2025 Candidate for Rondout Valley Board of Education
Vote at the District Office (122 Kyserike Rd) on May 20th between 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Welcome!
I'm Dimity Palmer-Smith, a Rondout Valley parent with nearly two decades of experience in the education field. From New York City classrooms to national nonprofits, I've dedicated my career to addressing educational inequity. When I'm not working, you'll find me volunteering with our local schools, coaching AYSO soccer, and exploring our beautiful Hudson Valley with my family.
Join me, and together let’s make sure our schools are a place where teachers and students can thrive!
I’m a proud Rondout Valley parent.
Our family moved to High Falls in 2015. Our two children currently attend Marbletown Elementary School and High Meadow School. I believe that every child should have access to an excellent education and that public education should work for everyone. I am deeply committed to ensuring our local district meets the needs of all students and that school is a place where students feel a sense of joy, curiosity, inspiration, and belonging.
What I believe
Teachers should be empowered to facilitate meaningful, real-world learning experiences through high-impact instruction, leading to engaged learners.
Well-being is the foundation for success in schools, fostering a positive culture that supports both staff and students.
Data-driven decision-making ensures a culture of continuous improvement, advancing equity in education.
Families and caregivers are important participants in their child(ren)'s education and should have opportunities to support their goals.
You can count on my experience.
I have nearly two decades of experience in improving student educational outcomes as a teacher and nonprofit leader by:
Making meaningful change within tight fiscal constraints through strategic budgeting
Supporting teachers, counselors, and leaders with the training, tools, and resources to succeed
Developing innovative, research-driven programs to support students from historically marginalized communities
Obtaining educational grants to support data-driven and high-impact college and career programming
I have succeeded in supporting these improvements on a national scale and I am deeply excited to bring my knowledge and experience to the Rondout Valley Board of Education.
Roots in the classroom.
I started my career as a teacher in the New York City school district. My work as a classroom teacher helps ensure that students are always at the center of my work and that student voice is a part of every conversation. This photo was from my first year of teaching with my 6th grade class at P.S. 325!
Learn about two other great candidates!
This year, I’m excited to team up with two other dynamite candidates.
Vote early or absentee
Why wait? If you know you’ll be busy or out of town, request an early voting or absentee ballot below.
About Me
Dimity Palmer-Smith is a Rondout parent who has dedicated her career to expanding educational opportunities for students nationwide. Her journey in education began as a middle school teacher with Teach for America in New York City, where she developed a deep commitment to addressing systemic inequities.
Driven by this passion, Dimity co-founded and served as Executive Director of Friends of WHEELS (now Futures Ignite), a school-based nonprofit supporting college access and success for students at Washington Heights Expeditionary Learning School. She later led national college access initiatives at America Achieves and Bloomberg Philanthropies, serving as Director of Strategic Partnerships for CollegePoint, a virtual college advising program.
Now, as Director of Secondary and Postsecondary Success at EL Education, Dimity works with partner high schools across the country to strengthen postsecondary pathways for students. She focuses on developing support services that ensure students are equipped to thrive beyond high school. This includes helping schools leverage postsecondary data to improve programs and better support graduates, ensuring they have the skills, knowledge, and habits to navigate college, career, and life.
Dimity holds a Master’s in Education from Bank Street College of Education, a Master’s in Teaching from Pace University, and a Bachelor of Arts from Tulane University. Based in the Hudson Valley, she serves on her local District Equity Council and stays active in her community by coaching her two sons’ soccer teams and exploring nature with her family.
Dimity is also a proud first-generation American with Italian, British, and Jewish heritage and an international family. She brings her multi-cultural background and love of language to her work, enabling her to understand and integrate different perspectives.
Join the campaign!
Learn how you can help me get elected and stay up to date.
Thank you for your support!
Vote on May 20th from 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM at the District Office.
122 Kyserike Rd between the middle and high schools (directions here).
© 2025 Dimity Palmer-Smith
