A changing of the guard at Warwick Valley School District
Editor's note: This story incorrectly identifed Keith Parsons as president of the Warwick Valley School Board. Sharon Davis is the school board president and Parson is its vice president. We regret the error and the confusion it caused.
By Abby Wolf
WARWICK — As it begins its preparations for the 2018-19 school year, the Warwick Valley School Board swore in its members and new president for the coming term at its annual organizational meeting on Monday.
Returning to the board were members Sharon Davis, Lynn Lillian and Dave Eaton.
Davis was elected school board present and Keith Parsons was sworn-in as vice president.
Schools Superintendent Dr. David Leach also took his oath of office.
Sworn in with the rest of the board was incoming student board member, senior Madeleine Wadeson, who said that she was influenced by her predecessor, student board member Anna Costa.
Leadership recognized Before getting down to its regular business, the administration recognized outgoing BOE president Lynn Lillian.
Lillian’s five years of service as president have been “extraordinary,” according to Leach, who said that Lillian was “focused on high academic achievement, supporting a healthy culture … always wanting more … not becoming complacent…and upholding (the school board’s) highest ethical standards.”
Leach added that, while keeping the taxpayers in mind during budget season, Lillian also “recognized the need for equitable funding” for the district. He also acknowledged her leadership and advocacy work as part of the Fair Funding campaign.
“Without Lynn,” Leach said, “hundreds of Fair Funding events would never have taken place.”
He also credited her with spearheading the drive to restore school funding previously withheld by New York State under the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA).
While thanking Lillian for her service to the district, the superintendent also recognized her as being “instrumental in incorporating community goals in BOCES actions,” especially with regard to preparing students for the future.
“She showed a particular gift for achieving consensus” among faculty, staff, students and the administration, he added.
Lillian returned the praise, saying that it was “very kind of you to give me credit for things that (also) belong to you (Leach), Central Office, building leadership, Board of Education members and others.
“I learned a tremendous amount about leadership and goal-setting,” she added.
Leach pointed out that two of the district’s schools earned Blue Ribbon distinction during Lillian’s tenure, as well as a Green Ribbon award for two schools as well.
Next Regular meeting: Aug. 6, at 7 p.m. at Dorothy C. Wilson Education Center.
Special meeting, Tax Warrant, followed by work session: Aug. 20, 7 p.m. at Dorothy C. Wilson Education Center.