Board of Education

DEANNA LOTHROP, PRESIDENT

Deanna has been a resident of Chaumont since 1996 and a school board member since 2006. She is currently employed at Jefferson Community College as the Director of the Collegiate Science & Technology Entry Program (CSTEP), and is also an adjunct instructor for Early Childhood Education for SUNY Potsdam’s graduate program. Deanna previously worked at Jefferson-Lewis BOCES for 10 years and has worked in the early childhood field since 1982. Deanna holds a Bachelor’s degree from Empire State College, a Master’s degree from SUNY Potsdam and a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Educational Leadership from SUNY Oswego. Deanna is a founding member of the Lyme Community Foundation, a member of the Jeff-Lewis Teacher Center Board and New Day Children’s Center Board. Deanna lives in Chaumont with her husband, Jerri. They have three children; Ashley (class of ‘07), Joshua (class of ‘09), and Cody (class of ‘16). She also has three grandchildren, all of whom will  be attending Lyme Central in the future.

KATHY GARDNER, VICE PRESIDENT

Hi, my name is Kathy Gardner and my family and I have lived in Chaumont since 2008. Our daughters graduated from Lyme. They enjoyed the small school atmosphere and the close-knit community. I enjoy being a board member and being involved with the school and community. I attend as many school functions as possible. I have a niece and 2 nephews that currently attend Lyme. I take my role as a Board of Education member very seriously, and want only the best for all of the students, faculty, and staff of Lyme Central.

LYNN REICHERT, MEMBER

I have been honored to serve as a Board Member for Lyme Central School since 2009. I feel my knowledge of disabilities and special education, plus my advocacy skills, are an asset to the board. The needs of the children in our district is my top priority. I have lived in Chaumont for 24 years and was a summer resident for ten years prior to that. I have five amazing children who I adore, three currently attending Lyme Central School, and two who previously graduated from Lyme Central School. I am currently employed at Samaritan Medical Center as a registered nurse (RN) working on the inpatient mental health floor. I look forward to the opportunity of serving our community in the best way possible.

RAY McINTOSH, MEMBER

Hello, my name is Ray McIntosh. I graduated from General Brown, and have lived here in Chaumont for 29 years. I’m married with two step-sons, Joshua and Jordan Jenkins. We have three granddaughters and two pets. I’m currently employed by Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department as a correctional officer, where I have been for 8 years. I have been on the LCS Board of Education for the past 5 years. I am also currently a member of the Lyme Rod & Gun Club and past member of the Chaumont Fire Department and the Lyme Garden Club. My hobbies include hunting, fishing, and gardening. I also enjoy spending time with my wife and our family.

DARRELL DeMOTTA, MEMBER

My name is Darrell DeMotta, I am a 20-year retired service-disabled veteran and currently the Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Chaumont.  I hold several degrees including a Bachelor's Degree in Informational Technology, and a Master's Degree in Business Administration. I first moved to the Chaumont area in 2014. It is here that I met, and later married my wife, coincidentally in the same church I now pastor. We have one son, currently a sophomore at LCS, and a daughter who will begin Pre-K at Lyme in the fall. I continue to work with the citizens, parishioners, and the community of this area through my pastoral duties and various other community projects. I now look forward to supporting our school district as the newest member of the Lyme Central Board of Education.

JON LaFONTAINE, MEMBER

While growing up in Watertown, I spent my summers in Chaumont. Our home was originally a cottage, which has been owned by our family since the land was purchased in 1903. I graduated from Watertown High School, while my wife Andrea graduated from Indian River. As we both came from large schools, we felt that our children (Callie, a freshman, and Jonny, a 7th grader) would greatly benefit from a smaller school. Our expectations have well exceeded what Lyme Central has provided them, both academically and socially. I am in my 25th year as a Clinical Discharge Planner in the Emergency Department of Samaritan Medical Center. I work extensively with children and adolescents, often working closely with area school social workers, school counselors, and school psychologists. I have served several years as an assistant coach for the Lyme Youth Commission's baseball, softball, and soccer programs. This experience has enabled me to form relationships with both parents & students in the Lyme Community. I feel that this bond with the Lyme community and my professional experience makes me an asset to the Lyme Central School Board of Education.

SHAUNA DUPEE, MEMBER

Hi, my name is Shauna Dupee. I was born and raised in Northern New York and moved to Chaumont in 2012. My husband and I chose to live in the Lyme District because we loved the local community and the small school district. I am currently employed at Community Bank as a Retail Service Officer and I have been working there for the past 19 years. I have been able to use the bank as a platform to contribute to the local community. I am most proud of a Financial Literacy program that I was instrumental in developing. I have been able to visit 3 local schools and spend time in the classroom discussing financial situations with elementary and high school students. I am also a current Board Member of the North Country Affordable Housing. I have been involved with events and fundraising for The United Way, Watertown YMCA SACC, Relay for Life and the American Heart Association. I have 2 children that currently attend Lyme. They have allowed me to form relationships with other parents and students through the youth sport programs. I believe my financial knowledge and community involvement would be a needed asset for the board. I care very much about the quality of Lyme Central School, not only for the obvious benefit to our students and children, but also as an economic anchor in our community. I would be happy to use my professional knowledge and enthusiasm for our school to assist the Board of Education.