COVID-19 claims the life of school board member

By Lina Wu
Posted 4/1/20

Newburgh Enlarged City School District [NECSD] Board of Education Vice President Susan Prokosch passed away from complications related to the novel coronavirus [COVID-19] on March 30. …

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COVID-19 claims the life of school board member

Posted

Newburgh Enlarged City School District [NECSD] Board of Education Vice President Susan Prokosch passed away from complications related to the novel coronavirus [COVID-19] on March 30. Prokosch’s passing is only one part of the thousands of deaths across the nation due to the pandemic.

Prokosch has been the vice president of the NECSD Board of Education for five years. She’s been a board member for nearly ten years. Her official tenure on the board stated in July 2010.

Throughout her time on the board, she served on almost every board committee and was mostly recently the chairperson for the buildings and grounds, and personnel committees.

She was a Newburgh Free Academy graduate, and former district social studies teacher from 1970 to 2003 at North Junior High School. During her time as a teacher she also worked with students in the Student Assistance Center.

“Not only was she a dedicated fellow school board member, she was an adamant advocate for our students and district,” wrote Sylvia Santiago, New Windsor Town Council Woman, on Facebook. “My deepest condolences to everyone she touched, especially the Prokosch family.”

Since her passing was announced, social media has been flooded with comments of condolences and sorrow.

“This is truly a sad day for our community,” wrote Kevindarayán Luján, Orange County Legislator, on Facebook. “May she rest in peace.”

The district released a statement from School Board President Carole Mineo and Superintendent Roberto Padilla on Tuesday morning.

“Sue made an amazing impact in this community,” read the statement released by the school district, and we ask that you keep her family and friends in your thoughts and prayers. During this tough time we will remember the service that Sue gave to our community, while continuing to be resilient during this difficult time as that is what Sue would have wanted.