Familiar Face Appointed to Board of Education Vacancy
Middletown City School District (MCSD) is pleased to announce the appointment of Verlena Stewart to the Board of Education (BOE), filling the seat vacated by Cathie Mulligan's recent departure.
"It saddened me to learn of Cathie's departure. I wish her well and I hope she remains as active as possible. Her magnificent mind and contributions to MCSD will be greatly missed," Stewart said. "I am honored to serve on the BOE and look forward to rejoining the team."
Stewart is no stranger to the BOE, having been appointed previously, serving from October 2022 to December 2023. Her return to the BOE ensures continuity in leadership and a strong commitment to the students, families, and educators of Middletown.
"Verlena's absence was deeply felt, as she has always been a steadfast advocate for Middletown students, ensuring that the well-being and success of every child are at the forefront of our decisions," Superintendent Debbie Houser said. "Her return brings back a vital voice in the community, and I am confident that her passion, dedication, and insight will continue to guide us as we work together to create the best possible educational environment for our children. Welcome back, Ms. Stewart– we have missed you!"
Stewart is a dedicated advocate for quality education and has been an active participant in numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing the educational experience for all students.
"Verlena brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to our community, making her an invaluable addition to the BOE. With prior experience serving on the BOE, she has already demonstrated a profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities in our school district," BOE President Chris Urso said.
A Middletown resident for more than 50 years, Stewart has a long history of involvement in the Middletown community. She is a graduate of Middletown High School (MHS), her children are MHS graduates, and her grandchildren are current students at MCSD. She currently serves as the Executive Director at the Community Building Institute (CBI) in Middletown.
"Verlena's intelligence, respect, and tireless work ethic have earned her a stellar reputation within the community. She is known for her thoughtful decision-making, her ability to work effectively with others, and her unwavering dedication to the success of our students," Urso said. "The BOE is unanimous in its support of Verlena, confident that she will bring fresh ideas and a strong sense of purpose to our shared mission."
Cathie Mulligan resigned from her position on the BOE, effective July 31, 2024, due to progressing physical symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Stewart will serve the remainder of Mulligan's term, which expires in December 2025.
