Q&A with the DVSD school board candidates

A note from our publisher, Jeanne Straus:

There are eight candidates running for four open seats on the school board, with each term four years long.

After being unable to bring the candidates together in one place for a community forum, The Pike County Courier reached back out to ask all of them the same five questions.

Candidates were limited to 75 words for their responses, and two sentences for their bios.

Candidates were first contacted Thursday, October 21. They were given until Sunday evening to respond to the questions, provide photos, and make edits to their bios.

Despite multiple calls and emails, Derek Smith did not respond. We have published his bio here, using details from a press release he earlier submitted to the paper.

Elizabeth Mallard is on the ballot, but has moved out of the area and is not actually running. She has asked voters to write in Meg Rosenfeld.

The Pike County Courier is pleased to present this information as a public service.

Election Day is November 2, 2021.

Click on Each Candidate’s Name to See Q&A Responses:

Jessica A. Decker, (R, Incumbent). Mother of two DVSD students and school board Vice President. Teacher and director of an early childhood learning center with a bachelor’s degree in childhood education, and a master’s in curriculum and instruction.

E.K. Guyre, (D). E.K. Guyre has lived in the district for four years, holds a BSW, and has family in the schools. She is an active volunteer with local community groups, including Delaware Valley Action!, and is excited to continue working with the community to keep Pike County the wonderful place that it is.

John Johnson, (D). I am a 16 year Pike County resident and father of 3 DV students with a Masters in psychology, and a licensed and board certified behavior analyst with over 21 years of experience in the field of mental health. I specialize in helping those with autism, developmental disabilities, and mental health needs reach their full potential; have led departments, presented at national conferences, and found money for needed programs.

Pam Lutfy, (R, Incumbent). Pamela Lutfy has worked in education for over 30 years and has served as a school board director for 25. She holds a master’s degree in Education and a B.S. in Speech and Language Therapy. She is also the founder and director of The Sunshine Station early learning center, which has served the community since 1992.

Meg Rosenfeld, (D, Write-In). Meg Rosenfeld has a background in early childhood education, teacher education, curriculum development and school administration; she is currently a legal professional and is earning a secondary degree. Meg has been a resident of Pike County for 11 years and her four children currently attend school in the DVSD district.

Felicia Sheehan, (R, Incumbent). A resident of Dingman Township since 1988. DVSD graduate, a Licensed NYS Property and Casualty Insurance Broker, Registered Tax Preparer for over 20 years; proud NYS Department of Corrections Lieutenant’s wife of 18 years, mother of three children, all of whom attend DVSD.

Rosemary Walsh, (D, Incumbent). Longtime Pike County resident and retired DVSD substitute teacher and reading specialist. Mother to three DVSD grads and former PTA officer.

Derek Smith, (R). Pike County resident and attorney at the Law Office of Charles Kannebecker in Milford. Father of two future DVSD students. Smith did not participate in this Q&A.