Four candidates are running for two open seats on the Board. In ballot order, they are: Patrick Ryan, Todd Lewis, Stacy MacTurk and Danielle Ciampino. Information and statements were provided by the candidates.
Patrick Ryan
Patrick Ryan is seeking a third, non-consecutive term on the Board. A Mohonasen resident for 41 years, he and his spouse, Rebecca, have five children who have all come through the district. Three have graduated and two are still attending Mohonasen High School. Ryan is a chief budget examiner at the New York State Division of the Budget. He is a 1980 Mohonasen graduate and has a bachelor’s degree, a Master of Public Administration degree and a certificate of advanced study in planning and policy analysis all from the University at Albany.
“As a former, two-term Board member, I endeavored to promote excellence in our schools through establishing collaborative working relationships with parents, teachers and other District stakeholders. Having two children in the district (with three others as Mohonasen alumni) I have a vested interest to see our schools achieve distinction in all facets of student education. If elected for another term, I will work with my Board colleagues to promote academic and vocational excellence, require District accountability and transparency, cultivate safe and inviting school environments and safeguard local control of our public schools.”
Todd Lewis
Todd Lewis is seeking a first term on the Board. A Mohonasen resident for 15 years, he and his spouse, Sara, have a child at Mohonasen High School. Lewis is the director of operations analysis and support for the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Civil Enforcement Division. He has been with the division for 24 years and this will be his fifth year as director.
“I feel like my experience in government leadership translates well here. I believe I can make valuable contributions to the district which has done as well in shaping my child’s future and preparing her for life after Mohonasen. My wife, Sara, is an administrator in the district. Being her spouse as well as a parent provides me with a unique perspective into many aspects of district operations Frankly, I also feel like it is time to give back to the district that has given, and continues to give, my family so much. It’s the least I can do.”
Stacy MacTurk
Stacy MacTurk is seeking a fourth term on the Board. MacTurk is currently the Board vice president. A Mohonasen resident for 13 years, she and her spouse, Tim, have three children in the district: one at Mohonasen High School, one at Draper and one at Pinewood. MacTurk works at Ellis Hospital in admissions as a patient access representative. She has been a member of the Wonderland Nursery School Board of Trustees for nine years. She attended Syracuse University and then SUNY New Paltz where she received a bachelor’s degree in women’s studies.
“I would like to serve on the Board because I have a vested interest in the students. Having three children in the district, I want to make sure all of the children receive the best possible education.”
Danielle Ciampino
Danielle Ciampino is seeking a first term on the Board. A Mohonasen resident for 38 years, she and her spouse, Daniel, have two children in the district: one at Bradt and one at Pinewood. Ciampino left the traditional workforce to be a stay-at-home mom and now runs a bookkeeping LLC out of her home. She is involved in the Mohonasen Parent Teacher Organization, is a parent liaison for her boys and serves on the board of directors for the Mohonasen Foundation of Excellence. She also volunteers at her chidrens’ religion and at town events. A Mohonasen Class of 2002 graduate, she received her bachelor’s degree in marketing and business management at Siena College.
“I am passionate about addressing the mental health crisis, safety, transparency, parental involvement, and getting back to basics in order to prepare our children for real life, with real-life skills. Our ‘Warrior’ name is extremely important to me, and I will continue to advocate for it just like I have been doing on my own since November.”