School board election has two open seats but just one candidate

MILLBROOK — Two seats will be vacant on the Millbrook Board of Education (BOE) for the upcoming election on Tuesday, May 18, but there’s only one candidate who is running in this year’s race. He is David LaVarnway, father of two youngsters, and new to public office.  LaVarnway wasn’t aware that he was the only candidate running in the district-wide election and said he was surprised when he learned of the news — especially because he feels that education is so important and that children deserve the very best.  

The candidate admits to thinking  that the Millbrook Central School District (MCSD) is really a very good one. His wife, Heather, is a trustee on the Millbrook Educational Foundation (MEF), which often donates funds and other items to the MCSD, so he knows the advantages that come from having a community that is active in supporting the educating of its young. 

“I am interested in joining the MCSD Board of Education,” said LaVarnway. “With everything going on this past year due to COVID, I have become more interested in the work of the BOE and the district and have appreciated being able to keep up to speed by viewing the meetings from home.”

LaVarnway is from the Hudson Valley, originally from nearby Hyde Park. As a student, his favorite subject was math, which may account for the fact that he is now an engineer. He works at GlobalFoundries, where he has been since 2010. Previously he worked for Pfizer Pharmaceutical. While he believes math and science are very important, along with all subjects, he said thinks communication is especially vital in today’s educational curriculum.  

LaVarnway explained why he believes his expertise as an engineer would be helpful to the board. 

“I am a senior engineer with GlobalFoundries in Fishkill and through my work I spend a lot of time evaluating information and problem solving,” he said. “I believe I can bring some of those same skills to bear as a member of the BOE and I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to a positive educational experience for every child in our district.”

The  LaVarnways  have lived in Millbrook for 13 years and it has turned out to be the perfect community for their family. They love hiking and often walk the trails at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies. They have visited Innisfree Garden and their daughter’s last birthday before the pandemic was held at Trevor Zoo. Aside from enjoying the local area, LaVarnway said he is into woodworking, something he has always loved. He is now teaching his son the intricacies of his hobby. 

A problem for voters

Concerning the vacant seats on the board and the lack of candidates, BOE President Perry Hartswick acknowledged that the position takes time, energy and a lot of hard work. 

He also noted that the past year and a half has been a constant source of stress for the BOE, mainly because of the health crisis, keeping up with state and federal mandates and worrying about the safety of both students and staff while trying to provide the best possible education. 

The challenges have been enormous. Claudia Heunis, who just finished her first term on the school board, chose not to run again. BOE member John Rudy, who just finished his tenure of serving on the school board for more than 20 years, has also decided to step down. 

The deadline to petition for a spot on the ballot has expired, but write-in candidates can be voted in and will be counted. So if anyone is still interested in taking a seat at the board table, being elected as a write-in candidate is now the only way to join the Millbrook BOE. 

The BOE elections and district budget vote will take place at Millbrook Middle School on Tuesday, May 18, from noon to 9 p.m. in the auditorium.