BOE Members
Mr. John Doerre, BOE President
Years in District: 19
Employment: Director of Fleet Safety and EHS, Miller Environmental Group Inc.
Education:
Clarkstown S High School 1974,
Rockland Community College 1977
Term Expires: June 30, 2028
Children/Ages/Schools:
37 & 35
NECSD Committees/Community Committees Served On: Town of Newburgh Ethics Board
How would you complete the following sentence?
If I could achieve any one education accomplishment while serving as a Board of Education Member it would be...
...to have parents and caretakers within the community play a greater role in the education of their children.
What do you view as the Board of Education's top priorities:
Providing educational skills that allow children to succeed in the 21st century. Less emphasis on constantly changing and divisive social issues and greater emphasis on lifelong skills. Create a great academic learning environment along with an environment that caters to those that may value a more vocational learning curriculum.
Mr. Mark Levinstein, BOE Vice-President
Years in District: 32
Employment: North Point Carpet Supplies
Education: Associates Degree OCCC
Term Expires: June 30, 2028
Sharon-Data Processing Clerk NECSD/NFA Main
Children/Ages/Schools:
Aliya, 30 Graduate NFA 2012, Graduate American University 2016, Graduate George Washington Univ. Law 2023.
Rebecca, 29 Graduate NFA 2014, Graduate University at Albany 2018
Michael, 27, Graduate NFA 2016, Graduate Binghamton University 2020
Matthew, 22, Graduate NFA 2020, Graduate Berklee College of Music 2023
NECSD Committees/Community Committees Served On:
NECSD: Capitol Bond Project Advisory, Newburgh Teachers Center Policy Board, Finance, Facilities, Personnel, Curriculum, Exceptional Learners, Diversity, Building & Grounds, Library & Compact committee.
Temple Beth Jacob Trustee. Jewish Federation of Greater Orange County Trustee
How would you complete the following sentence?
If I could achieve any one educational accomplishment while serving as a Board of Education member it would be……My goal is to collaborate with parents and educators to help create improved outcomes and greater opportunities for children of the Newburgh School District.
What do you view as the Board of Education's top priorities:
To establish a safe and secure environment for the children and staff of our district, thereby enabling our educators to deliver the highest quality education. Additionally, I committed to ensuring that our students graduate equipped with the skills necessary for college or career success, developing into civic-minded young adults
Ms. Christine M. Bello
Years in District: Lifelong Newburgh resident
Employment: Owner: Chris-Dian Florist, 279 Broadway, Newburgh,NY
Education:
Graduate of NFA, Cum Laude graduate of SUNY Farmingdale, Registered Dental Hygienist
Term Expires: June 30, 2027
N/A
Children/Ages/Schools:
Single, no children
NECSD Committees/Community Committees Served On:
City of Newburgh Citizen’s Advisory Committee
City of Newburgh Ethics Board
Newburgh City Council
How would you complete the following sentence?
If I could achieve any one educational accomplishment while serving as a Board of Education member it would be……To increase the graduation and literacy rates of the school district.
What do you view as the Board of Education's top priorities:
Transparency on all issues especially regarding the expenditure of taxpayer dollars along with budget oversight. Ensuring a safe environment for all students, teachers and staff, policy review and development. Developing a shared vision and goals for the district with fellow board members and evaluating the Superintendent.
Ms. Mackenzie Bousche
Years in District: 29
Employment: Senior Project Manager Full Time
Education: MBA St. Johns University
Term Expires: June 30, 2027
N/A
Children/Ages/Schools:
N/A
NECSD Committees/Community Committees Served On:
Various outreach programs over the years such as Habitat for humanity, meals on wheels, NFA United Basketball team
How would you complete the following sentence?
If I could achieve any one educational accomplishment while serving as a Board of Education member it would be……To raise the graduation rate, improve literacy among all students and ensure each student feels seen, valued and heard.
What do you view as the Board of Education's top priorities:
- 1. Literacy, specifically creation of HS learn to read at grade level program
- 2. Adherence to special education laws
- 3. Good fiscal responsibility and reduction of expenses
- 4. Success beyond compliance
- 5. ELL Advocacy
Mr. Ramiro Burgarelli
Years in District: 33
Employment: Field Engineer with Advance Network Services
Education:
Marlboro Central High School
Term Expires: June 30, 2029
Children/Ages/Schools:
Sebastian/16/NFA Main
Carmen/13/Heritage
NECSD Committees/Community Committees Served On: N/A
How would you complete the following sentence?
If I could achieve any one education accomplishment while serving as a Board of Education Member it would be...
...Close the gap between the New York State graduation rate and that of NFA’s.
What do you view as the Board of Education's top priorities:
Safety of all the children of our district from the time they get on a bus til the time they are home off that bus. Creating a clear channel for communication for the teachers to be able to raise their concerns/needs without fear of retribution. Ensure all the children of our district to get the help they need to be successful scholars.
Ms. Shadé Burks
Years in District: 38 Lifelong
Employment: Teacher’s Assistant at Private Nursery School
Education:
Newburgh Free Academy, Class of 2007; Certified Special Education 101 Parent Advocate; Child Development Associate Credential (CDA)
Term Expires: June 30, 2028
Children/Ages/Schools:
Justyce O’dell Burks, 9, GAMS
NECSD Committees/Community Committees Served On: N/A
How would you complete the following sentence?
If I could achieve any one education accomplishment while serving as a Board of Education Member it would be...
...ensure that every student with a disability has the opportunity to become a success beyond the academic field. Mental Health awareness for scholars. I would ensure that parents are aware of the state funded advocacy programs. Scholars and staff will have a safe learning/work environment. I will provide truth and transparency to the parents, guardians, and taxpayers of this district. Newburgh is a robust district compared to others, our graduation rate and employment compensation should match the district that we serve.
What do you view as the Board of Education's top priorities:
The students
Special educational/ exceptional learners
Budget
Staff layoffs
Diversity
Mr. Philip Howard
Years in District: Lifelong
Employment: Retired City of Newburgh Fire Department
Education:
BA Adelphi University
Term Expires: June 30, 2029
Children/Ages/Schools:
Adam (31)
NECSD Committees/Community Committees Served On: Library Committee, Buildings & Grounds Committee, Curriculum Committee, Diversity Committee, Exceptional Learners Committee, Policy Committee, S.A.V.E. Committee, Re-Opening Task Force
How would you complete the following sentence?
If I could achieve any one education accomplishment while serving as a Board of Education Member it would be...
...that every scholar who attends our schools will graduate and receive their diploma at Academy Field.
What do you view as the Board of Education's top priorities:
- Graduation of Scholars
- Safe Schools
- A balanced and meaningful budget
- Ensure that the scholars are rigorously challenged so that they can be ready to compete in society once they graduate
Ms. Letitia McDaniel Politi
Years in District: Lifelong resident
Employment: Teacher for 18 years in the North Rockland Central School District
Teacher for 3 years in The Newburgh Enlarged City School District
Education:
AAS Fashion Design Fashion Institute of Technology
BS Production Management Fashion Institute of Technology
MS Special Education Mount Saint Mary College
Certificate of Advanced Study: School Building and School District Leadership SUNY New Paltz
Term Expires: June 30, 2029
Children/Ages/Schools:
MaryJane Politi age 16 attends NFA Main Campus
Augusten Politi age 11 attends Horizons on the Hudson
Levon Politi age 8 attends Horizons on the Hudson
Olive Politi age 6 attends Horizons on the Hudson
NECSD Committees/Community Committees Served On: I have served on the HoH Compact Committee and NECSD Talent Committee. I currently serve on the School Improvement Team at Haverstraw Elementary School. I coached Girls on the Run:Heart and Sole at South Middle School. I currently coach Girls on the Run at Haverstraw Elementary and I am a Coach and Co-Founder of The Newburgh Lightening Bolts.
Former NTA member and current NRTA member.
How would you complete the following sentence?
If I could achieve any one education accomplishment while serving as a Board of Education Member it would be... To create consistency in the implementation of programs, the code of conduct, security/safety plans, and make educationally sound decisions for the youth in our community.
What do you view as the Board of Education's top priorities:
Consistency, transparency, communication, and listening to the needs of all stakeholders.
Professionalism and serving as role models to our scholars.
Ms. Kadian Wilson, Student Member (Ex Officio)
Education:
Newburgh Free Academy Main Campus
Municipality:
City of Newburgh
Extra-curricular involvement:
NFA Black History Club
NFA Book Club
NFA Cheerleading: Varsity Sideline Captain Winter 2025
NFA Student Council: Senator Freshman and Sophomore year, Secretary Junior year, and Executive Council President Senior year
NFA Bible Study Club
NFA Chem Club
NFA Youth Activation Committee
NFA Key Club: Secretary
NFA Interact Club
NFA Unified Cheer: Student Coach
National Honor Society
National English Honor Society
NYS Science Honor Society
Spanish Honor Society
How would you complete the following sentence?
If I could achieve any one education accomplishment while serving as a Board of Education Member it would be...
to advocate for my fellow peers and ensure that their voices, opinions, and concerns are heard and represented in decisions that affect them.
What do you view as the Board of Education's top priorities:
improving communication with the community (students, teachers, and family), making sure the school/learning environment is a safe place, and acting in the best interest of those who work, attend, and are involved in the school district.
Ms. Aarna Patel , Student Member (Ex Officio, Alternate)
Education:
Newburgh Free Academy Main Campus
Municipality:
Town of New Windsor
Previous Schools:
Horizons Elementary School, Heritage Middle School
Extra-curricular involvement:
Student Council — Treasurer (Grades 9–11), Executive Vice President (Grade 12)
Music Council - Executive Secretary
Key Club - President
NFA Chem Club
NYS Science Honor Society - Vice President of Membership
National Honor Society
Spanish Honor Society
National English Honor Society
Tri - M Music Honor Society
Youth in Government
Math Club
Tennis
How would you complete the following sentence?
If I could achieve any one education accomplishment while serving as a Board of Education Member it would be...
to help every student feel more involved in their school community and ensure their voices are heard.
What do you view as the Board of Education's top priorities:
- Making sure student voices are heard in school decisions
- Expanding opportunities for student leadership and involvement
- Building a more connected and engaged school community
Ms. Carmen Burgarelli, Student Member (Ex Officio, Alternate)
Education:
Newburgh Free Academy Main Campus
Municipality:
Town of Newburgh
Previous Schools:
Fostertown Elementary School, Heritage Middle School
Extra-curricular involvement:
NFA Varsity Volleyball, NHS, National English Honors Society Secretary (11th), National Spanish Honors Society, National Art Honors Society, NFA Chem Club, Executive Secretary, NFA Debate Club (9th), Student Council (9,10,11,12)
How would you complete the following sentence?
If I could achieve any one education accomplishment while serving as a Board of Education Member it would be...
To make student voices are a central part of the decisions that help shape our school environment, events, and education.
What do you view as the Board of Education's top priorities:
To keep parents, staff, and students informed, as well as to benefit the students and their education in any way possible.
