Current Highland Falls-Fort Montgomery Central School District Superintendent Michael McElduff did not know Roxanne Donnery, who led the district’s Board of Education as its president and vice president for nearly two decades. But, he said last week that he’s heard stories about her passion for protecting the children of the HF-FMCSD, and thus was in support of the naming of the O’Neill High School Library in her honor.

That official naming took place on March 6, when the current board unanimously passed a resolution the library the Roxanne Donnery Memorial Library. There is a large sign over the entrance to the third-floor space declaring it such.

The resolution “proudly acknowledges the extraordinary contributions and unwavering dedication of Roxanne Donnery” to the community and specifically to the Highland Falls-Fort Montgomery Central School District; noting she spent years “demonstrating the highest level of professionalism, integrity, and leadership in her commitment to the success of our schools”.

It continues: “Whereas Roxanne Donnery’s passion and tireless advocacy were instrumental in securing and preserving federal funding for our district, even after she was no longer on the Board of Education, ensuring that our students received the resources and opportunities they deserved; and whereas Roxanne Donnery went above and beyond for this community, the district, and most importantly, our students, serving as their champion, voice, and steadfast advocate during the times they needed it most; now, therefore, be it resolved that in recognition of her remarkable legacy, unwavering service, and profound impact on generations of students, the Highland Falls-Fort Montgomery Board of Education proudly dedicates the James I. O’Neill Library as the Roxanne Donnery Memorial Library, a lasting tribute to her extraordinary contributions and enduring spirit.”

Donnery died on January 2, 2023. After serving on the HF-FMCSD’s BOE, Donnery went on to serve as an Orange County legislator, but stayed on in a volunteer role as the district’s liaison to the federal government on the topic of Impact Aid.

“While I didn’t have the privilege of meeting Roxanne, I know the impact she had on our district,” McElduff said. “I’ve heard the stories about her courageous efforts to ensure that our children had a school district to all home.”

He recounted the story he has heard about her walking straight up to then-President Bill Clinton in a restaurant in 1997, bypassing his Secret Service agents, to tell him that he needed to do something to get the HF-FMCSD its designated Impact Aid.

“She was a relentless champion for our schools and for equitable funding ensuring that our students would have the same educational opportunities as their peers across the county, state and country,” McElduff continued. “She understood the unique challenges our community faces, recognizing only seven percent of our land is taxable and that the burden of funding our schools can’t fall solely on local taxpayers. And she made sure that message was heard.”

When the board adopted the resolution, the move got a standing ovation from board members and those in the audience.

“This designation is for her unwavering efforts for our students,” McElduff concluded. “It’s a tribute to a woman whose legacy will continue to inspire generations of students, educators and advocates. Roxanne was never one to shy away from difficult conversations and she was fearless in her pursuit of what was right, using her voice for change. While the work is not done and challenges remain, we continue to fight the fight she started, for full Impact Aid funding for our students.”