Public Meeting 1, Westchester - 10/29/15
Powerpoint Presentation TASK FORCE WEBSITE
Presenters for the first public session held in the Lower Hudson Valley:
- Dr. Linda Sturges, Professor of Mathematics & Mathematics and Computer Science Curriculum Supervisor, SUNY Maritime College
- Judy Kelly, English Teacher and Department Chair, Sleepy Hollow High School & Middle School; President, Local Teachers Union
- Jamaal Bowman, Principal, Cornerstone Academy for Social Action
- Lisa Rudley, Westchester County Parent; Co-Founder and Executive Director of New York State Allies for Public Education
- Robert Horan, Superintendent, Schodack Central School District
Dr. Linda Sturges, Professor of Mathematics & Mathematics and Computer Science Curriculum Supervisor, SUNY Maritime College
Dr. Linda Sturges is a Professor of Mathematics and the Mathematics and Computer Science Curriculum Supervisor. In 2005, she was awarded the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service and her service as Chair of the Faculty Assessment Committee was recognized with a certificate and plaque in 2012.
Dr. Sturges’ University service includes membership in the SUNY Council on Assessment (SCoA) and participation in SUNY Advisory Groups on pre-college assessments in mathematics with SED and PARCC. Dr. Sturges has worked on various mathematics learning and teaching projects through the Educational Policy Improvement Center. Her professional service is linked to her research interests on self-regulated learning within AERA. Dr. Sturges is the treasurer for the AERA Special Interest Group on Studying and Self-Regulated Learning. Professor Sturges earned a BS in Mathematics from SUNY New Paltz, a MA in Mathematics Education from Lehman College, and a PhD in Educational Psychology from the City University of New York Graduate Center.
Judy Kelly, Sleepy Hollow High School English Teacher, Sleepy Hollow High School & Middle School English Department Chair; Local Teachers Union President
Judy Kelly teaches 9th grade English and 12th College Success courses for seniors who require additional college preparation at Sleepy Hollow High School. As English Department Chair at both the High School and Middle School, Ms. Kelly oversees a total of nineteen highly trained, certified, and committed professionals whose primary purpose is to ensure that all students enjoy an academically rigorous, yet developmentally appropriate experience each year from grade 6 through 12. Ms. Kelly additionally serves as President of the local teachers union. Ms. Kelly began her teaching career in the New York City public school system in Canarsie, Brooklyn. She has taught in Sleepy Hollow through their early transition to Common Core in 2010. Ms. Kelly currently resides in New Paltz and is the mother of two young children.
Jamaal Bowman, Cornerstone Academy for Social Action Principal
Jamaal Bowman is the Founding Principal of Cornerstone Academy for Social Action (C.A.S.A.) Middle School in the Bronx. Mr. Bowman received his Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from the University of New Haven in May 1999 and immediately began his teaching career at P.S. 90 in the South Bronx. After spending five years at P.S. 90, Mr. Bowman moved on to serve as the Dean of Students at the High School for Arts and Technology. In 2008 Mr. Bowman was accepted into New Leaders for New Schools, and spent the year writing the proposal for C.A.S.A. while interning at Achievement First Endeavor Charter School. Mr. Bowman is a Certified Business Teacher, Guidance Counselor, and School Building Leader. He has used all of his personal and professional experience to build the vision, mission, tone, and foundation of C.A.S.A. Middle School.
C.A.S.A., now in its 6th year, has been celebrated for its exemplary school culture, high student achievement, and innovative student centered practices. C.A.S.A. students consistently attend some of the top high schools in New York City including Bronx High School of Science and Brooklyn Latin, and are offered accelerated coursework in Algebra, Living Environment, and English. On the 2015 Common Core State Exams, C.A.S.A. earned the highest combined growth score average in New York City. Mr. Bowman was born and raised in the East Harlem/Yorkville section of New York City, and is a product of public schools. Most importantly, he is a proud husband and father of three.
Lisa Rudley, Westchester County Parent, Co-Founder and Executive Director of New York State Allies for Public Education
As a parent and advocate for special needs children, Lisa Rudley is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the New York State Allies for Public Education. Ms. Rudley has been a vocal activist for the opt-out movement and strongly believes that the classroom environment should not be one of strict test preparation. Ms. Rudley is also the Co-Founder and Co-Chair of Tour de Foliage, FD Cycle Tour for the Disautonomia Foundation; and Director of School Development at ABCS for Smarter Kids. Ms. Rudley is a parent of children ages 10, 13 and 14.
Robert Horan, Schodack Central School District Superintendent
Robert Horan was named Superintendent of Schodack Central School District in Rensselaer County in 2010. Previously, he served as Principal of Maple Hill High. Prior to coming to the Schodack schools, Mr. Horan worked in the Mohonasen and Shenendehowa school districts. He has worked in education for nearly 30 years, beginning as a technology teacher. Mr. Horan resides in Niskayuna with his wife and three children.