Board Elections - Candidates

  I am Carmela Atria, and I am running for Board of Education in the upcoming May 16, 2023 School Board election. I am a homeowner and have lived in the district for 8 years. I am a mother of three young men, two of whom are currently attending Carmel High School. I am passionate about providing our students with the best possible education.

I made the decision to run to bring common-sense leadership back to the Carmel School District. I am committed to being a voice for those I represent and pledge a student-first approach and transparency for parents and taxpayers alike. I am committed to ensuring that our schools are equipped with the resources and support they need to thrive in a difficult world post-graduation.

In addition to my passion for education, I am also dedicated to giving back to our community through supporting battered women by volunteering my time and resources to provide them with the help they need to overcome difficult circumstances. I personally deliver ready-made food to a local halfway house, where my assistance helps those in our community struggling with food insecurity. I also work directly with local shelters.

I have seen firsthand the importance of education in empowering women and families to achieve their full potential. As a member of the Board of Education, I will work tirelessly to ensure that our schools are safe and supportive environments where all students have access to the education and resources they need to succeed.

  Jim Wise has been a resident of Carmel for seventeen years, and has seven children — four graduates of the Carmel Schools, and three in the schools today. A graduate of NYU and the CUNY School of Law, Mr. Wise works in software engineering.

He is running for office because he is committed to growing our community into one that is united and collaborative, where all our children receive equal protection and equal access to the best education, regardless of their race, sexuality, gender, religion, or national origin.

Jim Wise ha sido residente de Carmel durante diecisiete años y tiene siete hijos, cuatro graduados de las Escuelas de Carmel y tres en las escuelas en la actualidad. Graduado de NYU y de la Facultad de Derecho de CUNY, el Sr. Wise trabaja en ingeniería de software.

Se postula para el cargo porque está comprometido a hacer que nuestra comunidad crezca unida y colaborativa, donde todos nuestros niños reciban la misma protección y el mismo acceso a la mejor educación.

  Hello, my name is Jordi Douglas and I hope to serve our community as a member of Carmel’s Board of Education.

A community member since 1970, I grew up on a small dairy goat farm on Route 301. This provided invaluable experiences within Carmel schools for myself and my four siblings. When it came to settle down and start a family, I chose to raise my three children within the same caring community where education for every student was valued.

I learned the importance of community service from my parents. My mom was active within Carmel’s PTA and community organizations, and my dad worked within multiple community services for youth. I continued their commitment, volunteering with sports and the arts. With my children graduated, it is time to give more back to the school community that helped my parents raise me, and helped me raise my children.

As a teacher for over 32 years, I work diligently to meet students where their needs are. I have taught Advanced Placement Biology, middle school special education science, started and run a GED program, partnered with Cornell University, planned over 50 field trips, been a consultant with the College Board, and run an alternative school. My goal has always been, and continues to be, creating opportunities for dialogue as to how best support safe, quality education for all students and families.

I look forward to many open dialogues with the school community on how to support our students, families, teachers, and support staff.