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Board of Trustees

St. Mary's School for the Deaf Board of Trustees

Roles and Responsibilities 

One of the primary responsibilities is to uphold fiduciary duty, and to protect all of the School's assets and funds.  While the day-to-day management of the School is the responsibility of the Superintendent, administration, and staff, the Board of Trustees focuses on larger and broader decisions that affect the School's mission and strategic planning matters.

Positions and Roles of the Board of Trustees:

  • Chairperson:  The highest-ranking member and leader of the board.
  • Vice-Chairperson:  The Chairperson's second in command.  If the chairperson retires or vacates their position, the Vice-Chairperson assumes their duties.
  • Secretary:  Is the main contact between board members, and primary record keeper of meeting minutes.
  • Treasurer:  Handles the School's financial records.
  • Board Member:  General board members are trustees or directors without a specific role, but offer valuable insight and assist in decision making as a group.

The Board of Trustees meets quarterly throughout the academic year, and consists of multiple sub-committees who also meet quarterly. 

Board of Trustees 2024-2025

Catherine M. Griswold, Ed.D, Chairperson

Jacob Leffler, Vice Chairperson

Michael Grimaldi, Treasurer

Lauren Bronneberg, Secretary

Aimee Bell, SMSD Superintendent

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John Borkowski
Vicky-Marie Brunette
Allison S. Davis, Ed.D
Kristin Devereaux
Beth Ann Finster, SSJ
Betsy Hicks-McDonald, PhD
Christopher Kerr, MD
Lisa Krieger
Gregg W. Moore
Joseph Vicario
David Young
Michael Zionts, MD

Sean Ryan, NYS Assemblyman (Ex-Officio)

In Loving Memory

  • Sister Mary Lou Schnitzer, SSJ entered into eternal rest on April 12, 2022

    SMSD was saddened to hear of the passing of Sister Mary Lou Schnitzer.  Sister was an integral part of our community, always taking a Child First Approach, going above and beyond to support us.

    Sister Mary Lou served as the Vice-Chair on the Board of Trustees as well as Chair and a member of many different committees.  We will be forever grateful to Sister; she will be sorely missed.

    Photo of Sister Mary Lou Schnitzer, SSJ

    SCHNITZER - Sr. Mary Lou SSJ Of Clarence, entered eternal rest on April 12, 2022, at age 70. Loving daughter of the late Harold and Mary (nee Perry) Schnitzer; survived by cherished cousins and Sisters in her Religious Community. Relatives and friends may visit the Sisters of St. Joseph Residence 4975 Strickler Rd., Clarence, on Friday (April 22, 2022) from 4-7pm where a Prayer Service will be offered at 6:15 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Sisters of St. Joseph Chapel on Saturday (April 23, 2022) at 9:30 am. Interment Forest Lawn Cemetery. Please follow COVID-19 protocols. Sister was on the current Leadership Team and was the Director of Pastoral Care for the Clarence Residence. If desired, contributions may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph.

  • Sister Virginia Young entered into eternal rest on June 18, 2024.

    Sister Virginia started her career in Deaf Education in 1950 at SMSD.  Sister was great, sweet, caring and Child First share a few things about her. Sister Virginia was a fierce advocate for SMSD. For those of you, who may not have known her, the YAH is named after her and her sister.