Candidates for the Board of Education Bios Now Available
Voters will select up to three (3) candidates on the ballot. Bios are now available. Below, click on the name of the candidate to view more information about that candidate. Candidates are listed below in the order in which they were randomly selected to appear on the ballot.
NAME: Fred Stewart
AGE: 69
YEARS IN DISTRICT: 40
EMPLOYMENT: Self Employed
EDUCATION: Wallkill Sr. High School
SPOUSE/OCCUPATION/PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT:
N/A
CHILDREN/AGES/SCHOOLS:
Three all Graduates of NFA
NEWBURGH ENLARGED CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMITTEES AND/OR COMMUNITY COMMITTEES SERVED ON:
Audit and Finance Committee, Facilities Committee
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…… Increase literacy at the elementary level, safety of students and staff and working together in a cohesive manner.
WHAT DO YOU VIEW AS THE BOARD OF EDUCATION’S TOP PRIORITIES?
Safety, Attendance, Accountability
AGE: 69
YEARS IN DISTRICT: 40
EMPLOYMENT: Self Employed
EDUCATION: Wallkill Sr. High School
SPOUSE/OCCUPATION/PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT:
N/A
CHILDREN/AGES/SCHOOLS:
Three all Graduates of NFA
NEWBURGH ENLARGED CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMITTEES AND/OR COMMUNITY COMMITTEES SERVED ON:
Audit and Finance Committee, Facilities Committee
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…… Increase literacy at the elementary level, safety of students and staff and working together in a cohesive manner.
WHAT DO YOU VIEW AS THE BOARD OF EDUCATION’S TOP PRIORITIES?
Safety, Attendance, Accountability
NAME: John Doerre
AGE: 68
YEARS IN DISTRICT: 22
EMPLOYMENT: Vice President of Compliance & EHS, Miller Environmental Group
EDUCATION: AAS Business
SPOUSE/OCCUPATION/PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT:
Deborah A. Doerre, RN (Retired)
CHILDREN/AGES/SCHOOLS:
38 & 40
NEWBURGH ENLARGED CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMITTEES AND/OR COMMUNITY COMMITTEES SERVED ON:
Chair-Town of Newburgh Ethics Committee
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…… I would like to develop a program that attracts teaching candidates from within the student ranks that assists them in becoming teachers in the district by offering incentives on the repayment of student loans if they return to the district to begin their teaching career.
WHAT DO YOU VIEW AS THE BOARD OF EDUCATION’S TOP PRIORITIES?
AGE: 68
YEARS IN DISTRICT: 22
EMPLOYMENT: Vice President of Compliance & EHS, Miller Environmental Group
EDUCATION: AAS Business
SPOUSE/OCCUPATION/PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT:
Deborah A. Doerre, RN (Retired)
CHILDREN/AGES/SCHOOLS:
38 & 40
NEWBURGH ENLARGED CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMITTEES AND/OR COMMUNITY COMMITTEES SERVED ON:
Chair-Town of Newburgh Ethics Committee
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…… I would like to develop a program that attracts teaching candidates from within the student ranks that assists them in becoming teachers in the district by offering incentives on the repayment of student loans if they return to the district to begin their teaching career.
WHAT DO YOU VIEW AS THE BOARD OF EDUCATION’S TOP PRIORITIES?
- Work with the administration to identify and implement a proven program that has been shown to be successful with reversing early childhood illiteracy.
- Work with the administration to identify the root cause(s) of teaching staff turnover and burnout. Develop programs that help attract and retain teachers.
- Work with the administration to look at long term issues such as are we right sized with our number of schools or can there be a consolidation of resources resulting in real dollars saved.
- Ensure through every means possible that the new CTE building is ready on day 1 of the 2026-2027 school year. This means 100 % staffed with proper inventory of supplies.
NAME: Shadé Burks
AGE: 38
YEARS IN DISTRICT:
EMPLOYMENT: Teacher’s Assistant
EDUCATION:
SPOUSE/OCCUPATION/PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT:
CHILDREN/AGES/SCHOOLS:
Justyce O’dell Burks, 9, GAMS
NEWBURGH ENLARGED CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMITTEES AND/OR COMMUNITY COMMITTEES SERVED ON:
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…… 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
AGE: 38
YEARS IN DISTRICT:
EMPLOYMENT: Teacher’s Assistant
EDUCATION:
SPOUSE/OCCUPATION/PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT:
CHILDREN/AGES/SCHOOLS:
Justyce O’dell Burks, 9, GAMS
NEWBURGH ENLARGED CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMITTEES AND/OR COMMUNITY COMMITTEES SERVED ON:
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…… 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
NAME: Dr. Shoy Colbourne
AGE: 37
YEARS IN DISTRICT: 12
EMPLOYMENT: New York City Department of Education
EDUCATION: Doctorate: Education Leadership, Master's of Science: Instructional Leadership and Supervision
SPOUSE/OCCUPATION/PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT:
Juanella Colbourne/ Educator
CHILDREN/AGES/SCHOOLS:
Leilani Colbourne 8 years Horizons
Liam Colbourne 4 Horizons
NEWBURGH ENLARGED CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMITTEES AND/OR COMMUNITY COMMITTEES SERVED ON:
2021 NECSD Reopening of Schools Task Force 2019 NECSD Guidance Counselor Advisory Team
2020 NECSD Wellness Advisory Committee
2022 NECSD Administrator Hiring Panel
2024 Parent Representative for the 2024–2025 Horizons-on-the-Hudson Comprehensive Education Plan Committee.
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…… Establishing policies, and regulations that continue to create equitable teaching and learning environments for all students and teachers. Specifically, focusing on increasing graduation rates and foundational literacy.
WHAT DO YOU VIEW AS THE BOARD OF EDUCATION’S TOP PRIORITIES?
Commitment to Foundational Literacy and Academic Recovery
Focused Student Support Services – Strengthening districtwide support for students with IEPs and Multilingual Learners
Clear and concise budget monitoring and management
AGE: 37
YEARS IN DISTRICT: 12
EMPLOYMENT: New York City Department of Education
EDUCATION: Doctorate: Education Leadership, Master's of Science: Instructional Leadership and Supervision
SPOUSE/OCCUPATION/PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT:
Juanella Colbourne/ Educator
CHILDREN/AGES/SCHOOLS:
Leilani Colbourne 8 years Horizons
Liam Colbourne 4 Horizons
NEWBURGH ENLARGED CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMITTEES AND/OR COMMUNITY COMMITTEES SERVED ON:
2021 NECSD Reopening of Schools Task Force 2019 NECSD Guidance Counselor Advisory Team
2020 NECSD Wellness Advisory Committee
2022 NECSD Administrator Hiring Panel
2024 Parent Representative for the 2024–2025 Horizons-on-the-Hudson Comprehensive Education Plan Committee.
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…… Establishing policies, and regulations that continue to create equitable teaching and learning environments for all students and teachers. Specifically, focusing on increasing graduation rates and foundational literacy.
WHAT DO YOU VIEW AS THE BOARD OF EDUCATION’S TOP PRIORITIES?
Commitment to Foundational Literacy and Academic Recovery
Focused Student Support Services – Strengthening districtwide support for students with IEPs and Multilingual Learners
Clear and concise budget monitoring and management
NAME: Ronaldo Santiago
AGE: 48
YEARS IN DISTRICT: 5
EMPLOYMENT: IT Systems Engineer
EDUCATION: A.A.S in CyberSecurity, pursing B.S. in CyberSecurity - SUNY Canton
SPOUSE/OCCUPATION/PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT:
Erika Perez/Victoria's Castle Early Learning Center
CHILDREN/AGES/SCHOOLS:
Kelsey Muriel/25/Navy veteran
Victoria Figueroa/19/Empire Beauty School
Antonio Figueroa/16/NFA Main
Leland Figueroa/14/The Birch School
Isabella Santiago/8/HoH
Ronaldo Santiago jr/7/HoH
NEWBURGH ENLARGED CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMITTEES AND/OR COMMUNITY COMMITTEES SERVED ON:
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 help facilitate the success of our students in bringing literacy rates and graduation rates up, and to foster a culture of academic excellence.
WHAT DO YOU VIEW AS THE BOARD OF EDUCATION’S TOP PRIORITIES?
To act as the bridge between the school district and the community, to listen to the needs of our student body and the faculty in order to create policies to streamline processes ultimately helping our teachers focus on what they need to: Educating our children.
AGE: 48
YEARS IN DISTRICT: 5
EMPLOYMENT: IT Systems Engineer
EDUCATION: A.A.S in CyberSecurity, pursing B.S. in CyberSecurity - SUNY Canton
SPOUSE/OCCUPATION/PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT:
Erika Perez/Victoria's Castle Early Learning Center
CHILDREN/AGES/SCHOOLS:
Kelsey Muriel/25/Navy veteran
Victoria Figueroa/19/Empire Beauty School
Antonio Figueroa/16/NFA Main
Leland Figueroa/14/The Birch School
Isabella Santiago/8/HoH
Ronaldo Santiago jr/7/HoH
NEWBURGH ENLARGED CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMITTEES AND/OR COMMUNITY COMMITTEES SERVED ON:
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 help facilitate the success of our students in bringing literacy rates and graduation rates up, and to foster a culture of academic excellence.
WHAT DO YOU VIEW AS THE BOARD OF EDUCATION’S TOP PRIORITIES?
To act as the bridge between the school district and the community, to listen to the needs of our student body and the faculty in order to create policies to streamline processes ultimately helping our teachers focus on what they need to: Educating our children.
NAME: Victoria Bousche
AGE: 36
YEARS IN DISTRICT: 31
EMPLOYMENT: Healthcare Administration
EDUCATION: NFA 2007, Pace University
SPOUSE/OCCUPATION/PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT:
N/A
CHILDREN/AGES/SCHOOLS:
Jaxson-GAMS
NEWBURGH ENLARGED CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMITTEES AND/OR COMMUNITY COMMITTEES SERVED ON:
VP of BOE
Policy Committee, Curriculum Committee, Exceptional Learners Committee
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 improve graduation rates, literacy rates and for children to read.
WHAT DO YOU VIEW AS THE BOARD OF EDUCATION’S TOP PRIORITIES?
AGE: 36
YEARS IN DISTRICT: 31
EMPLOYMENT: Healthcare Administration
EDUCATION: NFA 2007, Pace University
SPOUSE/OCCUPATION/PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT:
N/A
CHILDREN/AGES/SCHOOLS:
Jaxson-GAMS
NEWBURGH ENLARGED CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMITTEES AND/OR COMMUNITY COMMITTEES SERVED ON:
VP of BOE
Policy Committee, Curriculum Committee, Exceptional Learners Committee
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 improve graduation rates, literacy rates and for children to read.
WHAT DO YOU VIEW AS THE BOARD OF EDUCATION’S TOP PRIORITIES?
- Proper fiscal oversight
- Safety & Security of all students, faculty & staff
- Special Education
- Chronic Absenteeism
- Oversee the Superintendent
NAME: Mark Levinstein
AGE:
YEARS IN DISTRICT: 32
EMPLOYMENT: North Point Carpet Supplies
EDUCATION: Associates Degree OCCC
SPOUSE/OCCUPATION/PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT:
Sharon-Data Processing Clerk NECSD/NFA Main
CHILDREN/AGES/SCHOOLS:
NEWBURGH ENLARGED CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMITTEES AND/OR 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
AGE:
YEARS IN DISTRICT: 32
EMPLOYMENT: North Point Carpet Supplies
EDUCATION: Associates Degree OCCC
SPOUSE/OCCUPATION/PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT:
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
NEWBURGH ENLARGED CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMITTEES AND/OR 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
NAME: Bob Capano
AGE: 51
YEARS IN DISTRICT: 4
EMPLOYMENT:
Adjunct Professor & Business Manager
EDUCATION: Master of Arts
SPOUSE/OCCUPATION/PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT:
CHILDREN/AGES/SCHOOLS:
one son- 5 years old
NEWBURGH ENLARGED CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMITTEES AND/OR COMMUNITY COMMITTEES SERVED ON:
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…… Improve graduation rates, reading scores, and student attendance while making our schools safe.
WHAT DO YOU VIEW AS THE BOARD OF EDUCATION’S TOP PRIORITIES?
AGE: 51
YEARS IN DISTRICT: 4
EMPLOYMENT:
Adjunct Professor & Business Manager
EDUCATION: Master of Arts
SPOUSE/OCCUPATION/PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT:
CHILDREN/AGES/SCHOOLS:
one son- 5 years old
NEWBURGH ENLARGED CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMITTEES AND/OR COMMUNITY COMMITTEES SERVED ON:
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…… Improve graduation rates, reading scores, and student attendance while making our schools safe.
WHAT DO YOU VIEW AS THE BOARD OF EDUCATION’S TOP PRIORITIES?
- Ensure all residents have an equal opportunity to attend Board meetings and have their voices heard. Right now, public participation is dominated by residents of the City of Newburgh, where all meetings are held. I’ll fight to bring meetings to families in the Town of Newburgh and New Windsor so public input truly reflects our entire district.
- Ensure that we have an accurate and fiscally responsible budget presented to voters annually. Last year, the Board of Education unnecessarily raised our property taxes by claiming we had a budget deficit. In fact, according to an independent audit, we had a budget surplus. This can never happen again.
ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!
