Get To Know Jonathan Greengrass, DF's Newest School Board Member

The following is a Q&A with Jonathan Greengrass, who replaced longtime board member Anna Sterne, who opted not to run for another term. Lynne Black, whose term was also up, will remain on the board. 

Though the election was uncontested this year, we asked Greengrass a few questions to help you understand where he stands on the issues. 

1) How long have you lived in Dobbs Ferry? Do you have—or have you had—children who went to the Dobbs Ferry schools?  

• I've been in Dobbs Ferry for six years, with my wife, Ellen, a Kindergarten teacher. I have two children, one in First Grade, one in Seventh.

 2) What experience—either personal or professional—do you have that makes you a strong candidate to serve on the DF Board or Ed.?

• I have over 20 years of professional experience running non-profit organizations. I have dealt with complicated budgets and have significant experience working at education-related organizations. I've volunteered as President of Friends of for past 3 years and been active in a wide array of local school efforts. I'm caring and passionate about education.

3) What issues facing the district do you feel most strongly about? (property taxes, curriculum, services for students with special needs, academic or extra-curricular programs etc.)

• There are a combination of issues. One is keeping expenses as low as possible and maximizing the amount of resources that are inside the classroom. I believe it's important that reading, communication and critical thinking remain as top priorities so that Dobbs Ferry students are prepared to take on challenges of college and beyond. Working to support the excellent teachers in our district with professional development opportunities so they can continue to grow and provide our students with what they need to be successful.