By Alberto Gilman
Christine Bello was appointed as the new Newburgh Board of Education [BOE] President on Tuesday, July 2 with Victoria Bousche appointed as the new vice president. A new leadership team and new board of education head towards a new school year in September.
The Newburgh BOE for the 2024-2025 school year is made up of members Christine Bello, Thomasina Bello, Mackenzie Bousche, Victoria Bousche, Leticia Politi, Philip Howard, Fred Stewart, John Doerre and Ramiro Bugarelli. Both Bellos, both Bousches and Stewart were elected this past spring. Two incumbent terms ending and four seats vacated in February led to a six-seat pursuit by 13 candidates from across the district.
The week prior to the reorganization meeting, the district celebrated over 600 graduates walking across the stage on Academy Field to receive their diplomas. Last month, the district presented a revised budget that passed on the second try, and Howard and Thomasina Bello were on the ballot in a runoff election which she won. Howard returns to serve and is the longest tenured member currently.
Christine Bello succeeds John Doerre as Board President while Victoria Bousche succeeds Mark Levinstein as BOE Vice President. Levinstein was defeated in the election this past spring. Once appointments were made and members sworn in, the board conducted regular business.
The following is the list of meeting dates for the upcoming school year which can be found on the district website and calendar. All meetings are regularly held at 124 Grand Street and are subject to change:
2024: July 16; August 6, 20 and 29; September 10 and 24; October 8 and 22; November 12 and 26 and December 10. 2025: January 14 and 28; February 11 and 25; March 11 and 25; April 8 and 22; May 13, 17 and 21 (Wednesday with Canvass of Votes at 6 p.m.); June 10 and 24; July 1 (organization meeting and regular meetings at 6 p.m.) and 15 and August 12 and 26.
All materials for the BOE can be found on the district website at newburghschools.org. Parents and visitors must select the Board of Ed tab where a drop-down menu is available. Selecting the tab BoardDocs (Agendas, Policies) is where all agendas and materials are located.