BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jamie Pacuk - Chair

Jamie has been teaching for the past 15 years in Westport, CT and has worked at both the middle and high school levels. She holds a bachelor’s  degree in English from WestConn, a masters in Education from Fairfield U, and an Administrator Certificate from Sacred Heart. She is also an Associate Faculty member at Post University where she teaches an online College Writing course. She actively serves on multiple committees designed to help improve student experiences and support student success. At home in Sandy Hook, she is excited to have this opportunity to support innovation and creativity for all students in Newtown. Jamie’s two boys are active in Newtown sports and her husband volunteers his time as a coach and is the Junior Cal Ripken Director and a board member of Babe Ruth Baseball. Jamie and her family are thankful to be a part of this amazing community. 

Michael O’Connor - Treasurer

Mike has spent the past 20 years leveraging technology to drive innovation in many of the worlds leading Life Sciences companies, both as a consultant and in house. He is currently at Prozio Life Sciences where he is Senior Vice President and Chief Product Officer. Mike holds a Bachelors in Computer Science from WCSU as well as a Masters in Technology Management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Mike has been living in Newtown, along with his wife and three young children, for 10 years. In his spare time, Mike enjoys Competitive Athletics, Skiing, Hiking, and traveling the world. Mike is thrilled to be a part of a foundation that is helping to introduce new, STEAM focused, opportunities to the children of Newtown.

Laura Tashjian - Secretary

Laura is the Manager of Organizational Development and Employee Engagement at a local community bank and resides in Sandy Hook with her husband Chuck and 3 children.  She has been an active member of the community during her 15 years of residence.  She served as a Board Member of the Women’s Center of Greater Danbury, volunteers at her children’s schools, chairs various PTA committees, and is the educational liaison between her organization and Newtown High School in providing Financial Literacy opportunities to the students.  Laura holds a Bachelors in Psychology from Western CT State University and a Masters in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Fairfield University.

Allyson Story

Allyson lives in Sandy Hook with her husband and two children. Allyson is an alumni of Newtown Public Schools. Allyson is currently working as an Assistant Principal in a New Fairfield,CT. Prior to that she was a third grade teacher and a Math Specialist. Allyson has her Masters degree in Curriculum Design and Assessment from Western Connecticut State University, and most recently a second Masters degree in Educational Leadership. Allyson is an active member of the community. She has served as the Chair for NEF for the past two years. She has also served as the President of the Board of Directors for her children’s child care center, Merryhill Child Care. When she’s not working she enjoys spending time with her family and traveling. Allyson is honored to be able to support the Newtown Community. 

 Deborah Lubin

Deborah loves both living and teaching in Newtown, and is thrilled that her two children attended and graduated from the Newtown Schools. Her daughter Jocelyn attends Quinnipiac University and her son Bryan is at the University of Connecticut. Deborah received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education K-6 from Central Connecticut State University and her Master’s Degree in Reading from Western CT State University. Deborah has been teaching Kindergarten in Newtown for eighteen years, and also spent one year as an Early Intervention Reading Teacher. In addition to serving on the Newtown Education Foundation, Deborah serves as a facilitator on Dr. Rodrigue’s Parent Educator Advisory Council, is on the District Social Studies Committee, Newtown SEPTA, and enjoys volunteering at Hawley PTA events. Deborah is very happy to do anything she can to support the school community.