Wallkill Valley school board replaces another member

HAMBURG — The Wallkill Valley Regional High School Board of Education accepted the resignation of one of its members for the second straight month.

Hamburg representative Lynette Apolito tendered her resignation on June 3 citing work obligations and was replaced on Wednesday, June 25, by Ginny Jones. Apolito served on the Wallkill Valley school board for 10 years.

After Apolito's resignation was accepted the public Jones explained why she felt she would make a suitable replacement.

"The strength of this nation is the public school system, the teachers that work in it, administrators that administrate it, the kids that go here, the parents that support it," Jone said. "And the Board of Ed has to see that this all works and functions perfectly and as it always will. But you should strive for it and the kids deserve nothing more."

Jones has lived in Hamburg nearly her whole life, having attended Hamburg borough schools and graduating from high school in 1962. She has three children, Amy, Daryl, and Melissa, who all graduated from Hamburg Elementary as well as Wallkill Valley Regional High School.

She said she retired in 2007 and since then, her five grandchildren have been keeping her busy.

Previously an educator, Jones served on the Wallkill Valley School Board in the late 1980s and 90s.

Above all, Jones said she felt very strongly that vacancies should not occur on Boards of Education.

"There are always important issues, policies, and decisions to be made that impact our children's education and safety. Boards of Education function at their optimum when every seat is filled," she said.

With an important selection process of a new superintendent coming up, Jones said she felt optimistic that a school board with no vacancies and her background can be helpful.

"We are faced with a very important challenge at the present... to hire a new superintendent," she said. "I think my experience as a parent and educator will be helpful to the board during this process."

At the finish of Jones' interview, Guy McHugh made a motion to appoint Jones to the board the measure was approved unanimously.

At the May school board meeting, the board accepted the resignation of William Castiglione and approved Marianne K. Nichols to fill his seat.