Hello families:
The Carmel Central School District Board of Education is comprised of seven members elected by district residents at the annual election and budget vote held each spring. Board members serve without pay for staggered three-year terms. Under the New York State education law, the school board is responsible for establishing policies which govern the education of all children attending district schools; for preparing the annual budget; and for ensuring district adherence to state law and regulations.
It is the policy of this Board of Education to encourage the broadest possible participation by the public in school affairs so that our educational program will have the benefit of the ability, talent and experience of the citizens of our district. It is fully recognized that the educational program of the schools is the proper concern of all persons in the district.
The Board shall search constantly for the best practices in education and shall recommend to the community the best educational choices available. The Board shall rely on the skill and advice of the professional staff in developing the educational program.
The public sessions of our biweekly meetings are open to all, in person and virtually.
Sincerely,
Joanne Stevens
District Clerk
jstevens@carmelschools.org
BOE@carmelschools.org. Please note that the Board of Education email is also viewed by the Superintendent and the District Clerk. If you wish to contact a Trustee directly without the Superintendent and District Clerk, you may use the individual emails listed below.
Equity Team Member
Policy Committee Meeting Member
Special Education, Support & Wellness Committee Meeting Member
Term expires 2027
morser@carmelschools.org
Health & Athletic Advisory Liaison
Policy Committee Meeting Chairperson
Special Education, Support & Wellness Committee Meeting Member
Term expires 2025
ddall@carmelschools.org
WPSBA Advocacy/Liaison
NYSSBA Advocacy/Liaison
Municipality Liaison
Rotary & Chamber Liaison
CTA Liaison
Non-Certified Staff Liaison
Safety Team Member
Facilities & Transportation Committee Meeting Chairperson
Audit, Finance & Personnel Committee Meeting Member
Term expires 2027
jcurzio1@carmelschools.org
CTA Liaison
Health & Athletic Advisory Liaison
Non-Certified Staff Liaison
Audit, Finance & Personnel Committee Meeting Member
Term expires 2026
jdouglas@carmelschools.org
PTO/A Liaison
Municipality Liaison
Safety Team Member
Audit, Finance & Personnel Committee Meeting Chairperson
Facilities & Transportation Committee Meeting Member
Policy Committee Meeting Member
Term expires 2025
jparaske@carmelschools.org
PTO/A Liaison
Rotary & Chamber Liaison
Special Education, Support & Wellness Committee Meeting Chairperson
Facilities & Transportation Committee Meeting Member
Term expires 2026
jwise1@carmelschools.org
The Board of Education will be holding a special meeting on Monday, April 28, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Carmel High School Library. The Board will immediately enter executive session for a minimum of one hour and return for one discussion item. There will be no public comment. The public portion of the meeting will be live streamed on the District website.
The next Board of Education meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at the Carmel High School. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by an immediate entry into a 30-minute Executive Session. The public portion of the meeting will begin with a Budget Public Hearing at 7:00 p.m., immediately followed by a regular Board of Education meeting.
Community members who wish to speak during the public comment section of the Board meeting are asked to sign up in advance using our Public Comment Sign-up Form here: https://forms.office.com/r/SnQBCFWYy8
Board meetings will continue to be live streamed on this page. Committee meetings are open to the public.
Upcoming Board of Education Committee Meetings:
Special Education, Support & Wellness Committee: 05/06/25, 5:30 p.m., Carmel High School, Library Lab
Facilities & Transportation Committee: 05/27/25, 5:30 p.m., Carmel High School, Library Lab
Audit, Finance & Personnel Committee: 05/06/25, 5:30 p.m., Carmel High School, Science Room
Policy Committee: 05/01/25, 6:30 p.m., Administrative Office, Executive Conference Room
August 14, 2024
Dear Carmel Central School District Community,
After our board meeting on August 13, 2024, the board has carefully listened to and reflected on the sentiments expressed by some members of our community. Now, we need your help in moving forward.
We heard from many of you who felt unwelcome or unsafe at our board meetings. We want to make it clear that the board stands united in denouncing all forms of discrimination, prejudice, harassment, bullying, and hate. We are dedicated to supporting all of our community.
Our mission at Carmel Central School District is to educate the whole child in an environment free of bullying, harassment, and discrimination. We have received numerous letters, emails, and concerns brought to us at the podium, and we are committed to addressing them, as we have historically done, with our mission at the forefront.
We ask for the community’s collaboration in maintaining a respectful and inclusive atmosphere at our board meetings. The board needs to focus on the district’s important business with our new superintendent while adhering to the standard of conduct outlined in our Code of Conduct.
We ask for your adherence to our Code of Conduct as we strive to create a welcoming, affirming and productive environment for all members.
Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.
Respectfully,
Board of Education President Melissa Orser
Vice President Dawn Dall
Trustee John C. Curzio II
Trustee Jordi Douglas
Trustee Jason Paraskeva
Cc: Superintendent of Schools
Community members who wish to speak during the public comment portion of a Board of Education meeting are asked to sign-up in advance using our Public Comment Sign-up Form or by contacting the District Clerk four (4) hours prior to the meeting at jstevens@carmelschools.org. The sign-up form will also be available at the meeting for anyone who wishes to speak and did not sign up in advance.
These individuals will be called upon during the scheduled public participation section on the agenda. To facilitate follow-up, please provide your name, telephone number, email address, and mailing address, as well as the topic of your comments. Speakers are limited to five (5) minutes each. No district employee or student may be commented upon or identified by name or situation.
Recordings of Board of Education meetings and presentations from those meetings are available to the public.
Special BOE Meeting
