NYSUT President Melinda Person Visits Brewster Central School District

On Friday, January 16, 2026,  the Brewster Teachers’ Association proudly welcomed NYSUT President Melinda Person to the Brewster Central School District for an in-depth tour highlighting the district’s innovative programs, strong community partnerships, and the outstanding work of Brewster educators.

President Person was greeted at C.V. Starr Intermediate School by BTA President Paul George, district administrators, and members of the NYSUT team. The visit focused on several key areas aligned with NYSUT priorities, including arts pathways, student well-being through recess and play, scholarships and community fundraising, career and technical education, universal Pre-K, and student leadership.
The tour began in the C.V. Starr art room, where Art Teacher and District Visual Arts Coordinator Danielle Michielini shared how Brewster’s arts pathway supports creativity, student expression, and long-term engagement in the visual arts. President Person then visited C.V. Starr’s new playground to observe and discuss the role of recess and play in supporting students’ social-emotional learning and overall well-being, an initiative NYSUT continues to elevate statewide. Conversations with teachers and administrators underscored the importance of protecting unstructured play as an essential part of the school day.

Next, President Person met with Scholarship Chairperson Kathryn Marchionno to learn more about the BTA’s scholarship program and its annual 5K fundraiser. The discussion highlighted how union-led community engagement directly supports Brewster students and families.

The visit continued at Brewster High School, where President Person heard directly from students and staff involved in the district’s P-TECH program. Teachers and guidance staff described how the program provides students with college credit, internships, and clear pathways to careers. Student voices were central to this portion of the visit, underscoring the real-world impact of career-readiness programs.

President Person also toured Career and Technical Education offerings, including the carpentry and home improvement course taught by Brewster educators at both the middle and high school levels. The class showcases practical life skills, problem-solving, and hands-on learning that prepare students for future careers and independent living.

Additional stops at Brewster High School included the Bears Essentials and Life Skills programs, which support students in developing independence and confidence, and a visit with NJROTC students to discuss leadership, citizenship, and service learning.

During her visit, President Person also toured John F. Kennedy Elementary School, where discussions focused on the importance of universal Prekindergarten and its role in supporting early learning and long-term student success. Educators shared how access to high-quality Pre-K programs helps close opportunity gaps, supports social and emotional development, and sets a strong foundation for future academic growth. The conversation reinforced NYSUT’s commitment to expanding universal Pre-K and ensuring that all students, regardless of background, have equitable access to early childhood education.

The tour concluded with reflections on the strength of Brewster’s programs, the dedication of its educators, and the district’s commitment to meeting students’ academic, social, and emotional needs. President Person also had the opportunity to view capital project improvements and specialized resources that further support student learning.
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The Brewster Teachers’ Association was proud to showcase the incredible work happening across the district and to highlight how BTA members are creating meaningful opportunities for students every day. The visit was a powerful reminder of the impact educators have when they are supported, heard, and valued.

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