OUR MISSION

The New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence supports our school system and its extraordinary, diverse student body through advancing equity, excellence and inspiring all public school students.

OUR VISION

The New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence partners with the City School District of New Rochelle and engages the broader New Rochelle community to develop, fund and implement high-quality educational and enrichment programming that enhances the school experience and helps students thrive and succeed along their educational journey.

OUR VALUES

Integrity

support honest and open relationships

Empathy

cultivate positive, caring interactions

Accessibility

open to all regardless of race, class, or ability

Respect

emphasize positive self-image and acceptance

Confidence

empower our next generation to succeed in college and career

Innovation

foster opportunities beyond the District budget

Creativity

provide space and time for reflection and expression

Community

forge bonds across the diverse population of New Rochelle

Volunteerism

encourage and facilitate civic engagement

OUR VALUES

Integrity

support honest and open relationships

Empathy

cultivate positive, caring interactions

Accessibility

open to all regardless of race, class, or ability

Respect

emphasize positive self-image and acceptance

Confidence

empower our next generation to succeed in college and career

Innovation

foster opportunities beyond the District budget

Creativity

provide space and time for reflection and expression

Community

forge bonds across the diverse population of New Rochelle

Volunteerism

encourage and facilitate civic engagement

OUR HISTORY

Established as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization in 1996, the New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence was forged in an alliance between the Superintendent of Schools, members of the Board of Education and community leaders to enhance the New Rochelle tradition of excellence in education.

One of more than 3,000 communities nationwide that have private foundations to address the dramatic increase in the cost of public education, the Fund sought to support programs and activities that fall outside the normal operating budget.

The Fund operates with a streamlined staff that relies on volunteers to carry out its mission. The Board of Directors is comprised of parents, staff, community leaders, the Superintendent of Schools, school administrators and a Board of Education representative.

Meet the Board

jonathan stark

Jonathan Stark

CHAIR

Jonathan Stark, Ed.D., joined the Fund’s Board in November 2016. He has twenty years of professional experience working in the areas of higher and postsecondary education. Currently, Dr. Stark serves as the inaugural Executive Director for the Northwestern Mutual Data Science Institute, a corporate-academic Center of Excellence (CoE) in partnership with Marquette University, and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. As a CoE for Southeast Wisconsin, this role focuses on driving research, talent, and community engagement in areas of data science, artificial intelligence (AI), AI/data bias and ethics, health-wealth inequity, behavioral economics, and financial literacy. Prior to this role, Dr. Stark served as Columbia University's Data Science Institute’s Chief Administrative and Operations Officer, where he had oversight of the Institute’s financial & grants management, human resources, academic administration, and day-to-day operations. As part of his 17 years at Columbia University, he previously served as the Columbia Engineering's Assistant Dean of Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Affairs (2011-2013) and Student Affairs Officer (2005-2011) for the Office of Graduate Student Affairs. Dr. Stark’s expertise includes academic administration, student development and STEM career advising, conflict resolution, and university admissions. Jonathan holds a B.A. in Psychology from Western CT State University, an M.A. in Applied Organizational Psychology from Fairfield University, and an M.A. in Higher Education from Teachers College of Columbia University, and an Ed.D. in Higher Education Management from the University of Pennsylvania. In his spare time, he performs regularly as a bassoonist, contrabassoonist, and clarinetist with a number of local community orchestras and music ensembles.

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Hon. Deirdre Polow

VICE PRESIDENT
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Tom Livaccari

TREASURER

Tom Livaccari began his career in wealth management in 2002 with the mission of bringing a different perspective to managing the financial affairs of ultra high net worth clients. Chosen to be part of UBS's Private Wealth Management Group, an elite group of 300 advisors out of the 6,700 at the firm, Tom focuses on providing clients with holistic financial planning, sound advice and an investment strategy tailored to fit the specific objectives of each client. Tom began his career as an accountant and later a technology consultant at Arthur Anderson. He later co-founded and helped build one of the world’s first end-to-end internet consulting firms and was part of the senior management team that took public and then sold the business to a major telecom company. Tom's background in accounting, consulting and as an entrepreneur, gives him a unique perspective on the needs of clients and their families.Tom has an M.S. in accounting from the NYU Stern School of Business and a B.S. in finance from Boston College's Carroll School of Management. Tom lives in New Rochelle with his wife, Elizabeth, and their two daughters, Anna and Christina. He enjoys skiing, triathlons, sailing and coaching travel soccer. He is a board member of the Boston College National Alumni Association, former President of St. Augustine Church, former board member of Larchmont Shore Club and co-founder of the Media & Technology Advisory Group.

meri hilton

Meredith A. Hilton '72

SECRETARY

Meredith ('Meri') Adler Hilton is a graduate of NRHS, holds a B.A. with honors from Trinity College, Hartford CT, and a J.D. from Benjamin Cardozo School of Law, NYC, where she served as Managing Editor of its Law Review. She has worked in publishing for newspapers and trade journals and as a corporate attorney in Manhattan. Meri began working with the Fund in its first year, as Co-chair of Poetry Out Loud and a member of the first Carnegie Hall concert committee. She joined the Fund board in 2000 and was elected chairperson in 2002. She served in that capacity until 2012 when she and Steve Silverman became Fund co-chairs. Meri is currently the Emeritus Chair. She also sits on board of Student Advocacy and is a past board member of The Guidance Center of Westchester and the New Rochelle Industrial Development Agency. Meri is married to Ken Hilton, proud mother of 3 sons who are all alumni of NR public schools.

DagobertoArtiles

Dr. Dagoberto Artiles

Principal, New Rochelle High School
Dr. Dagoberto Artiles serves as NRHS Principal since August 2021.  He has 17 years of secondary education leadership experience, coming to the District from Jericho High School in Nassau County, where he had served as Assistant Principal since 2013. Previously, he was Principal of the Hempstead Union Free School District’s College Preparatory Academy for Math and Science, and Assistant Principal at North Rockland High School, where he began as a Global Studies teacher. Dr. Artiles received his Doctorate in Educational Leadership, Administration and Policy from Fordham University. He holds a Master’s Degree in Education Administration from The College of Saint Rose and a Master’s Degree in American History from St. John’s University. His Bachelor’s Degree, in American History, was earned at St. Francis College.
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Hon. Margaret Bavosa

Member, Board of Education

Margaret Bavosa is a native New Yorker, born and raised in the Bronx, and a proud resident of New Rochelle for over forty years. She lives with her husband, Jim, and extended family on the south end of the city. She was elected on May 18, 2021 as a member of the City of New Rochelle Board of Education. Mrs. Bavosa, who has been an educator for over thirty-five years, has an Ms.Ed in Administration and Supervision, and an Ms.Ed in Teaching. She holds permanent NYS teaching certificates for grades N-6 and 7-12, and has taught both secondary math and English in the New Rochelle School District. As well, Mrs. Bavosa has been awarded certificates from Harvard University for studies in both Shakespeare and Culturally Diverse Literature. Over her many years of teaching, Mrs. Bavosa offered individual and group tutoring sessions for students in local public venues, and ran an after school program to create inclusivity and combat bias and bullying. She was selected to  work in an after school program for gifted minority males to support high achieving academic goals. Her volunteerism also included teaching religious classes for teens, delivering Meals on Wheels,  and working as a teacher for adult second language learners. Mrs. Bavosa has always been a staunch supporter of the New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence, and she is thrilled to be a Board member of the Fund as a liaison from the BOE. She hopes to bring to this role a strong awareness of the possibilities that can be afforded all students in support of equity and accessibility. She looks forward to promoting the continued intellectual and cultural creativity generated by the Fund.

iliana fleischman

Iliana Fleischman

Iliana Fleischman was born and raised in New York City. She attended Hunter College graduating Cum Laude as a double major in English Literature and Journalism. After college, she worked in the fashion industry in sales and production for several well-known designers and retailers. She is now a proud resident of New Rochelle, where she is raising her family, and works as a full time real estate agent focused on lower Westchester County. Iliana is thrilled to be a part of the New Rochelle Fund to help pay forward all of the amazing opportunities she received as a child in the public school system and is excited to help continue the work of helping to offer meaningful programs that enrich and empower New Rochelle's students.

Laurie Forkas headshot

Laurie Forkas

Laurie Forkas is Senior Assistant General Counsel for Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (MMC) and is based in MMC’s New York office, where she has worked for nineteen years and has held various roles in MMC’s Legal Department. She is currently the Corporate Counsel for Marsh Captive Solutions globally and provides advice on a broad range of legal and commercial issues. In addition, she is Corporate Counsel for Marsh’s US Brokerage Operation. Qualified in Ohio, New York and London, prior to joining MMC, Laurie was a technology lawyer for a boutique law firm in New York City - Hall, Dickler, Kent, Goldstein & Wood, LLP. Earlier in her career, she lived in London working for Trans World International, Inc. as In-House Counsel and also lived in Vienna, Austria where she supported executives developing international opportunities. Her first career position was Senior Law Clerk in the Eighth District Court of Appeals, in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. A Ohio native, Laurie has lived in New Rochelle for the past 22 years. She holds a law degree from Cleveland Marshall College of Law and she earned her undergraduate degree from Catholic University.

Will Iannuzzi

Hon. William Iannuzzi

President, Board of Education

Mr. William Iannuzzi was elected on May 21, 2019 as a member of the Board of Education of the City School District of New Rochelle for a five-year term commencing on July 1, 2019 and ending on June 30, 2024. Mr. Iannuzzi was elected as President of the Board of Education in July 2022 and previously served as Vice President during the 2020-2021 school year. Born and raised in the West End of New Rochelle, he started school at Daniel Webster Elementary School, attended Albert Leonard Middle School, and graduated from New Rochelle High School in 2010. He received his bachelor’s degree in Public Accounting from Mercy College. Mr. Iannuzi’s entire adult life has been dedicated to serving the youth of New Rochelle. Since age 19, he has been working at the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle, first as a Youth Development Professional, and later becoming the youngest Mascaro Clubhouse Director at 21-years-old. Mr. Iannuzzi is the Director of Programs responsible for program strategy across the organization. In addition to serving in leadership capacities on numerous school district and community committees and boards during the past several years, in 2022 Mr. Iannuzzi was selected as a Next Generation Afterschool Leader Recipient from the National Afterschool Association.

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Linda E. Kelly

A graduate of Wellesley College, Ms. Linda E. Kelly enjoyed a successful forty-two year career in the City School District of New Rochelle as a teacher and administrator. Upon receiving a Masters Degree from Columbia University, Teachers College, she joined the New Rochelle High School History Department as a teacher of World History. She began her career in administration as Assistant to the Principal and then Associate Principal of New Rochelle High School. She then moved to central office as Assistant Superintendent, then Associate Superintendent. In 1991, Ms. Kelly was selected as Superintendent of Schools. She served in this capacity until her retirement in 2006. During her superintendency, many exemplary programs were developed including the Barnard Early Childhood Center, the Campus School: alternative High School program, Magnet programs at Columbus and Trinity, P.A.V.E. and smaller learning communities at New Rochelle High School. Numerous community partnerships enriched the curriculum and the New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence was established. Significant grants were secured that added new and additional dimensions to the instructional program. Many awards were bestowed on the District for its students numerous achievements and multiple programs offerings including Blue Ribbons from the U.S. Department of Education and a rating by School Match that placed the District among the top in the United States. Ms. Kelly continues to be involved in a broad range of community activities and has returned to serve again as a Board member of the NR Fund, an organization of vital importance to our schools and community.

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Nadia Marston

JonathanRaymond

Jonathan P. Raymond

Superintendent of Schools, City School District of New Rochelle

Jonathan P. Raymond joined the City School District of New Rochelle as Superintendent in July 2021. His focus in New Rochelle is on educating and investing in the whole child, academically, socially,  and emotionally. A passionate advocate for equity and system-wide change, he incorporates his  experience as a labor law attorney and nonprofit leader to provide strategic and operational leadership  that always puts children first.  Raymond brings insights from many years of diverse experience in education and philanthropy. Before  joining New Rochelle’s school district, he served as Executive Director of the Massachusetts COVID-19  Relief Fund. His career progression includes serving as the Chief Accountability Officer of the Charlotte Mecklenburg School system in North Carolina, then as Superintendent of the Sacramento City Unified  School District in California, and as President of the Stuart Foundation, the largest funder of K-12  education in California. Raymond was a Fellow at the Broad Superintendents Academy and he completed the Executive  Management Program at Harvard Business School. He holds a law degree from the George Mason  University School of Law in Arlington, Va. He earned a master’s of arts degree from the Fletcher School  of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, where he also earned his bachelor’s degree.

rich relkin

Richard S. Relkin

Richard Relkin is the Director of Media Relations for John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Before working at John Jay, Richard served for 12 years as Director of Media Relations at St. Francis College. In that role, he was responsible for telling the College’s story by securing coverage in local, regional, and national media, issuing press releases about special events and achievements as well as producing video spotlights on students and faculty. In addition, Relkin published Terrier, the alumni newsletter, oversaw the College’s website and social media channels, and taught various courses in Communication Arts. Before joining St. Francis College, Relkin worked as Director of Communications for the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators (CSA). He also worked for more than eight years in TV news, moving from WLEX in Lexington, Kentucky to WESH-2 in Orlando, Florida and finally NY1 in New York City where he finished his TV news career as Executive Producer of the morning show at NY1. Previous to working in TV, Relkin self-published the internationally distributed magazine, Comic Culture, which focused on the then growing body of non-superhero comic books. He earned his MPA from Baruch College and his undergraduate degree in Literature and Rhetoric from Binghamton University.

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LaThell Sebastian-Smith

Albert Tarantino

Hon. Albert Tarantino, '69

A New Rochelle native, Albert's heritage in the City goes back to the 1890s. He attended New Rochelle schools and was a member of the Boys and Girls Club of New Rochelle. He and his wife Lynn live in the Sans Souci neighborhood of New Rochelle and have six children. Albert attended the Gemological Institute of America and the Bulova Jewelry School. He also proudly served in the United States Air Force. Albert is co-owner of Talner Jewelers, a business that has served New Rochelle's residents since 1927. He is District 2 Council Member in the City of New Rochelle, former president of the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce and a current member of their Board of Directors. Albert also is a board member of the New Rochelle Business Improvement District (BID), the YMCA, and the United Way of New Rochelle; and is a member of the New Rochelle Downtown Task Force. He is a former member of the New Rochelle Waterfront Advisory Committee, former president of the Sans Souci Homeowners Association and former member of the Advisory Committee on Boating and Marinas.

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Nadine Wallace

Meet the Board

jonathan stark

Jonathan Stark

CHAIR

Jonathan Stark, Ed.D., joined the Fund’s Board in November 2016. He has twenty years of professional experience working in the areas of higher and postsecondary education. Currently, Dr. Stark serves as the inaugural Executive Director for the Northwestern Mutual Data Science Institute, a corporate-academic Center of Excellence (CoE) in partnership with Marquette University, and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. As a CoE for Southeast Wisconsin, this role focuses on driving research, talent, and community engagement in areas of data science, artificial intelligence (AI), AI/data bias and ethics, health-wealth inequity, behavioral economics, and financial literacy. Prior to this role, Dr. Stark served as Columbia University's Data Science Institute’s Chief Administrative and Operations Officer, where he had oversight of the Institute’s financial & grants management, human resources, academic administration, and day-to-day operations. As part of his 17 years at Columbia University, he previously served as the Columbia Engineering's Assistant Dean of Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Affairs (2011-2013) and Student Affairs Officer (2005-2011) for the Office of Graduate Student Affairs. Dr. Stark’s expertise includes academic administration, student development and STEM career advising, conflict resolution, and university admissions. Jonathan holds a B.A. in Psychology from Western CT State University, an M.A. in Applied Organizational Psychology from Fairfield University, and an M.A. in Higher Education from Teachers College of Columbia University, and an Ed.D. in Higher Education Management from the University of Pennsylvania. In his spare time, he performs regularly as a bassoonist, contrabassoonist, and clarinetist with a number of local community orchestras and music ensembles.

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Hon. Deirdre Polow

VICE PRESIDENT
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Tom Livaccari

TREASURER

Tom Livaccari began his career in wealth management in 2002 with the mission of bringing a different perspective to managing the financial affairs of ultra high net worth clients. Chosen to be part of UBS's Private Wealth Management Group, an elite group of 300 advisors out of the 6,700 at the firm, Tom focuses on providing clients with holistic financial planning, sound advice and an investment strategy tailored to fit the specific objectives of each client. Tom began his career as an accountant and later a technology consultant at Arthur Anderson. He later co-founded and helped build one of the world’s first end-to-end internet consulting firms and was part of the senior management team that took public and then sold the business to a major telecom company. Tom's background in accounting, consulting and as an entrepreneur, gives him a unique perspective on the needs of clients and their families.Tom has an M.S. in accounting from the NYU Stern School of Business and a B.S. in finance from Boston College's Carroll School of Management. Tom lives in New Rochelle with his wife, Elizabeth, and their two daughters, Anna and Christina. He enjoys skiing, triathlons, sailing and coaching travel soccer. He is a board member of the Boston College National Alumni Association, former President of St. Augustine Church, former board member of Larchmont Shore Club and co-founder of the Media & Technology Advisory Group.

meri hilton

Meredith A. Hilton '72

SECRETARY

Meredith ('Meri') Adler Hilton is a graduate of NRHS, holds a B.A. with honors from Trinity College, Hartford CT, and a J.D. from Benjamin Cardozo School of Law, NYC, where she served as Managing Editor of its Law Review. She has worked in publishing for newspapers and trade journals and as a corporate attorney in Manhattan. Meri began working with the Fund in its first year, as Co-chair of Poetry Out Loud and a member of the first Carnegie Hall concert committee. She joined the Fund board in 2000 and was elected chairperson in 2002. She served in that capacity until 2012 when she and Steve Silverman became Fund co-chairs. Meri is currently the Emeritus Chair. She also sits on board of Student Advocacy and is a past board member of The Guidance Center of Westchester and the New Rochelle Industrial Development Agency. Meri is married to Ken Hilton, proud mother of 3 sons who are all alumni of NR public schools.

DagobertoArtiles

Dr. Dagoberto Artiles

Principal, New Rochelle High School
Dr. Artiles serves as NRHS Principal since August 2021. He has 17 years of secondary education leadership experience and comes to the District from Jericho High School in Nassau County, where he had served as Assistant Principal since 2013. Previously, he was Principal of the Hempstead Union Free School District’s College Preparatory Academy for Math and Science, and Assistant Principal at North Rockland High School, where he began as a Global Studies teacher. Dr. Artiles received his Doctorate in Educational Leadership, Administration and Policy from Fordham University. He holds a Master’s Degree in Education Administration from The College of Saint Rose and a Master’s Degree in American History from St. John’s University. His Bachelor’s Degree, in American History, was earned at St. Francis College.
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Hon. Margaret Bavosa

Member, Board of Education

Margaret Bavosa is a native New Yorker, born and raised in the Bronx, and a proud resident of New Rochelle for over forty years. She lives with her husband, Jim, and extended family on the south end of the city. She was elected on May 18, 2021 as a member of the City of New Rochelle Board of Education. Mrs. Bavosa, who has been an educator for over thirty-five years, has an Ms.Ed in Administration and Supervision, and an Ms.Ed in Teaching. She holds permanent NYS teaching certificates for grades N-6 and 7-12, and has taught both secondary math and English in the New Rochelle School District. As well, Mrs. Bavosa has been awarded certificates from Harvard University for studies in both Shakespeare and Culturally Diverse Literature. Over her many years of teaching, Mrs. Bavosa offered individual and group tutoring sessions for students in local public venues, and ran an after school program to create inclusivity and combat bias and bullying. She was selected to  work in an after school program for gifted minority males to support high achieving academic goals. Her volunteerism also included teaching religious classes for teens, delivering Meals on Wheels,  and working as a teacher for adult second language learners. Mrs. Bavosa has always been a staunch supporter of the New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence, and she is thrilled to be a Board member of the Fund as a liaison from the BOE. She hopes to bring to this role a strong awareness of the possibilities that can be afforded all students in support of equity and accessibility. She looks forward to promoting the continued intellectual and cultural creativity generated by the Fund.

iliana fleischman

Iliana Fleischman

Iliana Fleischman was born and raised in New York City. She attended Hunter College graduating Cum Laude as a double major in English Literature and Journalism. After college, she worked in the fashion industry in sales and production for several well-known designers and retailers. She is now a proud resident of New Rochelle, where she is raising her family, and works as a full time real estate agent focused on lower Westchester County. Iliana is thrilled to be a part of the New Rochelle Fund to help pay forward all of the amazing opportunities she received as a child in the public school system and is excited to help continue the work of helping to offer meaningful programs that enrich and empower New Rochelle's students.

Laurie Forkas headshot

Laurie Forkas

Laurie Forkas is Senior Assistant General Counsel for Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (MMC) and is based in MMC’s New York office, where she has worked for nineteen years and has held various roles in MMC’s Legal Department. She is currently the Corporate Counsel for Marsh Captive Solutions globally and provides advice on a broad range of legal and commercial issues. In addition, she is Corporate Counsel for Marsh’s US Brokerage Operation. Qualified in Ohio, New York and London, prior to joining MMC, Laurie was a technology lawyer for a boutique law firm in New York City - Hall, Dickler, Kent, Goldstein & Wood, LLP. Earlier in her career, she lived in London working for Trans World International, Inc. as In-House Counsel and also lived in Vienna, Austria where she supported executives developing international opportunities. Her first career position was Senior Law Clerk in the Eighth District Court of Appeals, in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. A Ohio native, Laurie has lived in New Rochelle for the past 22 years. She holds a law degree from Cleveland Marshall College of Law and she earned her undergraduate degree from Catholic University.

Will Iannuzzi

Hon. William Iannuzzi

President, Board of Education

Mr. William Iannuzzi was elected on May 21, 2019 as a member of the Board of Education of the City School District of New Rochelle for a five-year term commencing on July 1, 2019 and ending on June 30, 2024. Mr. Iannuzzi was elected as President of the Board of Education in July 2022 and previously served as Vice President during the 2020-2021 school year. Born and raised in the West End of New Rochelle, he started school at Daniel Webster Elementary School, attended Albert Leonard Middle School, and graduated from New Rochelle High School in 2010. He received his bachelor’s degree in Public Accounting from Mercy College. Mr. Iannuzi’s entire adult life has been dedicated to serving the youth of New Rochelle. Since age 19, he has been working at the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle, first as a Youth Development Professional, and later becoming the youngest Mascaro Clubhouse Director at 21-years-old. Mr. Iannuzzi is the Director of Programs responsible for program strategy across the organization. In addition to serving in leadership capacities on numerous school district and community committees and boards during the past several years, in 2022 Mr. Iannuzzi was selected as a Next Generation Afterschool Leader Recipient from the National Afterschool Association.

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Linda E. Kelly

A graduate of Wellesley College, Ms. Linda E. Kelly enjoyed a successful forty-two year career in the City School District of New Rochelle as a teacher and administrator. Upon receiving a Masters Degree from Columbia University, Teachers College, she joined the New Rochelle High School History Department as a teacher of World History. She began her career in administration as Assistant to the Principal and then Associate Principal of New Rochelle High School. She then moved to central office as Assistant Superintendent, then Associate Superintendent. In 1991, Ms. Kelly was selected as Superintendent of Schools. She served in this capacity until her retirement in 2006. During her superintendency, many exemplary programs were developed including the Barnard Early Childhood Center, the Campus School: alternative High School program, Magnet programs at Columbus and Trinity, P.A.V.E. and smaller learning communities at New Rochelle High School. Numerous community partnerships enriched the curriculum and the New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence was established. Significant grants were secured that added new and additional dimensions to the instructional program. Many awards were bestowed on the District for its students numerous achievements and multiple programs offerings including Blue Ribbons from the U.S. Department of Education and a rating by School Match that placed the District among the top in the United States. Ms. Kelly continues to be involved in a broad range of community activities and has returned to serve again as a Board member of the NR Fund, an organization of vital importance to our schools and community.

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Nadia Marston

JonathanRaymond

Jonathan P. Raymond

Superintendent, City School District of New Rochelle

Jonathan P. Raymond joined the City School District of New Rochelle as Superintendent in July 2021. His focus in New Rochelle is on educating and investing in the whole child, academically, socially,  and emotionally. A passionate advocate for equity and system-wide change, he incorporates his  experience as a labor law attorney and nonprofit leader to provide strategic and operational leadership  that always puts children first.  Raymond brings insights from many years of diverse experience in education and philanthropy. Before  joining New Rochelle’s school district, he served as Executive Director of the Massachusetts COVID-19  Relief Fund. His career progression includes serving as the Chief Accountability Officer of the Charlotte Mecklenburg School system in North Carolina, then as Superintendent of the Sacramento City Unified  School District in California, and as President of the Stuart Foundation, the largest funder of K-12  education in California. Raymond was a Fellow at the Broad Superintendents Academy and he completed the Executive  Management Program at Harvard Business School. He holds a law degree from the George Mason  University School of Law in Arlington, Va. He earned a master’s of arts degree from the Fletcher School  of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, where he also earned his bachelor’s degree.

rich relkin

Richard S. Relkin

Richard Relkin is the Director of Media Relations for John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Before working at John Jay, Richard served for 12 years as Director of Media Relations at St. Francis College. In that role, he was responsible for telling the College’s story by securing coverage in local, regional, and national media, issuing press releases about special events and achievements as well as producing video spotlights on students and faculty. In addition, Relkin published Terrier, the alumni newsletter, oversaw the College’s website and social media channels, and taught various courses in Communication Arts. Before joining St. Francis College, Relkin worked as Director of Communications for the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators (CSA). He also worked for more than eight years in TV news, moving from WLEX in Lexington, Kentucky to WESH-2 in Orlando, Florida and finally NY1 in New York City where he finished his TV news career as Executive Producer of the morning show at NY1. Previous to working in TV, Relkin self-published the internationally distributed magazine, Comic Culture, which focused on the then growing body of non-superhero comic books. He earned his MPA from Baruch College and his undergraduate degree in Literature and Rhetoric from Binghamton University.

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LaThell Sebastian-Smith

Albert Tarantino

Hon. Albert Tarantino, '69

A New Rochelle native, Albert's heritage in the City goes back to the 1890s. He attended New Rochelle schools and was a member of the Boys and Girls Club of New Rochelle. He and his wife Lynn live in the Sans Souci neighborhood of New Rochelle and have six children. Albert attended the Gemological Institute of America and the Bulova Jewelry School. He also proudly served in the United States Air Force. Albert is co-owner of Talner Jewelers, a business that has served New Rochelle's residents since 1927. He is District 2 Council Member in the City of New Rochelle, former president of the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce and a current member of their Board of Directors. Albert also is a board member of the New Rochelle Business Improvement District (BID), the YMCA, and the United Way of New Rochelle; and is a member of the New Rochelle Downtown Task Force. He is a former member of the New Rochelle Waterfront Advisory Committee, former president of the Sans Souci Homeowners Association and former member of the Advisory Committee on Boating and Marinas.

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Nadine Wallace

OUR EMERITUS BOARD

Donald Bakalor ’48
Hon. Noam Bramson ’87, Mayor of New Rochelle
Scott Cohen ’84
Hon. Barry Fertel, Member, City Council
Sonny Hagendorf
Audrey Mlotek
Brian Rosner, Esq.
Stephen B. Silverman, '80
Marlene Tutera