Brewster Board of Education Biographies

Kerry F. Cunningham:

Kerry Cunningham has been a member of the school board since May 2017.  During that time, she has served on the Finance Committee, Audit Committee, Wellness Committee and the Facilities Planning Task Force.  In July 2020, she was elected President of the Board.  Kerry has three children who have attended or attend Brewster schools.  

Kerry says, "As a member of the Board, I've come to understand the importance of public education in our country and the challenges school districts face in educating all of the children in any district.   It is vital for our community and district to work together to provide a comprehensive education to our students that includes both exceptional curricular offerings and a wide-variety of extra-curricular options."

Looking forward, Kerry hopes that the community supports the various capital improvements for our schools.  Aside from our students and staff, our buildings and grounds are the most vital assets our district has.  As a community, we need to ensure that the school facilities are responsibly improved and maintained in order to provide our students with a safe and positive learning environment.  

Asked what she likes best about the Brewster community, Cunningham said she values the fact that her children “have a safe place to grow up."

Erik Grutzner:  

In his second year as a Board trustee, Erik Grutzner is looking to ensure that every Brewster student and family benefits from the district’s success. “There seems to be a great deal of pride in the community and passion about the district,” he said.

Grutzner’s daughter is in fourth grade and his son is in sixth grade and he noted that, as his children have gotten older and moved through the schools, he has become more aware of the district’s accomplishments and challenges. “I feel that my experience and perspective will be helpful going forward,” he said.

“I believe that the true measure of success for a Board of Education is an over-reaching commitment to the students and families of the district,” he said. “Every accomplishment that enhances the experience of our students is important.” 

Grutzner, who is the Police Chief in Pleasantville, NY, points to STEM and fine arts instruction as two areas he is especially interested in seeing continue to grow in the district, as they provide critical connections for students. He also looks forward to introducing the new superintendent to the district, and vice versa. “Successfully navigating that process may be the most important job the Board will have during my time.”

Francine Santos:

Coming soon. 

Dehisy Jimenez-Vazquez:

Coming soon.

Cynthia Fox:

Coming soon.

Leonor Volpe:

Coming soon.

Jamie Callanan:

Jamie Callanan is a mom of three BCSD students and is herself a graduate of Brewster. Jamie has been actively involved in our community and BCSD for many years, including serving as a member of several BCSD committees and task forces.

Jamie works in the corporate sector and, although she understands that education is most certainly not corporate, the two are not mutually exclusive.  She sees firsthand the skills our children need to learn to be successful leaders and employees.  She also understands the importance of clear communication, transparency, accountability and fiscal responsibility – attributes she brings to her role as trustee.  Jamie’s goals for becoming a board trustee focus on ensuring our children have the opportunity to gain a great education in Brewster Schools and that we foster a positive learning and work environment for all students, teachers and staff.