In addition to voting for the proposed 2026-27 school budget on Tuesday, May 19, voters will be asked to select new Board of Education members.
Voters will be asked to vote for up to four Board seats and to elect four members to the Board of Education as follows: Three members for three-year terms, commencing July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029; and one member for the unexpired term from on or about May 19, 2026 through June 30, 2028. Candidates, in ballot order are:
Ruth A. Luis
Patricia M. Reynolds
Shawn Cahill
The ballot will include spaces for write-in votes.
Ruth A. Luis
My name is Ruth (Rembe) Luis, I was raised and have resided in the Minisink Valley Central School District for over 50 years. I graduated from Minisink Valley CSD, as did my three children. I have three grandsons attending Minisink.
I have served as a member of the Board of Education for the past three years representing the taxpayers while ensuring continuity of programs, services, athletics, and co-curricular activities for students. The balance of the needs of these two community groups has been viewed with a fiscally conservative mindset.
I am a retired School Business official, permanently certified by the New York State Department of Education, with over 30 years of service in the public sector. My career has provided me with vast knowledge of public finance regulations and statutes. During my career I worked with Board of Education members collaboratively in accomplishing district goals for the benefit of the student and taxpayer.
I am fiscally conservative. As a steward of taxpayer funds, one must recognize the need for fiscal responsibility. Integrity and transparency are priorities in building trust relationships with the taxpaying community as well as parents, guardians, and students.
As a member of the Board of Education, it is important to ask questions that lead to thorough analysis for the most beneficial outcomes. During the past three years of service, I have witnessed the desire for accountability and transparency in collaboration with my Board colleagues. The coming years will bring opportunities to progress the district into the 21st century through thoughtful decision making based on sound practices and increased information sharing.
Serving the students, staff, taxpayers, and community during the next term will be a privilege. Your support and confidence in my ability to serve in this role is greatly appreciated.
Patricia M. Reynolds
My name is Patricia Reynolds, and I am seeking my third term on the Minisink Valley Board of Education, having proudly served the community for the past six years.
A resident of Minisink since 2010, I am deeply connected to the district both as a board member and as a parent. I have two daughters—one a graduate of the district and the other currently in sixth grade—as well as a two-year-old grandson. My connection to public education began early in life, as my mother served on the school board at Valley Central School District, giving me a firsthand appreciation for the importance of strong local schools and service to one’s community.
I have dedicated my career to public service. I have worked in the public sector and local government since 2003 and have been employed by a local fire district since 2010. I am also an honorary member of the Mechanicstown Fire Department.
In addition to my professional and board service, I have been actively involved in youth athletics, having coached both Little League and travel softball. I continue to stay active by playing slow pitch softball and volleyball in my spare time, and assisting with the management of three local adult softball leagues.
Through my six years on the Board of Education, I have brought a practical perspective shaped by my experience in local government, my involvement with youth programs, and my role as a parent and grandparent in the district. I remain committed to supporting the students, families, and community of Minisink.
Shawn Cahill
I am running for the School Board because I care about the district’s long-term health and want to see our students succeed. Mimi and I moved to Westtown in 2007 and our daughters went from kindergarten to 12th grade in Minisink Valley. Audrey is graduating this May from The Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC with a bachelor’s in Illustration and Shannon is wrapping up her sophomore year at Stony Brook working toward a degree in Earth and Space Science Education. For most of my 12 years on the Board, I participated in our daughters’ academic and extracurricular activities at school and in the community. I would like to use my experience to help the next generation of Minisink students be successful. One of the reasons I originally ran for the Board was to make our schools better for our daughters. Now, I am running to make sure they stay great for your children.
If elected, I would like to do more community outreach. Informal chats at a local establishment or at a park might be a couple of ways to achieve this. Social media has its attributes, but very often inaccurate information is posted and misinformation spreads like wildfire. Communicating face-to-face is becoming a lost art and I would like to do more of that.
I have seen a lot happen in 12 years on the Board and I would love to use that experience to help guide the district through the next few. If you are heading to the polls, I would be grateful for your vote.