenn LaPolt for school board
I write to support Glenn LaPolt for New Paltz School Board — in the strongest of terms. A cornerstone of our community, Glenn has all the credentials to represent our educational interests well moving into the future. As an educator, Glenn’s record is second to none. He is a highly respected member of the teaching faculty in the social sciences at Wallkill High School. And this is not just lip service. In my position as a faculty member at SUNY New Paltz, I regularly bump into alumni of Wallkill. As a long-time friend of Glenn, I will always ask Wallkill alumni if they know Mr. LaPolt. Without fail, they light up upon hearing his name. And they immediately talk about what an inspiration he was for them. And how impactful he was in shaping their future. And how he is part of the reason that they are in college right now. And I’m never surprised.
As a teacher, Glenn is the kind of guy who goes above and beyond — and who raises the bar for his students. For example, each year, he works to have students connect with WWII vets and Holocaust survivors. As Glenn has told me on multiple occasions, with each year, such opportunities become less and less possible. As such, Glenn cuts through the red tape and goes out of his way to make these connections happen. And the students of the Hudson Valley benefit accordingly.
Glenn is also well-known as head coach of the New Paltz Seahawks swimming program. If you know about Seahawks already, then you know that this is not just another sports program in New Paltz. This is a program that embraces diversity and that sits on a bedrock of inclusion. Kids between the ages of about 7-18, across all levels of swimming ability, are welcomed onto the team. And each year, Glenn and his dedicated staff, do what they can to help motivate, inspire and develop all the kids on the team. The New Paltz Seahawks is perhaps the most inclusive organization within the broader New Paltz community, and that is saying a lot. Further, the formula leads to success, with New Paltz regularly winning the DUSO championship across the years.
A seasoned long-distance runner and triathlete, Glenn knows all about self-sacrifice and about putting the long-term interests on the top of the priority list. In all realms of his life, in fact, Glenn prioritizes the long-term interests of the community and the welfare of the kids.
A bright, motivated, independent leader who gets along swimmingly (no pun intended) with others, Glenn LaPolt is exactly the kind of person who will represent our interests well in the capacity of school board. And hey, I’d be remiss to not mention this: How could you go wrong with a two-N Glenn?
On Tuesday, May 15, I’m voting for Glenn LaPolt for school board. Because I care about experience, demonstrated success and vision. And I care about the future of our community. And I care about the kids. And so does Glenn LaPolt.
Glenn Geher
New Paltz
I support Brian Cournoyer, Michael O’Donnell, and Diana Armstead for the New Paltz Board of Education
As a mom of two children who are in Lenape, I am concerned with the outcome of the upcoming Board of Education vote. We are at a pivotal time, and three candidates stand out as those who can help us achieve the most. I support Brian Cournoyer, Michael O’Donnell, and Diana Armstead for the New Paltz Board of Education.
Over the last few years, there have been many vital achievements supported by current board members Cournoyer and O’Donnell. Our education program expanded despite financial pushback, tax burdening PILOT programs were opposed, they worked to protect the rights of transgender students, and created a Racial Equity Advisory Committee, to name a few.
Brian Cournoyer is the most senior of the board, and just like with our teachers for our kids in school, we need consistency from competent people. Cournoyer’s experience comes with thoughtful and effective results. He oversaw the passing of the capital bond in 2015, has been a tireless advocate for public education, and he is against Common Core curriculum. In March, Cournoyer worked to craft the new ad-hoc Racial Equity Committee.
Michael O’Donnell compliments Cournoyer — he is detailed and carefully looks at data and research. He is a modern thinker and his work to bring forth the Racial Equity Committee has been key. He is meticulous with the budget, and carefully considers all financials, including his advocacy to transition school funding mechanisms away from property taxes. O’Donnell’s vision includes success for students, staff and teachers. He wants to address the issues of recess, lunch time and sleep time so students can be their best selves. And he will continue to address racial discrimination and academic pressures.
Diana Armstead is exactly the person we need on the BOE. She has a vested interest in our community and has an admirable 20-year history of community service here in New Paltz. Her career background of being a probation officer allows her to see unique needs of students, especially vulnerable ones. Armstead also helped to keep the New Paltz Police Department functioning when the town was considering its elimination. She was part of the team that allowed police officers to have diversity training, co-founded Concerned Parents of New Paltz and is a member of Sisters of Sojourner’s Truth. Armstead would be an asset, and we’re lucky to have someone with her credentials running.
Cournoyer, O’Donnell and Armstead will get my vote, and I hope you will join me in voting for them, keeping the best interest of our students and community in mind.
Michele Zipp
New Paltz
Support Brian Cournoyer, Michael O’Donnell and Diana Armstead for New Paltz BOE
As the parent of a kindergartner in the New Paltz Central School District, I care deeply about the future of our schools. Since I am a homeowner in the Town of New Paltz, I am equally vested in the continued high quality of our school system. We are fortunate to have a slate of excellent candidates to the Board of Education this year. But as a teacher myself, I believe that experience and forward-thinking vision are the metrics by which our board members should be chosen. That is why I am supporting Brian Cournoyer, Michael O’Donnell, and Diana Armstead.
Brian Cournoyer is the senior-most member of the Board of Education. He has shown drive, dedication and perseverance and has been a fierce defender of public education and the rights of students and parents. Under his forthright leadership, we have expanded our academic programs and increased our athletic budget by 19 percent in the face of fiscal challenges. Our standing with the State Comptroller has improved vastly as a result, which makes me happy as a parent and a homeowner. Remarkably, Brian successfully helmed a much-needed capital bond project in 2015, despite enormous pressure. I believe Brian is best-poised to see that bond project through to its completion, as no one understands the intricacies of this work better than he does.
Michael O’Donnell has worked alongside Brian on our Board of Education for several years. Michael is known for his attention to detail, and has served on our audit and facilities committees. His deep understanding of the machinations of school funding and ability to turn data into action make him an unparalleled asset to the district. Michael has expressed a desire to think about the culture and climate of our schools, focusing on both academic and non-academic indicators. As a teacher, I understand the impact that positive school environments have on student learning. As a parent, I want someone like Michael to look out for the physical and emotional well-being of our students as well as their academic success.
Diana Armstead would be a newcomer to the Board of Education, but her hard work and advocacy are well-known to district residents. Diana is perhaps best known for her work on the Police Study Committee, where her experience as a career probation officer made her a prominent voice. Diana carefully orchestrated a prolonged study that was ultimately responsible for saving the New Paltz Police Department. As a co-founder of Concerned Parents of New Paltz, she has worked directly with the school district on issues of import. It is exactly this kind of advocacy and attention to detail that our Board of Education needs moving forward.
I feel confident in the abilities of Brian Cournoyer, Michael O’Donnell, and Diana Armstead to lead our district into the future. I hope you will join me in voting for these visionary leaders on May 15.
Gian Starr
New Paltz
Join me in voting for Diana, Brian and Michael as well as voting yes on the budget on May 15
I am writing to give my hearty endorsement to Diana Armstead, Brian Cournoyer and Michael O’Donnell for the New Paltz School Board, and to encourage as many of my neighbors as possible to vote on May 15.
We are lucky to have Diana Armstead coming forward to serve on our school board. Diana has a history of more than 20 years of community service in New Paltz. The breadth of experience she offers would bring an important new perspective and be a wonderful asset. This experience includes service as a member of the New Paltz Youth Commission and being a member of Sisters of Sojourner’s Truth, a group that has engaged our school district to address racial discrimination. She also guest lectures at local colleges educating students on the opioid epidemic. Diana’s focus on fostering a safe and equitable learning environment for all of our children is something that the board can benefit from.
Brian Cournoyer is the most senior member of the board and has served us well. Brian is a passionate advocate for public education. He has been instrumental in planning and executing our capital project, ensuring that it is on time and under budget. He wants to see this project through to its completion and I am grateful. Brian is thoughtful, has a great ability to see the big picture and collaborates well with both his fellow board members and administrators to find common ground.
Michael O’Donnell‘s attention to detail is like no other. He does an annual review of every line item in the budget and maintains his own personal database of budget data, cross-referenced against local and statewide districts. I have never heard of such a thing done by another school board member. Michael’s record of service is exemplary and includes helping to work to increase our fund balance and ensure that our district has a clean bill of financial health, overseeing the development of the Racial Equity Committee and so much more. It is clear that Michael will continue to serve our school board with distinction.
We are fortunate to have such qualified and dedicated individuals stepping forward to serve on our school board. I urge you all to join me in voting for Diana, Brian and Michael as well as voting yes on the budget on May 15th at the high school.
Stana Weisburd
New Paltz
Vote on May 15 for Brian Cournoyer, Michael O’Donnell and Diana Armstead for the BOE
I encourage every voter in the New Paltz School District to vote on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 for Brian Cournoyer, Michael O’Donnell and Diana Armstead for seats on the Board of Education.
Incumbents Brian Cournoyer and Michael O’Donnell have distinguished themselves as intelligent and dedicated members of the board. They both have demonstrated the ability to give careful consideration toward the full gamut of issues facing our school district and not to get caught into pet peeves or personal agendas. Given the array of interests vying for advocacy among taxpayers, students, parents, teachers, administrators and other school district employees, this is no small feat for an elected official. They deserve a lot of credit for their steady at the helm, balanced and calm handling of school district affairs, without sacrificing their strong passion and advocacy for public education. I could enumerate a long list of positive traits that each has lent to the Board of Education in these past years, but rather, I will simply to illuminate Mr. Cournoyer’s exceptional trait in nurturing group collaboration, helping the board to reach sound and reasonable solutions, and Mr. O’Donnell’s extremely valuable skill with numbers and data analysis, which has assisted the entire Board to recognize in-depth budgetary concerns and trends.
My support for Diana Armstead is motivated by her decades of community service to the New Paltz area and the people skills and awareness that is no doubt informed by her long career as a probation officer interacting with disadvantaged and troubled persons and families. Given her dedication and perspective, I’m expecting that her election to the board will prove a strong asset to the school district.
There are so many reasons to view the world right now in a very pessimistic light. I am proud of the fact that we, who are residents in the New Paltz School District, affirm the positive — that we strive to provide a hopeful future for our youth by supporting our teachers and the public educational system to the degree that we do. I trust Brian Cournoyer, Michael O’Donnell, and Diana Armstead to continue to advance this commitment to our youth. Please vote for them.
Mike Russo
New Paltz
Diana Armstead for New Paltz School Board
This letter is in support of Diana Armstead who is running for a seat on the New Paltz School Board.
I’ve known Diana and her family since 1993. Diana’s son played Pop Warner football for me, her son went on to college to play football. Diana never missed a game from Pop Warner to college. I know because I supported her and her son for years. At present, Diana supports her grandson who plays town sports. Ms. Armstead believes that sports can have a positive impression on our youth of today — physically and mentally. I’ve coached sports for 26 years and Diana was there to support the athletes, even if she had no children on the teams. You could always find Diana at a New Paltz High School football or basketball game.
I feel that Diana will be an asset to the New Paltz School Board because she cares about our children, she supports our children and she is interested in what goes on in our schools. Diana is a hard worker, you will always see Diana in the stands with her cow bell yelling “go Maroon.” She has my support 100% of the time.
Willie Dixon
New Paltz
Let’s support candidates who want to support our children
I am writing this letter in support of O’Donnell, Cournoyer and Armstead for the New Paltz School Board. All three candidates are supporters of implementing restorative justice in the district. Restorative justice is an alternative to traditional discipline which has been proven to create a cooperative environment that encourages open communication and respect. Many schools across the country have embraced the restorative justice model and in response have been rewarded with decreased tardiness, reduced suspensions and improved graduation rates. Let’s support candidates who want to support our children.
Maggie Carpenter
New Paltz
Brian Cournoyer, Michael O’Donnell and Diana Armstead for school board
We’re writing to encourage our fellow community members to support Brian Cournoyer and Michael O’Donnell for re-election to the New Paltz school board, and for Diana Armstead to a first term on the board. Brian and Michael’s work on the Capital Project was exemplary, and they have a track record of thoughtful, efficient public service.
We are also lucky to have the opportunity to vote for a person with Diana Armstead’s qualifications. Diana’s background on the New Paltz Police Commission, as a co-founder of Concerned Parents of New Paltz and as a member of Sisters of Sojourner’s Truth, is a testament to her dedication to this community and her ability to collaborate with others to tackle serious issues.
Owen King & Kelly Braffet
New Paltz
Support Cournoyer, O’Donnell and Armstead as candidates for the New Paltz BOE
I am writing in support of Brian Cournoyer, Michael O’Donnell and Diana Armstead as candidates for the New Paltz Board of Education.
Brain Cournoyer and Michael O’Donnell have a proven track record of commitment to their positions. They have worked hard for this community in regard to getting our children’s needs met while being mindful of financial limitations. They have both shown that they listen to the community and can help us stay informed and have easy access to what is going on. Both Brian and Michael are experienced leaders. Brian served as president for two years and Michael is the current president. I am very grateful for their volunteer spirit and for the dedication and hard work that they bring to the Board of Education and our community.
I am excited to vote for Diana Armstead. She has experience working with families in our communities through her work with the New Paltz Youth Commission and as co-founder of Concerned Parents of New Paltz. She serves as a member of Sisters of Sojourner’s Truth, a group that has engaged the New Paltz Central School District to address racial discrimination. And she has lectured at SUNY New Paltz and Dutchess Community College educating students on the opioid epidemic, a problem that we face not only in our colleges but in our high school as well. I think her experience shows that she talks the talk and walks the walk, and that she will be a great asset to have on the BOE.
Amy Dooley
New Paltz
