Budget Information

During this year's budget vote, voters will also be electing three (3) candidates to the Warwick Valley Central School District Board of Education. These individuals, listed in the order in which they will appear on the ballot, are:

• Bob Larsen
• Dory Masefield (i)
• John W. Garcia (i)
• Dr. Melanie Kolacy
• Robert Howe (i)

^{i = incumbent}

Bob Larsen

How long have you lived in the Warwick school district?  
9 years

Do you currently have children or grandchildren who attend WVCSD schools?  
Yes, 2 daughters in middle school.

Are you currently employed? If so, please give your title and briefly describe your job.  
Yes. As a business owner, I work with organizations to identify inefficiencies and implement strategies that improve operations and performance. My focus includes operations, sales and marketing, and risk analysis across a diverse client base.

What is your educational background - including high school and college(s) attended, degree(s) received and in what subject areas degree(s)? 
Graduated Saddle River Day School in 1996 and have a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of Phoenix.

Have you ever served, or do you currently serve, on the WVCSD Board of Education?  
No

Have you held in the past, or do you currently hold, other elected or appointed town, village, or county public office?
I am currently the Town of Warwick Zoning Board of Appeals alternate member. 

Please list WVCSD school district volunteer groups you are active in (PTA, arts booster, sports boosters, district, or school committees, etc.).
Though I volunteer for numerous groups/clubs within Warwick, none of them have any affiliation with the school district. 

Please list community activities or volunteer groups in which you are involved (rec. sports, Scouts, church groups, civic/political organizations, etc.).  
Coach youth Little League softball and recreational soccer, and have also served as an umpire and referee for both sports. Volunteered with the Special Olympics and participated in numerous local food and clothing drives supporting the community.

Please provide a brief statement explaining why you wish to be a member of the WVCSD Board of Education (500 words or less).
I am running for the Board of Education because I care deeply about the future of our community and the quality of education our children receive. As a parent, business owner, and community member, I believe our schools play a critical role in shaping not only student success, but the long-term strength of our town. I want to ensure that every student has access to a safe, supportive, and high-quality learning environment where they can reach their full potential.

Professionally, I bring over two decades of experience helping organizations improve efficiency, accountability, and long-term performance. Organizations engage my company to identify inefficiencies and implement strategies that strengthen operations, sales and marketing, and risk management. I approach challenges with a practical, solutions-oriented mindset, and I believe those skills translate directly to effective school board governance, particularly when it comes to responsible financial oversight and strategic decision-making.

If elected, my focus will be on three key areas. First, improving transparency and communication between the Board, administration, and the community so that families and taxpayers feel informed, heard, and engaged. Second, supporting initiatives that enhance educational quality, including curriculum development, student resources, and opportunities that prepare students for success beyond the classroom. Third, ensuring that all students are supported and represented to their fullest potential, whether in academics, the arts, or athletics. It is important that we maintain balanced support across all areas so every student has the opportunity to thrive based on their unique strengths.

Ultimately, I am invested in this community and committed to contributing in a meaningful way. I bring a collaborative mindset, real-world experience, and a strong sense of accountability to the role, and I am motivated to help guide the district forward in a thoughtful, responsible, and student-focused direction.

Dory Masefield

How long have you lived in the Warwick school district? 
24 years

Do you currently have children or grandchildren who attend WVCSD schools?  
Three children graduated 2022, 2020, and 2009

Are you currently employed? If so, please give your title and briefly describe your job.
Tuxedo Park School – Science Department Coordinator, Science/Math Teacher Grades 5-9, Volleyball Coach, Grade 8/9 Advisor.

EARTH Summer Camp – Co-founder and Instructor: Building character and confidence in campers through ecology, artistry and horsemanship. 

What is your educational background - including high school, college(s) attended, degree(s) received and in what subject areas degree(s)?

University of Maine, Orono, ME - Ph.D. Candidate in Physical Oceanography, Physics of Estuarine Circulation and implications for transport of contaminants.  

SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY - M.S. in Environmental Science/Chemistry

Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH - B.A. in Biology, modified Environmental Science

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School, Port Jefferson, NY

Have you ever served, or do you currently serve, on the WVCSD Board Education?  
Board Member 2014-2026

Have you held in the past, or do you currently hold, other elected or appointed town, village, or county public office? 
No

Please list WVCSD school district volunteer groups you are active in (PTA, arts booster, sports boosters, district, or school committees, etc.).
n/a

Please list community activities, volunteer groups which you are involved (rec. sports, Scouts, church groups, civic/political organizations, etc.).
Orange County Arts Council
Warwick Historical Society

Please provide a brief statement explaining why you wish to be a member of the WVCSD Board of Education (500 words or less).
During my tenure on the School Board, we have worked purposefully to make Warwick Valley an exemplary district that always puts students first. Our path has been guided by strategic planning and community outreach that defines the Portrait of a Warwick Graduate, ensuring every student is prepared for the future. We have successfully restored and expanded Career and Technical Education within our own halls, establishing multiple pathways for graduation that include programs like criminal justice and video production. Our commitment to safety is stronger than ever. We are currently overseeing significant security enhancements, including ‘hardened’ entryways and bullet-resistant glass across our schools. Sustainability remains a hallmark of our district. We continue to operate the largest school-run solar farm in the state, which has saved taxpayers money. In evidence of student success, last year Warwick was named a school of distinction for having all of its varsity teams earn Scholar-Athlete status. Families move to Warwick specifically for the quality of our schools, and I am eager to continue building on this record. 

John W. Garcia

How long have you lived in the Warwick school district?  
70 years – lifelong resident, born and raised

Do you currently have any children or grandchildren who attend WVCSD schools?
No  

Are you currently employed? If so, please give your title and briefly describe your job.
No. Retired Warwick Valley Middle School Physical Education Teacher and coach of 35 years (1979-2014)

What is your educational background – including high school and college(s) attended, degree(s) received and in what subject areas degree(s)?
Warwick Valley High School – 1974 Graduate – Regents diploma

Slippery Rock State College – Bachelor of Science in Education – 1978 – (Physical Education, Health, Driver Education)

Iona College – 1985 – Master’s in School Administration

Have you ever served, or do you currently serve, on the WVCSD Board of Education?
I currently serve on the WVCSD Board of Education. I was elected in 2017.

Have you held in the past, or do you currently hold, other elected or appointed town, village, or county public office?
Yes. I was the Recreation Director for the Village of Warwick for 25 years (1979-2004)

Please list WVCSD school district volunteer groups you are active in (PTA, arts booster, sports boosters, district, or school committees, etc.).
Purple Champions, Warwick Football, Hall of Fame Committees

Please list community activities or volunteer groups in which you are involved (rec. sports, Scouts, church groups, civic/political organizations, etc.).
Warwick Little League Baseball, Warwick Youth Football, Recreational Warwick Basketball. CYO Basketball, Old School Baptist Church Ceremony

Please provide a brief statement explaining why you wish to be a member of the WVCSD Board of Education (500 words or less).
I wish to be a member of the Warwick Valley CSD Board of Education because I have a knowledgeable understanding of the community and the experience to match it. I have lived here for more than 70 years. I am a Warwick graduate, as were my parents, and my children followed that same path.

I spent over 35 years as a teacher in this district and more than 40 years as a coach, giving me a deep, practical understanding of students, classrooms, and how schools operate day to day. I hold a degree in physical education and health, along with a master’s in school administration and supervision and certification in educational leadership. I have also served nine years on the Board of Education, bringing direct experience in governance and decision-making.

Beyond the schools, I directed recreation for the Town and Village of Warwick for over two decades and have remained active in youth sports, the Hall of Fame Committee, the Historical Society, and other community organizations. This perspective allows me to approach decisions with experience and balance, always grounded in what is best for students and the community.
This is home, and I remain fully invested in its future, especially as my grandchild prepares to enter Warwick schools.

Dr. Melanie Kolacy

How long have you lived in the Warwick school district:  
19 years

Do you currently have children or grandchildren who attend WVCSD schools?  
My children are older (21 & 19) and no longer in the district.

Are you currently employed? If so, please give your title and briefly describe your job. 
I am not currently employed (by choice), but when I do return to the working world, I am a licensed veterinarian.

What is your educational background - including high school and college(s) attended, degree(s) received and in what subject areas degree(s)? 
Middletown High School (NY) 

Eckerd College, St Petersburg, FL – Bachelor of Science in Biology with Honors

Cornell University, Ithaca, NY – Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Have you ever served, or do you currently serve, on the WVCSD Board of Education?
This is my first time running for the WVCSD Board of Education.

Have you held in the past, or do you currently hold, other elected or appointed town, village, or county public office?    
I have never held any elected public office.

Please list WVCSD school district volunteer groups you are active in (PTA, arts booster, sports boosters, district, or school committees, etc.).
Since my kids are older, I am not currently involved with any school groups, but I was heavily involved with the PTA during their years of attendance. I chaired several events including movie nights and Circus at Sanfordville, and the Harvest Dance and Box Tops for Education at the Middle School. I held the PTA offices of Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer while at Sanfordville, and I was co-President at the Middle School. I also held several positions, including President on the Warwick PTA Council. I was awarded the Jodi Denmead Outstanding Parent Volunteer award for the 2019-2020 school year. 

Please list community activities or volunteer groups in which you are involved (rec. sports, Scouts, church groups, civic/political organizations, etc.).
I am not currently involved with any local groups or activities. 

Please provide a brief statement explaining why you wish to be a member of the WVCSD Board of Education (500 words or less).
With one child going off to college this fall, I am finally going to have time available to be more involved with the community. I feel that the school board would be a good place to help, since education is very important to me. I am very concerned with the staffing and budget cuts happening at the federal level within the Department of Education and how that will end up affecting our local kids, especially special education students. Both of my kids at one point or another had a 504 or IEP so I know what it’s like to sit through countless CSE meetings and evaluations and discussions about what may or may not help your child be successful. It’s very stressful, and I don’t want to see our kids be overlooked. Warwick thankfully will not likely be as hard hit as poorer districts may be. I would love to be able to make sure that all our kids have the continued opportunity to receive a strong education that will carry them on to the next stage of their lives whatever that may be. Warwick is very lucky to have such great programs whether preparing for college with AP classes, or learning a trade through C-Tech, or participating in music, or arts, or sports… There’s so much here for our kids. I don’t have one set issue to campaign on, I just want to help our district to continue to be a great place for our students, while improving for the future.  I feel after eight years of monthly council leadership meetings with the superintendent (both Dr. Leach and Dr. Bryant before him), I have a solid understanding of how the district works. I am smart, I am a quick learner and a good listener. If you’re willing to give me a chance, I believe I could be a great addition to the WVCSD Board of Education.

Robert Howe

How long have you lived in the Warwick school district?
45 years

Do you currently have children or grandchildren who attend WVCSD schools?   
No

Are you currently employed? If so, please give your title and briefly describe your job.
Owner of Abundant Energy, Inc. in Pine Island. We make aluminum frames for skylights, greenhouses & sunrooms.

What is your educational background, including high school and college(s) attended, degree(s) received and in what subject areas degree(s)? 
BA in Business 

Have you ever served, or do you currently serve, on the WVCSD Board Education?
Yes, 33 years on the Board of Education.

Have you held in the past, or do you currently hold, other elected or appointed town, village, or county public office?    
No

Please list WVCSD school district volunteer groups you are active in (PTA, arts booster, sports boosters, district, or school committees, etc.).
BOE Audit Committee and BOE Facilities Committee

Please list community activities or volunteer groups in which you are involved (rec. sports, Scouts, church groups, civic/political organizations, etc.).
Community Coalition for Teenage Drug & Alcohol Prevention

Please provide a brief statement explaining why you wish to be a member of the WVCSD Board of Education (500 words or less).
With my many years of experience on the Board, I’m able to provide a valuable perspective to our decision-making process – why we do things certain ways; what has worked; what has been tried, and why it didn’t work. I’m also keenly aware of finding the balance between curriculum improvement and the cost to our property owners.