Board of Education

DARRELL DeMOTTA, PRESIDENT

My name is Darrell K. DeMotta, I am a retired, service-disabled Air Force veteran with over 20 years of military service and currently serve as the Advisor for Strategic Initiatives to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of OPRE for the Administration for Children and Families at the Department of HHS in Washington DC. I hold an MBA along with multiple certifications from Cornell and Syracuse University in Business and Operational Leadership.

I’ve been a part of this community since 2014 and remain committed to collaborating with students, parents, teachers, administrators, and community members to support the ongoing growth and success of the Lyme Central School District.

I am rooted in servant leadership—prioritizing people, transparency, and collaboration to drive meaningful progress. I look forward to serving, listening first, leading with integrity, and always keeping students at the center of our decisions. 

CARRIE MITCHELL, VICE-PRESIDENT

Hi, I am Carrie Mitchell, I have lived most of my life in the Town of Lyme and was a graduate of LCS in 1979. I have been a hairstylist for 45 years, working at various salons in Watertown. I raised two daughters, both of which are also Lyme graduates. My oldest daughter is currently living in California with her military husband and their three daughters. My youngest daughter is a pet groomer and the owner of her own business in Watertown.

In the past, I have been very active at Lyme Central. Having been a member of the PTSO for several years, and also as a former member of the Board of Education from 2005-2007. Currently, I am Co-president of the Lyme Central School Alumni Association and Co-president of the Caring for Cats Sanctuary in the Town of Lyme.

DEANNA LOTHROP, MEMBER

My name is Deanna Lothrop and I have been a resident of Chaumont since 1996 and a school board member since 2006. I retired from Jefferson Community College in June 2024. I was also an adjunct instructor for Early Childhood Education for JCC and SUNY Potsdam’s graduate program. I worked for Jefferson-Lewis BOCES for 10 years and have worked in the early childhood field since 1982. I hold 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. I am a founding member of the Lyme Community Foundation and a board member for New Day Children’s Center. I live in Chaumont with my husband, Jerri. Our three children are all Lyme graduates, Ashley (class of ‘07), Joshua (class of ‘09), and Cody (class of ‘16). We have five grandchildren, with three currently attending Lyme.

I feel my degrees and knowledge in education and my experience working at BOCES provide me with a strong background on how school districts operate. The relationships I have created with administrators and teachers from all BOCES districts have been invaluable to me in my years on the board. I am proud that I played an integral part in bringing the UPK program to Lyme so many years ago and I will continue to support the administration and staff in preparing today’s students to be tomorrow’s citizens!!

KATHY GARDNER, MEMBER

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.

CASSANDRA SHULER, MEMBER

Hi, my name is Casey Shuler. I graduated from the State University of NY at Geneseo with a degree in Economics and Secondary Education. My professional journey led to the business world, where I have held leadership roles at American Express and Capital One. For the past 18 years, I have had the pleasure to call Lyme home. My husband Pete, currently the Varsity Baseball Coach, and I are actively involved at LCS with our two children in 6th and 9th grades. I am passionate about fostering educational excellence, strengthening community ties, and helping guide students toward a brighter future. With my strong background in business and deep roots in the community, I am dedicated to bringing thoughtful, progressive change to the Board of Education.

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.

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.