School Board Candidates

I'm Alex Fletcher – a public school teacher for 23 years and counting, the father of two young kids in the district, and a current school board member. As a chemistry and theater teacher, I have watched public education transform young lives. With my wife Julia and children Eliot and Willow ages 5 and 3, I bring both a teacher's wisdom and a parent's passion to my service on the TUFSD Board. 

My roots run deep along the Hudson. Born in Kingston, I’ve lived most of my life near these waters. From Albany to NYC, I’ve followed the river through various life chapters and in 2019 found our forever home here in the Tarrytowns. My time away included college, graduate school, and a Fulbright teaching fellowship in England. 

My path to educational leadership honors my late father's legacy. For over a decade, he served on the Kingston school board, demonstrating how committed governance could lift an entire community. Six months ago, when I stepped into a vacant trustee position, I continued the Fletcher family tradition of public service with pride.

When not in the classroom or board meetings, I'm acting in and stage managing local theater productions, exploring Douglas Park (my kids' beloved "Brown playground"), playing board games, or savoring simple pleasures like diner pancakes with my family.

I'm a public school teacher, public school parent and a public school advocate. Please reach out anytime at afletcher@tufsd.org.

I’ve wanted to be a teacher since I was 16 years old. The inspiration I received from excellent educators changed the course of my life and set me on a path of loving my career educating today’s youth. I view public education as America's great equalizer – welcoming every child regardless of background, means, or learning differences, which is why I work to ensure every child in the Tarrytowns has the possibility of being inspired by their time in school.

The six months I've served as a trustee have deepened my conviction that school boards have a profound part to play. While our district shines in many areas, I see opportunities to make it even stronger – particularly in how we thoughtfully integrate technology into learning without losing the human relationships that nurture development and shape learning. 

My father's legacy of educational service guides my every decision in this role. At his funeral, as community members shared stories of his decade on the Kingston school board, I witnessed how dedicated leadership touches countless lives across generations. When the TUFSD vacancy emerged, I felt a profound calling to continue our family's commitment to public education—a torch I now carry with both gratitude and purpose.

This work isn't just professional for me – it's personal. I'm dedicated to ensuring our district remains a source of pride and opportunity for every family in our community. 

Tarrytown captured my heart when Julia and I sought the ideal community to raise our children. We were drawn to the village’s diversity, walkability, vibrant arts scene, and dual language program.

My connection to the district isn't just theoretical – it's lived daily through Eliot’s experiences at John Paulding. I'm not just a board member but a parent navigating the same systems and communications as every other family. With Willow approaching school age, our family has a long-term stake in TUFSD's success.

My educational journey has come full circle—I’ve been a public school student, a public school teacher, an extracurricular advisor, a mentee, a mentor, and now a board member. When I walk through the halls of our school, I feel a sense of home that only comes from deep familiarity. Though my classroom is in neighboring Eastchester, this "outside-inside" perspective allows me to bring fresh comparative insights to our board discussions while remaining free from preconceived notions.

These first six months as Trustee have transformed me from newcomer to devoted advocate. I've delved into our district's unique landscape—building meaningful connections with administrators, teachers, parents, and most importantly, our students. What began as an opportunity to serve has blossomed into something far more significant: a heartfelt commitment to ensure every child in TUFSD receives the exceptional education they deserve.

My dual experience teaching chemistry and theater has cultivated a unique leadership approach perfectly suited for board service. Two decades in these seemingly opposite disciplines has honed my ability to merge approaching decisions with both scientific rigor and artistic imagination.

Teenagers have been my greatest teachers about authentic communication – they instantly detect insincerity. This has shaped my straightforward leadership approach. At meetings, parents tell me my straightforward questions cut through educational jargon to address their real concerns. I believe transparent communication builds the trust that forms the foundation of effective governance.

Balancing diverse classroom needs while maintaining focus on core objectives translates directly to board service, where competing priorities demand thoughtful consideration. Understanding educational budgets from both classroom and governance perspectives lets me advocate for resources that target student needs. 

My collaborative approach, rooted in my theater background, where productions succeed through teamwork, allows me to build consensus while still challenging assumptions when necessary. I bring both my father's legacy of dedicated service and my own passionate commitment to educational excellence to every board decision.

Having witnessed both technology's power and limitations in my own classroom, I passionately advocate for a "should we" rather than simply "can we" approach to digital integration. As Ralph Waldo Emerson beautifully expressed, "The sky is the daily bread of the eyes" – our children desperately need physical movement, outdoor exploration, and real-world experiences to counterbalance screen time. I support the "Wait Until 8th" movement for cell phones, prioritizing childhood development over premature technology exposure. As educators we must carefully evaluate which digital tools genuinely enhance learning and which merely distract from the human connections at education's heart.

Educational excellence demands attracting and retaining exceptional educators who build stable, cohesive learning communities. As someone who's spent decades in classrooms, I understand profoundly how outstanding teachers transform student outcomes far more than any program or technology.

The busing complications facing our district have no simple solutions, but they demand better communication between the board and families. I'm committed to transparency in addressing these complexities, ensuring stakeholders understand the competing factors involved.

Fiscal responsibility remains paramount – Tarrytown taxpayers deserve maximum educational return on their substantial investment. This requires honest assessment of how things have been done in the past versus how we can adapt to a better future. 

I'm a 6th-grade teacher and a dad. I teach history, English, math, and geography at St. Bernard’s School in Manhattan. When I’m not teaching, I also serve on the adjunct committee of the Educational Foundation of America, a foundation that gives grants to nonprofit organizations in the arts, education and environmental fields. I’ve been teaching for 15 years now and have been lucky to call Sleepy Hollow home for the past 13.

I am running for school board because I’m a teacher who wants students to learn, and I know how to help students increase their knowledge and skills. I believe that the current school board needs to focus on the core function of the school: increasing students’ knowledge base and skills. Since the pandemic, Tarrytown’s reading and math scores have declined compared to Irvington, White Plains, and Ossining. If elected, I’d use my years of hands-on classroom experience to close that gap and give back to the community that I love. I care about all the students in my community, and they all deserve to be able to read. 

I have lived here for 13 years. I have been an AYSO coach and I look forward to my son attending high school here. 

I have a strong understanding of the research and evidence behind what really helps students learn — from effective teaching and training to the right curriculum. I’m experienced in analyzing student data, both for individual students and across larger groups. I also bring board experience — I’ve served on the Educational Foundation of America for the past 5 years and am currently the President of the adjunct committee, where we’ve helped fund after-school programs, foster care initiatives, and college support programs for students who need it most.

Student achievement has to be the top priority— after all, the primary purpose of a school is for students to learn. Only 36% of 3rd graders in our district earned the “proficient” rating on last year’s state test, which is lower than the New York state average and lower than Ossining, White Plains and New Rochelle. All students should be able to read by 3rd grade. 

I want to make sure the board is focused on supporting teachers and putting student learning first. The state test scores in reading and mathematics have been declining since the pandemic, and for the past three years. Most of the recent tax increases have gone toward infrastructure projects, not initiatives that directly support student achievement. 

The district is going in the right direction with the recent announcement that they will “move away” from balanced literacy, but it has not given any specifics on what they plan to do to teach students to read, or how they will implement it. A budget item for textbooks is good, but I want to be at every meeting and ask “how will this help students learn?” 

I am a first-generation American and fluent Spanish speaker. I moved to the Tarrytowns in 2009 with my husband of 15 years. We are the proud parents of two children who attend TUFSD schools. Professionally, I am a Patternmaker with over 20 years of experience in the fashion industry.

I bring creativity, passion, and an open mind to everything I do. My own experiences as a student have shaped my deep commitment to ensuring that every child feels valued and capable. I know firsthand the importance of making every student feel seen and supported, and I am dedicated to creating a school environment where all children can thrive and discover their unique strengths. With a strong appreciation for our community, I work to connect with people from all walks of life and am committed to representing every voice in our district.

I am currently completing my first term as a Trustee on the TUFSD Board of Education and am running for re-election to continue advocating for our students and families. 

Over the past three years, I’ve been proud to contribute to meaningful progress across the district, including:

Hiring a new Superintendent
Appointing two Assistant Principals at Sleepy Hollow High School
Passing a Capital Bond for major facilities improvements
Introducing the Community Schools initiative, including launching the Dental Van in partnership with Open Door
Overhauling the Code of Conduct
Implementing Bus Patrol for transportation safety
Supporting Social Emotional Learning through Second Step
Rolling out mandated reporter training for all BOE trustees
Introducing the district’s first electric school bus
Supporting Changemaker - a Latina leadership program (in partnership with Good for Kids Foundation)
Hiring a Director of Multilingual Programs
Launching the Summer Reading Buddies Program
Supporting the redesign of the Middle School courtyard
Hiring bilingual speech therapists
Creating a new Pre-K playground
Hiring a community aide (Spanish Speaking) for John Paulding/Morse

In addition to my board work, I’m a proud parent of two children currently attending Washington Irving and Sleepy Hollow Middle School. My connection to the district is deeply personal, and I remain a familiar face at many community and school events, where I love celebrating our students' talents and achievements.
 

Through my involvement in various committees and organizations, I consistently demonstrate my skills as a dedicated worker and a true team player.

Board of Education Committees and Involvement: My experience and commitment set me apart from other candidates. I have proudly served on:

Branch Ed Alliance (Mercy University)
Code of Conduct Committee
District Equity Team
Ex-Officio School Board Member Committee
Facilities Committee
Farm to School Program
Peabody Preserve Committee
Wellness Committee
Strategic Coherence Planning (Vision of a Graduate) Committee

Volunteer Work and Community Involvement: My deep engagement within the community has allowed me to build strong relationships with families and neighbors across the Tarrytowns. I volunteer regularly with and/or contributed help to:

Sleepy Hollow High School Food Pantry
St. Teresa’s CCD Crossing Guard program
Peabody Preserve Outdoor Classroom projects
Horseman Family Saturdays as an artist and teacher
Unplug & Play Toy Distribution
Washington Irving School Book Club
Wasteless Horseman Composting "Sort it out" 
Facilities Bond community outreach

I am committed to building an inclusive, supportive school district where every student can thrive. One of my top concerns is bullying prevention and student well-being. While programs like Second Step provide a strong foundation, I believe we can go further. I would advocate for exploring the most effective professional development opportunities focused on de-escalation strategies, ensuring that staff are prepared to respond effectively and compassionately, no matter who is involved. I also believe in centering student voices, strengthening community connections, and championing hands-on, equitable learning opportunities for all students.

I have been a resident of Tarrytown, New York, for  50 years, and I have celebrated this milestone in March. My siblings and I are proud graduates of Sleepy Hollow High School. I am committed to promoting the advancement and success of our educational system and fostering a positive learning environment for all students.

I love this community and my desire is to help it be successful. Pouring into our young people and helping them develop a solid foundation is one way that I believe I can serve this community and School District

I am an Alumnus of Sleepy Hollow. My children now attend and will also attend. I worked in the District for almost 10 years, and my mother was a School Bus driver for 30 years. My connection in the Village in the Fire Department is my sister, the Fire Chief in Tarrytown fire Department

Integrity and the ability to listen with an open mind. There are a lot of different ideas and perspectives. A board member of any kind needs to be able to listen with the intent to hear and not just respond. 

Community resistance
Within every community, there will be people who resist change, whether they're decision-makers or simply a crowd of clamoring voices. 

Liz Santillanes is a longtime Sleepy Hollow resident and proud parent of two elementary-aged children. With over 15 years of experience in brand strategy and organizational leadership, she brings a proven track record of building high-impact campaigns, managing multimillion-dollar budgets, and driving measurable growth. Her work spans industries from fashion to nonprofit consulting—but her approach is consistent: lead with curiosity, ask thoughtful questions, and turn ideas into action. 

Originally from the Boston area, Liz earned a BFA from the Savannah College of Art and Design before moving to New York. She began her career in fashion production and public relations before transitioning into integrated strategies for global brands. She now consults with small businesses and nonprofits, helping them communicate with clarity and scale sustainably.

Within the district, Liz has served as a class parent, grade-level representative, and Spirit Wear coordinator for the Horsemen PTA. She launched the Spirit Wear Student Design Competition in partnership with the SHHS Art Department, serves on both the PTA Mini-Grant Committee and the District Communications Committee, and recently joined the Foundation’s Spring Benefit auction team.

In her spare time, you can find her thumbing through the stacks at Warner Library, training for her Adult Bronze figure skating test at Westchester Skating Academy, or sewing Halloween costumes for her kids.

I’m running for the Board of Education because I believe our schools should support students and families with clarity, equity, and care.

As a parent, I’ve spent the past several years volunteering in classrooms, meeting with principals, serving on district committees, and leading PTA initiatives. That hands-on experience has revealed both the district’s strengths and its challenges—especially around communication, curriculum stability, and equitable access to support systems.

I’ve had to advocate for clarity around my own children’s academic progress and step in when communication broke down—whether related to transportation, accessibility, or programming. These experiences have fueled my passion for strengthening systems for all families, especially those who may not have the time or resources to consistently push for answers.

Professionally, I bring over 15 years of experience in strategic planning, communications, and systems leadership. I’m skilled at managing complexity, asking hard questions, and helping teams move from intention to impact.

If elected, I’ll bring collaborative, caring, and curious leadership to the table. I’ll push for transparent decision-making, a more responsive, family-informed school system, stronger academic alignment, and policies that reflect the real-life needs of families.

I believe we can build trust through open communication—and that every student deserves access to opportunities that challenge, support, and inspire them.

My husband and I have lived in Sleepy Hollow for nearly a decade, and both of our children attend TUFSD schools. From the start, I’ve been an engaged and enthusiastic school volunteer—participating in classrooms, leading PTA initiatives, and working with staff and administrators to support students and families.

I’ve become an advocate for families navigating the “middle”—students who may not qualify for extra services or enrichment but still need challenge, connection, and support. That lens shapes much of my district involvement.

I currently serve as the Horsemen PTA Spirit Wear Coordinator. I also serve on the PTA Mini-Grant Committee, the district’s Communications Committee, and recently joined the Foundation for the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns’ Spring Benefit auction team—helping secure local sponsorships to support key programs.

I regularly meet with principals and district leaders to share family feedback and have worked on efforts to improve communication, secure grants, and celebrate student success. I’ve volunteered at book fairs, staff appreciation events, and the Fall Fun Run, and have served as both a class parent and second grade representative.

We’re deeply rooted here—my parents even chose to retire in Sleepy Hollow after 70 years in Boston. This is our home, and I’m committed to helping build strong schools and a strong community for everyone who lives and learns here.

I bring more than 15 years of experience in strategic communications, marketing, and organizational leadership—skills that directly align with the responsibilities of a Board member. I’ve led teams, managed complex initiatives, and helped mission-driven organizations and global brands translate vision into results.
I’m a systems thinker, clear communicator, and collaborative problem-solver. I ask hard questions with empathy and curiosity. I value thoughtful planning and measurable progress—and I believe in leading with transparency and accountability.

At the community level, I’ve built strong working relationships with district leadership, staff, and fellow parents. Whether shaping enrichment programs, identifying grant opportunities, or serving on communications and fundraising committees, I bring a bias toward action and a focus on student experience.

As a parent, I’ve personally navigated challenges with transportation, accessibility, and academic clarity—giving me first-hand insight into where systems can better support families. I believe in pairing compassion with accountability and leading with a clear sense of purpose.

If elected, I’ll bring strategic insight, creative energy, and deep community commitment to the work ahead. I’m not afraid to ask tough questions, synthesize competing priorities, and help shape solutions that are inclusive, thoughtful, and fiscally responsible.

I believe the most important issues facing our district are trust, transparency, and academic alignment.

Families deserve confidence that decisions are thoughtful, well-informed, and inclusive—and that their voices are heard early, not after policies are announced. Too often, communication is reactive. We need clearer messaging around goals, trade-offs, and timelines, along with consistent sharing of data and context to build trust.

Transparent, data-informed communication that reflects real family experiences should guide our decisions. We must build a culture where choices are both evidence-based and community-informed.

We must also improve academic equity and opportunity. Families are asking: Is my child being challenged? Supported? Do all students have access to enrichment, early intervention, and consistent, high-quality instruction across schools? We need continued investment in teacher development, curriculum alignment, and clear success metrics.

Finally, we’re navigating complex, long-term changes around transportation, school start times, and capital upgrades. These decisions must be made holistically, with attention to student well-being, equity of access, and long-term sustainability—not rushed or one-size-fits-all solutions.

These are real challenges—but also real opportunities to rebuild trust, improve outcomes, and shape a district that better serves our students, families, and broader community.

Amanda Wallwin is a Trustee of the Union Free School District of the Tarrytowns, having been first elected in 2022. She is proud to have been part of securing a historic $87 million bond to renovate schools across the district. She sits on the policy committee, leading a full review of the district’s policy manual. She is a member of Local Progress’ Organizing Committee, working with other school board members and local elected officials to build a strong network for progressive change across the state. 

In her professional life, Amanda has dedicated her career to making government work. She spent over a decade as a chief of staff in the New York State Assembly. In that role, she drafted and passed a variety of legislation, including bills to decriminalize face masks at the height of the COVID epidemic, to prevent the automatic fingerprinting of foster youth and to permit senior citizens to synchronize their prescriptions. She also led a busy constituent services team, helping residents navigate government services. Currently, she advocates for state level policy changes to prevent and correct wrongful convictions in state capitals across the country with the Innocence Project. 

Amanda is a graduate of Vassar College and also holds a master’s degree in public affairs, with a concentration in education policy from the Marxe School of Public and International Affairs at Baruch College. She lives in Tarrytown with her husband Philippe, and her son, Jamie.

I’m running for reelection because there’s still work to do. I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished as a board and a district in the last three years: 

*Passing a bond measure in a landslide to begin much-needed renovations of our schools and facilities
*Expanding services for our students through a community schools model
*Strengthening our relationships with other elected officials, both within our community and across the state
*Developing student-centered policies, including a revised code of conduct and a policy guiding the addition of a student to the Board of Education

Our efforts aren’t done, though. In a time when public education is under fire, I’m determined to ensure that our schools continue to be a welcoming environment for every kid, and that every kid gets the chance to maximize their own unique potential. The next three years promise to be challenging for schools and our kids need someone in their corner who will fight to protect them and to champion public education.

I’m a current Trustee on the Board of Education, resident of Tarrytown and mom to a toddler who will be a member of the class of 2041 and already loves Horseman Family Saturdays!

I’m a strong communicator with an extensive understanding of how government works and a willingness to ask difficult questions. I’ve spent my career navigating opaque government structures and shedding light on how they function. As a trustee, I’ve aimed to be open and transparent with our community and I intend to continue that work in a second term.

It’s impossible to ignore the chaos at the federal level. Each day, we hear news of a new executive order that has implications on our operations or looming budget cuts that may or may not be mitigated by the state. Our district is navigating unprecedented uncertainty and navigating that requires experience and as well as an understanding of the larger landscape under which we operate.

We cannot let this turbulence distract us from our larger goals, however. The students of the district need us more than ever and in the face of larger regressive forces, we have to continue to ensure every kid is getting a rigorous education in a safe space. That means pushing forward with our plans to modernize our facilities, reviewing and updating curricula across the district and meeting the needs of our families so kids come to school prepared to learn. Our kids deserve trustees who will stand up for them and fight for public education.