Welcome to the five individuals who have joined Minisink Valley in administrative roles this school year.

“Each brings unique talents, skills and experience to their roles and we’re thrilled they’re now part of our team,” said Superintendent Brian Monahan. “They’re joining a simply outstanding group of people who comprise our administrators, faculty and staff. Together, we will continue to provide the best academic opportunities to our students which are rigorous, creative and engaging and, most importantly, in a safe environment.”

Central Office/Board of Education
Dawn Molnar, district clerk 

Ms. Molnar spent the last 14 years at the Enlarged City School District of Middletown, holding a wide range of administrative support positions, most recently as the Special Education Department’s office manager.

 

Buildings & Grounds
Nickolas Tranchina, director of facilities 

Mr. Tranchina comes to Minisink Valley from the Fallsburg School District in Sullivan County, where he was director of facilities. He also served as director of facilities for the Sullivan West Central School District. He holds a wide range of facilities-related licenses and certifications.

 

Otisville Elementary
Nikachi Griffin, assistant principal

Ms. Griffin, an Orange County resident, is a highly experienced educator. She previously served as the universal literacy reading coach for the New York City Department of Education’s Public School 42X District 09. Her experience includes working as a kindergarten, first, third and fourth-grade special education teacher with New York City Public School 36M District; and a K-2 special education teacher at  Biondi Elementary School  in the Bronx. Ms. Griffin is also a certified school district leader and school building leader.  She earned her master’s degree in early childhood education from CUNY Lehman College in the Bronx; and her bachelor’s degree in business management from Monroe College in New Rochelle.

Pupil Personnel Services
Jeffrey Finton, Pupil Personnel Services director

Mr. Finton, who has extensive experience in ensuring all students have access to a rigorous curriculum while ensuring their unique needs are met, comes to Minisink Valley from the Mahopac School District, where he was the Pre-K and Elementary Special Education administrator. He’s also held positions at Orange-Ulster BOCES, where he was a teacher, assistant principal, and principal. Mr. Finton is highly knowledgeable about special education policy, law and practice. He earned an advanced study in educational administration from SUNY New Paltz; and a master’s degree in secondary and special education from Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh.

Dr.  Heather Wynne, supervisor of elementary special education

Prior to joining Minisink Valley, Dr. Wynne was the district school psychologist for the Hendrick Hudson School District.   She is experienced as a CPSE, CSE and Section 504 chairperson, with a comprehensive background in assisting a diverse population of students with disabilities.  Dr. Wynne earned both her doctorate degree in school psychology and master’s degree in educational psychology from Fordham University in the Bronx; and her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Conn. She is also certified as a school district leader/school building leader.