Two running for Wallkill Valley school board seat in Ogdensburg

Ralph Bonard

1) Why are you running for School Board?

I’m running for re-election to the Wallkill Valley Regional High School Board of Education because I care deeply about our students, our staff, and our community. For the past three years, I’ve worked hard to ensure that every decision made by the board keeps one priority as our focus, doing what is best for our kids.

2) What are the top three things you aim to accomplish if elected?

1) To make sure we’re hiring and retaining the best people for our students.

2) To make sure we’re supporting them with the resources they need to succeed.

3) Supporting the administration in seeing that these goals are achieved.

3) Briefly explain why you are the best candidate for this position:

I am the best candidate because my actions consistently demonstrate proven commitment, accountability, and love for the WVRHS community. I have served on the WVRHS Board of Education for three years and have never missed a meeting. I make it a priority to attend open houses, back-to-school nights, and school events to stay connected with students, parents, and staff. How can a board member make decisions on what’s best for our kids if they aren’t present and available? Simply put, they can’t. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished so far, but there’s much work to be done — from building high academic standards and strong extracurricular programs to ensuring fiscal responsibility and continue to build community pride and support for WVRHS. We’ve got momentum and I’m running again because I want to keep that momentum going and continue being an ear and a voice for our students, staff, and families. I hope you will vote on Nov. 4 and give me your continued support.

Brendan Donegan

1) Why are you running for School Board?

I have chosen to run for the Board of Education because I have a great appreciation for the education I received at Wallkill Valley (87) and would like to ensure today’s students are offered the same high-level educational and extra-curricular activities that were part of my experience.

2) What are the top three things you aim to accomplish if elected?

Developing policies and programs geared toward improving student academic performance;

Addressing attendance issues;

Maintaining a sound, long-range fiscal policy.

3) Briefly explain why you are the best candidate for this position

As a serving member of the Ogdensburg BOE (10 yrs), I have had the opportunity to work with a cohesive group of board members who have successfully guided the district through the state’s imposed fiscal restraints with minimal impact on both/either the district’s educational programs and/or the town’s tax levy. Additionally, as a board member I will be able to draw on my 30+ years in public high-school education, 20+ years in high-school coaching and as a volunteer in a variety of recreational youth programs. During my presidency of the Morris County Track Coaches Association (13 years), we have developed one of the state’s most extensive competition schedules for high-school athletes. None of this could have been accomplished without the ability to develop relationships and work in close coordination with school administrators and coaches. If elected, I will incorporate the knowledge gained from all these experiences to benefit the Wallkill Valley BOE.