To the Editor:

I write this letter in excitement over the number of candidates running for the two vacant seats for the Berne-Knox-Westerlo School Board. It brings me comfort to know that community members have recognized an opportunity to serve the children of the Hilltowns.

One particular candidate would be an extraordinary addition to the school board. If elected, Maryellen Gillis would bring an outstanding perspective to all facets of the current needs of our school district.

Maryellen has spent her career serving children and their families. Her comprehensive experience within the educational system will be an enormous benefit to the students, parents, staff, faculty, and administration of Berne-Knox-Westerlo. Maryellen began her career as a nursery school teacher in Altamont, obtaining her master's degree from The College of St. Rose, and taught at BKW for 18 years.

In furthering her education, she attended Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, while teaching full-time at BKW, and graduated with her administrative certificate. With this certificate, she gained experience with principalships as she ran the elementary summer school program at BKW and worked at Schoharie Elementary School as the principal for 10 years. Returning to teaching for her final years in public education, she currently works for the Schoharie Central School District as a health educator for middle and high school students.

As a resident of Knox for 35 years, Maryellen has been, and currently is, an active member of our Hilltown community. Throughout the years, many of our community members have known her as an integral part of the success of BKW as a teacher; coach; class adviser; Brownie leader; colleague; administrator; friend, and, most importantly, a parent and grandparent.

Recently, Maryellen has also taken on the responsibility of serving as Knox Youth Services Coordinator, facilitating the growth and development of the programs that children and families alike will be able to access to greater strengthen our community. Her dedication to the school system is more than apparent. She has always believed in the success of our school system and has high aspirations for the future of the children and families of Berne-Knox-Westerlo.

Maryellen brings to the table numerous skills that will enhance the communication between the school board, staff, and faculty, as well as the community members. She is compassionate and has a special skill for comprehending various viewpoints of a situation. Maryellen is a natural leader with exceptional leadership skills. Additionally, she is team oriented and values the collaborative efforts of fellow stakeholders, teachers, faculty, and administrators. Lastly, as both a teacher and an administrator, Maryellen has been integral in formulating and implementing budgets.

I encourage all of you to attend the Meet the Candidates night on Feb. 22, at 6:30 p.m. in the secondary school library to meet Maryellen personally and learn of her passion and perspective on education. I then would like to invite each of you to the polls on Feb. 23, 2016 to elect Maryellen Gillis to serve as a member of The Board of Education for Berne-Knox-Westerlo.

Thank you for your support in electing an outstanding candidate for the Board of Education!

Sarah Pasquini

Knox