Minisink Valley Central School District -

In addition to voting for the proposed 2025-26 school budget on Tuesday, May 20, voters will be asked to select new Board of Education members.

Voters will be asked to select three members for three-year terms running from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2028.

Candidates, in ballot order, are:

Jessica Eli

Angela Koenig

Malorie Yourman

William Cooper

Vanessa Wight

Candidate statements, in ballot order:

Jessica Eli

My name is Jessica Eli, and I would be honored to serve on the Minisink Board of Education.

Education has always been a cornerstone of my life, both professionally and personally. I’ve been an elementary school teacher in a neighboring district for over fourteen years, and in 2009, I earned a Master’s degree in Education with a focus in Literacy from East Stroudsburg University. I believe that my experience in the classroom and my continued commitment to learning would make me a valuable voice on the board.

I’m also a proud and active member of our community. Originally from Port Jervis, my husband and I chose to make the Minisink School District our home in 2012. We are raising two daughters here—our youngest is currently in second grade, and our oldest is a fifth grader at MVIS.

If elected, my goal is to advocate for all of our children by bringing my background in education to the table. I would like to see the creation of an Education Committee within the Board of Education—an opportunity to collaborate with district teachers and administrators to reflect on current practices and address important issues in real time.

I believe I can offer a unique perspective as a mother, a teacher, and a community member. My experience, combined with my dedication to students and teachers, would guide me as I work collaboratively with fellow Board of Education members to support and strengthen our schools.

Angela Koenig

We as a district stand at the proverbial fork in the road.  On May 20th, we the people get to decide which path, or which direction, that our district will set foot on.  We can choose the same worn path that we have been traveling or we can choose a new path, a path that can unlock a wealth of potential for our students and our district.  

You will find me on the path that leads to transparency of information. Over the last year, I have attended nearly every Board of Education meeting, which I have recorded and published for the public to view.  All Board business that is conducted in open session should be easily accessible to anyone.  

You will also find me on the path that protects Title IX and the foundation that it was built upon.  I have stood up and voiced my concerns on the altering of school policies that would directly affect Title IX and I will do so again.  

As you walk further down the path with me, you will see that I stand for a merit-based system of learning, which encourages our children to understand that hard work and determination builds a foundation for success in their lives.  Preparing our students with solid academic fundamentals that allow their natural talents to develop can unlock each student's boundless potential.  

One of the greatest achievements that our district should strive for is to prepare our students for life after school and reiterating how capable they are of great things in their future. Each child is special and we have to treat our job as an establishment of learning like their futures depend on it.

 Malorie Yourman

My name is Malorie Yourman and I am running for the Board of Education.  Although I am not originally from Minisink, I have been a district resident for over 20 years and I am proud to call it home. I believe that my past experience will not only help maintain its excellence, but also provide some new perspectives as we forge into the initiatives that our community and state are facing.

 My husband and I have two children who have attended Minisink since Kindergarten, they are both currently in Middle School. They have had the ability to take advantage of a lot of what Minisink has to offer. In sports, my son has been a member of the cross country, track and field and the swim team, my daughter participates in Minisink youth lacrosse and swimming programs. In the arts, my son has accelerated in the school band while my daughter has excelled in her vocal talents in chorus and theater, both having the honor of representing Minisink Valley in All County. I want all students to have the opportunities that interest them and make them excited about school.

 I have been in education for almost 25 years, working as a Social Studies teacher at Middletown High School. I believe that high academic and behavioral expectations matter. I have taught honors and traditional classes and feel strongly that maintaining obtainable rigor is essential to making our graduates successful adults. I have worked with special education students and English Language Learners and understand the importance of providing them the correct services in order to achieve greatness. I am a teacher advocate, I know firsthand that supported teachers go above and beyond for their students.

 I feel that gratitude and giving back to the community through volunteering are important.  I am currently serving as a deacon at Otisville Mt Hope Presbyterian Church and am co-advisor for the National Honor Society, where I find philanthropic opportunities for my members. In the past, I have been a mentor teacher, scout leader, class parent, and Sunday School teacher. I find joy in giving back and hope to inspire others to do the same.

For the last 15 years, I’ve been a proud member of the Board of Education. I have been, and remain, committed to advocating for the best possible education for our students, while ensuring the school district operates efficiently while being respectful of taxpayer dollars. This also includes being responsive to the needs and values of our community.

As a former teacher and coach, I believe in the importance of service and giving back. Most importantly, I believe that the important work this Board of Education does has positively impacted the academic success and achievements of the district’s students. It would be a privilege to continue to work with my dedicated board colleagues.

I understand the challenges this school district faces.  The education field is constantly ever-changing, with state and federal mandates and requirements creating fiscal and operational challenges that we constantly must overcome. These issues are real and we do not expect them to decline. However, as a highly experienced volunteer Board member, I believe I have the skills to ensure this district’s fiscal and operational viability continues and grows.

My experience includes serving as Board vice president for 13 years and I’m confident that my leadership skills are collaborative and participatory, ensuring every Board member’s voice is heard and respected. I’ve served on key Board subcommittees, including on the Audit Committee and as chairman of the Athletic and Buildings & Grounds committees.  I’ve been involved in bargaining unit negotiations which have resulted in what I believe are fair and equitable contracts for all. During my time on the Board, I have increased my knowledge in school district and Board operations by further educating myself via the dozens and dozens of programs offered by professional organizations. My personal education background includes being 1974 Minisink graduate and graduate of Bloomsburg University with graduate work completed at William Paterson College.   I understand what it takes to make this district run at an optimal level every day, and that includes well beyond the 180-day school year.

As a former teacher and parent of a teacher working in this district, I understand what our very talented teachers do every day. As a grandparent of students in this district, I see firsthand how very hard our district’s teachers work to ensure to maximize the learning potential of each of their students.  I also see and respect the time and effort that everyone who works here puts into their daily work. It’s a team effort, and I believe we have the best team there is.

This school district is an integral part of our community. Many would say it’s the hub of our community. Our campuses are very busy and active well-beyond the traditional school day and on weekends, too. I see this first hand because I attend nearly every academic, sports, music and drama event I can. I can also relate to the pride I see on the faces of parents/guardians and the smiles on the faces of students because I have experienced that myself as a Minisink Valley parent.  

At a time when there’s so much flux in the education world that does and will continue to impact our district, I believe my skills, experience and dedication to school district success makes me a viable candidate for your consideration. I believe it’s important to have informed, knowledgeable and experienced people serve on the board to ensure important decisions are made thoughtfully and with great care. That’s because our main focuses are always students’ academic success, achievement and safety combined with fiscal responsibility. Our school district prepares students to be successful adults in a rapidly changing world, and I would be honored to continue being a part of this important work. Thank you.    

 Vanessa Wight

I am delighted to again be a candidate for the Minisink Valley School Board of Education.

I moved to the Town of Mount Hope with my husband, Nick Curabba (a native to the area and graduate of Minisink Valley) and our two young children, Charlie and Ozzy, in 2012. We were thrilled to settle close to family and call this place home. Now aged 16 and 14, our children attend Minisink Valley’s High School and Middle School. I hold a Ph.D in sociology and worked as a sociologist researching children and poverty. However, after moving to this area, I left the labor force to stay home with my children until recently transitioning back to work as a licensed real estate agent.

Over the last decade, I have served as an active member in our school community–volunteering with the PTO and serving as chair of both the Otisville and Middle School PTOs as well as on the Executive Board. I was a Girl Scouts troop leader and I have volunteered as a parent to support the needs and passions of the Drama Club students from when my daughter was in Elementary School.

Through this service, I have remained steadfast in my belief that strong partnerships between our school, our families, and the community are crucial for student success. The exciting work on our district’s Strategic Plan and the development of our Blueprint for Excellence is a perfect example. Engaging parents and guardians and our school community in the educational process and fostering a strong collaboration between these stakeholders is integral to shaping the educational landscape at Minisink Valley and it is the cornerstone of our public school system. 

As I round out my third year on the Board, I am amazed at what I have learned about the complexities of running a school district, the wide range of challenges that teachers and administrators face every single day, the influence of New York State and the Federal Government over our daily operations, and the role of the Board in providing steady stewardship through what sometimes appears to be the swells and tsunamis of public education. 

With our Strategic Plan taking shape, I am eager to continue my work in partnership with the district to support the activities and initiatives that contribute to a quality education while maintaining fiscal responsibility and promoting key partnerships between families, teachers, and community members.