LAKE HUNTINGTON, NY – The Sullivan West Central School District held its last two regular monthly Board of Education (BOE) meetings on April 18 and May 17.

April meeting

The Sullivan West Standout was Dena Smith, a food preparer and server in the high school cafeteria.

In the words of Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kathleen Bressler, Smith “takes extra care to prepare delicious salads and sandwiches… is kind and considerate of others and always willing to lend a hand.” Smith grew up cooking with her grandmother, who is still alive at 102.

Students of the Month were Blaise Maher, Zachary Ducey, Jocelyn Doyle and Sloane Sigelakis.

A moment of silence was observed in memory of Sullivan West graduate Edward Sykes, who was involved in a fatal accident on Route 97 in Cochecton on March 27.

Senior Dillan Hanslmaier presented an overview of the senior class trip to Great Escape.

It was resolved that the district school board was authorized to expend the sum or $41,796,395 approved for the 2023-2024 school year.

A discussion was held regarding the authorization by the board of a high school senior, who would serve as an ex-officio non-voting member of the board.

In her superintendent’s comments, Bressler congratulated the Sullivan West students who participated in the Sullivan County Art Show and Youth Poetry festival at Bethel Woods. Fifteen students received awards for their art projects, and several others took home awards for their poems.

“We have amazing talent in our building, and our art teachers have done a great job cultivating their creativity,” said Bressler. She added that Henry Simon and Cheyanne Decker “kicked off the event with a classic folk tune that just had the crowd going wild.”

May meeting

The Sullivan West Standout was school board member and retired long-time science teacher Mike Ellmauer, who was recognized by the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA). See below for more.

Students of the Month were Daniel Olsen, Keisy McHenry, Serenity Burke and Madison VanNostrand.

A moment of silence was observed in memory of Tish Murray, former teacher at the Narrowsburg School, who died on May 13.

Dr. Kenneth Hilton, former Sullivan West superintendent and recently the Sullivan West representative to the Sullivan County BOCES, made a detailed presentation to the board. As he is retiring from that second “career,” he was honored with an award for his years of service. For an interview with Hilton, visit riverreporter.com/news.

The school board accepted the annual district budget vote and election results. 

In her superintendent’s comments, Dr. Kathleen Bressler congratulated Ellmauer on his Level I school board member achievement award. The award is given by NYSSBA to recognize members who have participated in leadership development training. 

Bressler then expressed her gratitude to the people in the district. “First and foremost, thank you to our community for the support of our school budget,” she said. “With an approval rate of around 77 percent,we feel so fortunate to live in a community that supports our schools.”

The final regular monthly meeting of the Sullivan West school board is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 14 in the middle/high school library. For information, call district clerk Christina Kautz at 845/482-4610, ext. 3000, or email kautzchr@swcsd.org.