BOE Member Profiles
Pearl River School District Board of Education
The Pearl River School District Board of Education consists of five members - a president, vice president and three members. They are elected at large for three year terms. The Board functions as a unit and makes resolutions about the District's educational programs and financial matters. Their actions have the force of law in the District's schools, and the control and supervision of school district property. Within the framework of education law, the Board concerns itself with broad questions of policy, both their own and those recommended by its executive officer, the Superintendent of Schools. As the legislative and policy-making body of the district, the Board is firmly committed to provide the best education possible within the resources of the Pearl River School District, always striving for continuous improvement.
Two student representatives, a junior and senior in good standing at Pearl River High School, participate actively on the Board. Students are selected in their junior year to a two-year term through an application and interview process with the HS Administrators. They represent the student body and report to the board on district activities and accomplishments at each meeting.
Jackie Dubil Craig
A District resident for over 34 years, BOE President Jackie Dubil Craig was appointed to the Board of Education in July 2018. Mrs. Dubil Craig has three children (two currently attending Pearl River High School) — Jack, a sophomore in college, and senior twins Riley and Ryan. Mrs. Dubil Craig holds three Advanced Certificates of Study in Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis, and School District Administration, and has completed several PhD courses at Fordham University. As a Behavioral Analyst and Director of Behavioral Services, she is currently employed at Bergen County Special Services overseeing public school programs for individuals with autism. Mrs. Dubil Craig also serves as an adjunct professor for special education at Dominican College and St. Thomas Aquinas College. Currently, Mrs. Dubil Craig serves on the Rockland BOCES Board of Education. Her involvement in the PRSD includes: Curriculum Advisory Council member, as well as serving on several PRSD PTA executive boards including Lincoln Avenue PTA President for two years, SEPTA past President/Vice President, and PRMS PTA Vice President for two years. Mrs. Dubil Craig's community involvement includes: Pearl River Little League Fall Ball coach, Rockland United Football Club parent manager, St. Aedan’s CCD teacher for 1st Holy Communion students with autism, and Boy Scout and Girl Scout troop leader. Her term with the school board expires in June 2024.
Denise Caunitz
A lifelong District resident, Denise Caunitz was elected to the Board of Education in May 2022. Receiving the highest number of votes, she began her term immediately — filling the vacated seat formerly held by Bruce Bond. Mrs. Caunitz has three children — Ryan (a sixth grader at Pearl River Middle School), Paige (a third grader at Franklin Avenue Elementary School) and Dylan (a pre-K student at Tall Pines Nursery School). She holds a Masters in Education from Mercy College, a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Psychology from Manhattanville College, and is a graduate of Pearl River High School and St. Margaret's School. Mrs. Caunitz is currently employed as a teacher in the South Orangetown Central School District. She is an active member within the PRSD community — serving as a Pearl River Little League board member, a St. Margaret's CYO board member, and a youth sports coach in baseball, softball and t-ball. Her term with the school board runs through June 30, 2025.
Terrence Cortelli
A District resident for almost 18 years, Terrence Cortelli lives with his wife and two children, Thomas and Emily, both of whom attend Pearl River High School. A graduate of Clarkstown South High School, Mr. Cortelli holds a Doctor of Law from Pace School of Law (Cum Laude) along with a Bachelor of Arts in History/Philosophy from Fordham University. Mr. Cortelli is a law firm partner at StolzenbergCortelli, LLP and has previously served as partner/attorney at Lever & Stolzenberg, a senior associate at Wilson Elser and as a staff attorney (clerkship) at NYS Court of Appeals. His community involvement includes: NYS Bar Association member; NYS Trial Lawyers Association member; Orangetown Lacrosse coach; and a former Palisades Predators Ice Hockey coach. His term with the school board expires June 30, 2025.
Thomas DePrisco
A District resident for 18 years, Thomas DePrisco served on the Board of Education for 12 years prior to his appointment in May 2021. Currently residing on Quake Lane with his wife Lorraine, Mr. DePrisco graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Elementary Education and a Master of Science in Special Education, both from Hunter College. He is currently a New York City junior high school teacher and held several positions prior including: NYPD Police Captain — precinct commander who conducted numerous sensitive investigations; NYC Office of Emergency Management Deputy Commissioner — coordinated multi-agency resources at all major emergencies/incidents occurring within NYC; and manager of Pearl River Nauraushaun Swim Club. Mr. DePrisco's involvement in the community includes: Pearl River Board of Education (2008-2024), including several years serving as President and Vice President; an active member of the Rockland BOCES School Board, an active member of the Rockland County School Boards Association; participant in the Rockland County Youth & Police Initiative; a Saint Aedan’s Parish CCD teacher and lector; and former member of PRSD PTAs. His term with the school board expires in June 2024.
Dr. Kathleen Ann Kelley
District Clerk
Kathleen Hamlin
districtclerk@pearlriver.org
(845) 620-3924
The District Clerk is the official secretary to the Board of Education.
Jennifer Amaya Mazariego
Jennifer Amaya Mazariego is Pearl River High School's 12th grade student representative for the 2023-24 school year.
DAVID GHOBRIAL
David Ghobrial is Pearl River High School's 11th grade student representative for the 2023-24 school year.