My name is Kathleen Meckle and I am running for the Sullivan West school board.

I was born and raised in Callicoon and graduated from Delaware Valley Central School. I received a B.A. in Sociology from Adelphi University and a Masters of Professional Studies from SUNY New Paltz. I have been employed by Sullivan County BOCES since 1991 as the Coordinator of Educational Support Services. In this role, I have written and received over $7 million in grant funding to support programming for children and adults.

I returned to this community after college because I believed it was a wonderful place to live and raise a family. My husband, Don, a retired Sullivan West Special Education teacher, and I are the parents of two Delaware Valley graduates.

I am proud of the number of young people from Sullivan West who have gone on to become successful, contributing members of their communities. The education received at Sullivan West and the small school attention given to students has lifelong benefits. However, the current economic challenges faced by schools and, indeed, our state and country, make the responsibilities of school board members even more daunting. The district must have in place a clear, strategic plan that will ensure that the quality of education is not compromised, while respecting the ability of the district’s residents to pay for it. We must explore innovative and cost-effective strategies to deliver instruction and still afford students the opportunity to remain competitive academically with other young people.

As a grant writer, and through implementing programs, I have had extensive opportunities to work with budgets. I know the importance of careful planning, as well as the need to monitor progress and recognize the need for making changes when necessary. At the same time, I will work diligently to ensure that our Sullivan West students have the opportunity to receive a high quality education that will prepare them for the challenges of the future. I would appreciate your vote on Tuesday, May 17.

Kathleen Meckle

Callicoon, NY