Dryden Board of Education candidates revealed

The Dryden Board of Education recently revealed profiles of four candidates who are vying for three seats.

The candidates include incumbent Leslie Debo, Michael Hall, Christiane Linster and Christina Cushman.

Full profiles of the candidates can be found at dryden.k12.ny.us.

The Dryden community can vote in the board of education election and on the proposed budget on Tuesday, May 20, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Dryden Middle/High School auditorium.

Leslie Debo

Debo is currently in her 10th year at Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc.

“My family and I moved to the Dryden area eight years ago from Ithaca when I purchased my first home. Dryden was the district I picked. From what I could find out from fellow parents, I felt that Dryden was a district where I would be happy and that my child would receive a good education. I plan to be a part of the Dryden community and the Dryden Central School District for many years. I was raised by educators, and I’ve seen both of my parents dedicate their lives and free time to taking care of and educating other people’s children. As someone who works in the nonprofit field, I know that serving the community can be a challenging task, but I am up to the challenge. No matter how hard my job sometimes is, I am still happy to get up in the morning and get to work helping my clients. I plan to continue to bring the same dedication to the school board. I hope that I can be a supportive voice to help the district thrive.”

Michael Hall

Hall is a member of the Neptune Hose Co. #1 of Dryden, Inc. and a volunteer coach for programs through the Dryden Recreation Department.

“From growing up here, to attending school, buying a home and raising my own children here I have strived to make a difference in our community. I served as [fire] chief for many years and taught fire safety to many of our Dryden Elementary students. I’m also coaching the youth or volunteering my time. I am running to be a member of the school board because I believe it is pivotal for our children to be successful in school through community involvement as well as a positive learning environment. I wish to continue this success within the district as well as ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability throughout the district. As a potential school board member, I hope to make a difference for not just our present students and families, but to maintain traditions of the past, focus on our present and work towards a greater future for all who already do and who will call our community home.”

Christiane Linster

Linster is a professor of neurobiology and behavior at Cornell University.

“I have been an educator for much of my adult life and know firsthand how important local public education is for academic and professional success. What we give our children throughout their formative years shapes their belief in themselves, their ability to interact with others, and their ability to shape their own life. I have seen the importance of flexibility in our school system and to what degree the willingness of school systems to adapt and be supportive is crucial for kids with trauma. I believe that all kids are willing and able to learn as long as we help them remove hurdles that are in their way. I am a strong believer in public education, among other reasons because the diversity of our students and staff population creates opportunities for multiple views that are crucial for creative and innovative ways to educate our children. I am wishing to be a member of the Dryden Board of Education to support public education and enhance the opportunities we give our students with respect to academics and social development.  I have lived in the town of Dryden for 25 years and wish to give back to the community.”

Christina Cushman

Cushman is the owner and manager of Connected Stitches Yarn & Fiber Shop in the village of Dryden.

“I run a business that is a safe place for all people. This has created an environment where people connect and share their lives with each other and me. I hear the concerns of current parents, retired parents, grandparents and more every week. My husband is a DCSD graduate and we have family roots here, but we knew we wanted more and to have an impact on this community. Since moving here [from Cleveland, Ohio] our family has started two of our kids at Dryden Elementary, been involved in a local church [Risen Hope] and have served the community. We purposefully chose public schools for our children, knowing it can be an enriching environment for our kids to interact with people different from them. I know that public school does not feel safe for all students and I believe choices can be made to change that. I want to continue to advocate that Dryden can be a student and people-first district. I am passionate about representing parents and community members as part of the board. I want to make a difference and stand for the interests of our wonderful and diverse community.”