About

Mission

The Foundation for Bedford Central Schools is a New York not-for-profit corporation created to enhance learning opportunities for students of all seven schools within the district. Our volunteer initiative is composed of community citizens, alumni, educators, parents, and local and regional businesses.

The Foundation collaborates with experts, district faculty and administrators to explore meaningful and innovative ways to strengthen academic, social and emotional learning beyond traditional education experiences. The Foundation promotes forward-thinking educational initiatives with the overarching goal of supporting life-long learners and an educated citizenry.

Who We Are

The Foundation board is composed of individuals from the district’s communities who are your neighbors, perhaps your friends and acquaintances. You probably know many of us from around town. Several, if not all, have been involved in school leadership--from PTA/PTO involvement to event planning and volunteering, neighborhood school committee work and participation in the district-wide citizen advisory committees established several years ago. Our board includes individuals with diverse backgrounds who add depth of experience to our ongoing inquiry into what constitutes high-quality public education that meets the needs of every student in our district. We welcome your participation on our governing board, working subcommittees, and Friends Group. Please contact us for more information or get to know us by attending one of our community outreach events or becoming a supporter at one of our always-entertaining fundraisers.

2024-2025 Officers: 

Kristina Nye Weise, Co-Chair

Elizabeth Krajewski, Co-Chair

Lisa Green, Treasurer

Sarah Evans Larsen, Secretary

Board Members:

Jen Coleman was a freelance proofreader and high school ELA teacher before taking time away to focus on writing. She holds masters degrees in Creative Writing, Literature, and Education. Most recently, she spent three years on the parenting organization at West Patent Elementary.

Ashley Dyke is an actor and producer, known for roles in film, television, and theater, including the Academy Award winning movie “12 Years A Slave”. She studied at NYU Tisch School, and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Theater from the University of Virginia. 

Lisa Green is a learning and development executive, with expertise in designing technical training programs. She spent seven years as co-chair for the enrichment programs at Bedford Hills Elementary school.

Katasha Harley is a senior human resources executive and has worked across media, advertising, beauty and non-profit industries. She holds a masters in industrial and organizational psychology and has made it a mission to foster more inclusive workplaces.

Elizabeth Krajewski is an executive producer and consultant in film and content, with a focus in climate awareness and amplifying new voices. She has partnered with the UN on projects for Climate and Women’s rights.

Sarah Evans Larsen is a consultant in the health care practice of a global executive search and leadership advisory firm. 

Lauren Locke is the owner of a consulting business in sales and marketing, specifically in food and social media. She launched Distil, an organic, refillable cleaning supply business, contributor to BVESA committees and organizer of cause related community bake sales that have resulted in over $10,000 raised.

Gayle Mazlish is a food consultant, registered nutritionist, and adjunct professor at New York University who works with corporations, schools, and individuals.

Alia Ornstein is a Legal, Operations, and People professional who has litigated, farmed, and helped helm companies. She enjoys working with change-makers.  She has centered her career on driving impact for broader communities -- most recently as the Chief Operating Officer of Brooklyn Grange -- a rooftop farming, urban landscaping, and events company.  Alia is a PRES PTA Board Member who also helps support curriculum enrichment, and she coaches local youth sports teams.

Nell Shapiro taught middle school ELA and early childhood prior to serving as a school director for 3 years. Currently running her own startup unrelated to education, Nell has served on BCSD SAAC and DEIB committees since moving to Bedford. She holds a Masters Degree in Mind, Brain, and Education and a Bachelors in English Education.

Christie Sasso is an anesthesiologist who worked at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mt Kisco for 10 years. She is a certified yoga teacher, with a special interest in yoga as a coping mechanism for children and teens. She is an active member of the BCSD community for both WPESA and FLMS.

Patricia Sepulveda previously worked as an Obstetrical/Gynecological nurse for over 10 years in Mount Kisco. She is currently pursuing a Masters in Health Information Management at City University of New York. She is an active community member at MKES, classroom parent and passionate about motherhood, women’s health and an advocate for mental health and community. 

Clare Sherwood is a corporate lawyer who served for many years on the governing board of the Fox Lane High School Association.

Kristina Nye Weise worked for seven years as a financial journalist at CNN and CNBC. More recently, Kristina served as co-president of the parent organizations of Fox Lane High School and Mount Kisco Elementary School. 

Advisory Board Members:

Kathy M. Lynch is a litigation attorney, an adjunct professor at City University of New York, and a member of the Village of Mount Kisco Board of Ethics. She is actively involved in local organizations that advocate for equal access to justice.

History

In the early 1800s, Bedford was one of the first communities to take advantage of state funding to provide public education to local children. The Stone Jug Schoolhouse on the Village Green in Bedford, completed in 1829, is a community landmark. Over nearly two hundred years, area schools have grown and have been rebuilt, condensed, and reconfigured into the seven schools that exist today. 

In 2011, a group of community residents from the five towns making up the Bedford Central School District responded to a call from the superintendent to establish a foundation to support educational initiatives for all seven schools in the district. A smaller working group continued to meet for the next twelve months to envision, design, and create the legal and governing structure for the Foundation for Bedford Central Schools. In the winter of 2012, this task was complete, and the Foundation was fully authorized to conduct its not-for-profit business.

In March of 2013, a survey was conducted of the staff of Bedford Central Schools. The questions were designed to identify the educational climate of the District and to produce data to determine the Foundation’s focus areas for its work.  A summary of key findings is available here.

In the spring of 2013, the Foundation received its first donation. With these funds, the governing board authorized the creation of a district-wide database of alumni and supporters with the help of community volunteers.  

Over the past several years, the governing board has grown, outreach to the community has expanded to include sold-out annual fundraisers, and district-wide mailings have been created to inform the community about the Foundation’s annual and often multi-year project gifts made across district schools and to highlight the board’s working relationships with district educators, administration, and community partners. Workshops and events hosted throughout the year bring visibility of the Foundation’s work and additional resources to the community.