Matthew Watkins was named vice president of the Pine Bush Board of Education at their reorganizational meeting on July 13. This will be his first year serving as vice president, a title which was previously held by Cara Robertson. At the meeting, Gretchen Meier was also named president of the school board, a position she has held since the 2018-19 school year.

Watkins was nominated for the position by fellow board member Ross Tompkins. This motion was seconded by Robertson before it was unanimously accepted. Tompkins noted that he nominated Watkins because of his diverse experiences. He serves as a trustee for the Pine Bush Area Public Library, is a Town of Shawangunk councilman and sat on the advisory board for his alma mater SUNY Delhi. Tompkins added that he made the nomination because Watkins truly cares about his community.

As vice president, Watkins aims to help enhance education for all students in the district.

“There are some students that may not be studious but they have other skills and we’re offering significant opportunities to them through the S.T.A.R.S. Program, through our STEM Program,” he said. “What happens is it affords the students the opportunity to take alternate courses to education and if they do not wish to go to college they have the ability of making a significant income, like $25-$30 an hour right out of high school.”

Watkins also plans to help the district become a more inclusive place. As vice president, he will enforce the goals and objectives of the board.

Watkins has served on the board for three years total, serving during the 2016-17 school year as well as the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years. During his time as a board member, he helped the district navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic. Watkins helped Pine Bush deal with continuously changing federal, state and county guidelines in order to keep education moving forward so students did not fall behind.

As a member of the school board, Watkins also helped the district accept the Gene Haas Innovation Center Grant, which provided additional improvements to the district’s technology department. This has given students the opportunity to have hands-on training and get a skilled job directly out of high school.

In addition, during Watkins’ time on the board, he helped them approve a $75 million capital project to bring the district school buildings up to par. This project is being supported by state and federal grants.

Watkins is the father of twins Connor and Alexandra who just graduated from Pine Bush High School this year. His other daughter Amanda is a rising junior at the high school. Watkins was happy that he was named vice president.

“I appreciate the trust and faith my fellow trustees have in me to fill that position,” he said.