As a member of the Board of Education since July 1, 2021, and Board President since March 2026, I am honored to serve our school community. As a local business owner, husband and parent of two children in the district, I value the importance of strong schools and meaningful partnerships between families, staff and the community.  

Term expires June 30, 2027

My name is Ruth (Rembe) Luis, I was raised and have resided in the Minisink Valley Central School District for over 50 years. 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.

I am a retired School Business Official with vast knowledge of public finance regulations and statutes. As a member of the Board of Education, it is important to ask questions that lead to thorough analysis for the most beneficial outcomes.

Term expires June 30, 2029

Shawn, Mimi, Audrey, and Shannon moved to Westtown in 2007. Audrey (2022) and Shannon (2024) are Minisink Valley graduates.  I am grateful that the community has trusted me over the years to serve as a Board of Education Member and want to continue doing the right thing for our students, staff, and community. In my spare time, I like to read about History, stay abreast of current events, and most importantly, spend precious time with my family. Open each day like it is a new gift!  

Term expires June 30, 2029

Kathlee “Kathy” DeRose is a lifelong member of the Minisink Valley community. A proud graduate of Minisink Valley, she is also the mother of three children who followed in her footsteps as Minisink graduates. Her favorite title, however, is “Grammy” to her beautiful grandchildren.

Mrs. DeRose served on the Minisink Valley School Board of Education for nine years, from 2012 to 2021, before stepping away to care for her mother. In 2024, when circumstances changed, she was grateful for the opportunity to return and begin a fourth term of service to the district.

After a distinguished 33-year career, Mrs. DeRose retired from her role as Director of Accounts with the Orange County Department of Finance. She now continues her professional work part-time as a Fiscal Associate with the Orange County Employment and Training Administration (ETA) and as a bookkeeper for the Town of Wawayanda.

Mrs. DeRose is deeply committed to giving back to her community. Her service includes serving as an Advisory Board Member for St. Margaret’s Soup Kitchen, volunteering overnight at the Middletown Warming Station, teaching religion at Holy Cross RC Church and supporting local youth as a class and team mom.

Term expires June 30, 2027

Dr. Heather Hendershot has been a proud resident of the Minisink Valley community for more than 20 years and is deeply committed to supporting educational excellence and student success. She currently serves as the Director of Pupil Personnel Services in a neighboring school district, where she provides leadership in student support services and special education.

Dr. Hendershot is also a board member of the New York State Council of Administrators of Special Education (NYCASE), the New York chapter of the national Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE). She holds a Doctorate in Education and brings extensive experience in educational leadership, policy and student advocacy.

With a strong commitment to serving students, families, and the broader community, Dr. Hendershot is dedicated to ensuring that every child has access to the support, opportunities, and high-quality education needed to thrive.

Term expires June 30, 2028

I have lived in Slate Hill with my wife of 29 years and three children, ages 16, 18 and 20, since 2006. I am a practicing endocrinologist at Crystal Run Healthcare and also serve as the Chief Quality Officer for Optum NY/NJ. I have had the pleasure of serving on the Minisink Valley School District Board of Education since 2020 and also chair the Policy Committee and am a member of the Finance Committee.

I enjoy collaborating with my fellow board members, administrators and teachers in an effort to make Minisink Valley the best school district in the state where every child is empowered to pursue whatever he or she is passionate about after graduation.

Term expires June 30, 2027

Patricia Reynolds has been a proud resident of the Minisink Valley community since 2010 and remains deeply committed to supporting educational excellence, student success, and community engagement. She was recently re-elected to her third term on the Minisink Valley Central School District Board of Education and has proudly served the district and its families for the past six years.

Ms. Reynolds brings extensive experience in public service and local government, having worked in the public sector since 2003 and with a local fire district since 2010. She is also an honorary member of the Mechanicstown Fire Department, reflecting her long standing dedication to service and community support.

As both a parent and grandparent within the district, Ms. Reynolds maintains a strong personal connection to public education. She is the mother of two daughters, including one graduate of the district and one current middle school student, and is also the proud grandmother of a two-year-old grandson. Her commitment to education was inspired early in life through her mother’s service on the Valley Central School District Board of Education, instilling in her a deep appreciation for the vital role strong public schools play in shaping strong communities.

In addition to her professional and board service, Ms. Reynolds has remained actively involved in youth athletics, coaching Little League and travel softball, while continuing to support community recreation through the management of three local adult softball leagues. With a practical, community-centered perspective shaped by leadership, service, and family, Ms. Reynolds remains dedicated to advocating for the students, staff, and families of the Minisink Valley community and ensuring every student has access to opportunities that foster growth and success.

Term expires June 30, 2029

I moved to the Town of Mount Hope with my husband, Nick Curabba, a Minisink Valley graduate, and our two children in 2012. We were excited to settle near family and have proudly called this community home ever since. Our children, Charlie and Ozzy, now attend Minisink Valley High School and Middle School. I hold a Ph.D. in Sociology and previously worked as a research scientist on issues related to children and poverty before dedicating several years to raising my family. I recently returned to the workforce as a licensed real estate agent, helping others find their place in the community we love.

Term expires June 30, 2028

Malorie Yourman has been a proud member of the Minisink community for over 20 years and is currently serving her first term as a board trustee. She has two children currently enrolled in the district.  She truly enjoys attending on-campus events and is often at sporting events, concerts, and ceremonies.

Ms. Yourman is a history teacher at Middletown High School, where she works to engage her students in the learning process and aims to make her students think critically about the world around them. She has been a union representative, National Honor Society advisor, mentor teacher, class advisor, and has been honored as a Most Inspiring Teacher multiple times.

She serves as a Deacon at Otisville Mount Hope Presbyterian Church and works as a merit badge counselor for Scouts of America. She believes that it is her duty to help others and begin every day with kindness.

Ms. Yourman believes that education for all students is an essential right and works to make sure that students at all levels are challenged but provided support in order to be successful. She works hard to make all students and staff within the district feel appreciated and recognized. She seeks first to understand, asking questions until she is satisfied with the answers and believes that transparency, accountability, and trust are necessary for a successful school district.

She is truly honored to serve the community.

Term expires June 30, 2028