Get to Know Laurie 

I have been a Westchester resident for 60 years. I and my family currently live in Cortlandt Manor. I have served as an elected HenHud Board trustee, and have volunteered my time as a sports coach and math tutor across the county.

I received my School Leadership Certification from the College of New Rochelle, my Masters degrees in Education and Mathematics from Manhattanville College, and my Bachelors degree in Fine Arts from Pace University.

I am a retired high school math teacher and Math Department Chairperson. I have taught, guided and mentored at Alexander Hamilton HS in Elmsford for 32 years. I was responsible for curriculum development; evaluation; budgets; staying current with state mandates; fostering relationships with community, parents and colleges; goal setting; and providing opportunities for professional and academic growth. I was a member of the Curriculum Council, District Strategic Planning Committee, Leadership Team, Union Negotiating Team, and the Emergency Management Team. I have created numerous state plans including Safety Plans, and Building and Facility Improvements. I was also the Senior Class Coordinator which involved an immense amount of love in addition to organization, communication and planning skills. My favorite part of teaching was the close relationships I built with hundreds of students, mentoring them, and keeping in touch with them. I am a staunch advocate for children. I was voted favorite teacher for 30 out of her 32 years at Hamilton!

I served as a trustee on the Hendrick Hudson Board of Education for 12 years. I ran for this position for three reasons: to make sure a superintendent never received an 8% raise again, to overhaul elementary and middle school academics and to get the community to vote for a turf field. I am proud to have been part of teams that successfully negotiated numerous bargaining agreements, passed 12 budgets, and 5 bonds. I redesigned board/staff/community communications with the creation of Meet and Greets because I believed that the community was not being heard. I have held positions on several committees including Finance, Policy, Facilities, Safety, Curriculum and Strategic Planning. I worked with the Board and Superintendent for strategies regarding the closing of Indian Point.

I also made public the Town of Cortlandt 2020 Budget showing outrageous salary increases during COVID, the realities of Indian Point, and toxic locations throughout Cortlandt. I put forth ideas regarding energy, beautification, law enforcement, community events, more access to voting, tree trimming, road paving management and code enforcement as well as participating in the Verplanck waterfront forums.

All positions have provided me with years of experience in leadership, management, and patience.