BOE remembers Uvalde victims, talks staffing

MILLBROOK — Board of Education (BOE) President Perry Hartswick for the Millbrook Central School District (MCSD) opened the Tuesday, June 7, meeting with a moment of silence to remember the 19 students and two teachers who died after a mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas. It was a somber moment.

He then spoke of happier moments, recognizing the high school’s volleyball team and congratulating this year’s valedictorian David Sager and salutatorian Molly McMorris.

Retirees were also recognized: teachers Frank Fiorenza for 25 tears of service; Dawn Harkenrider for 35 years; Georgia Herring for 33 years; Karen Outwater for 22 years; Susan Scaglione for 24 years; Kyle Shoemaker for six years; and monitor James Outwater for 10 years; He also thanked BOE member Paul Tobin, who is leaving the board after nine years of service. 

The consent agenda was passed, accepting the minutes and actions of the last meeting. A resolution approving the BOE’s acceptance of the results of the May 17 Annual Meeting was passed. It included Proposition 1 (the MCSD’s 2022-23 budget), with 227 voters voting in favor or the measure and 63 voters voting against it; candidates were also elected to the BOE on that date, including incumbents Perry Hartswick, with 227 votes and Jennifer Carnecchia, with 224 votes and newcomer Dena Ghobashy, a write-in candidate, with 87 votes.

Business taken care of

Approval was given to revise the 2021 Capital Outlay Project work order prepared by Ferrari & Sons. Modifications were made to the Door Access Control System; $8,129.32 was added to the contract amount; modifications were also made to the Fire Alarm System in the amount of an additional $6,570.96.

Approval was given for a continuation of the district’s Reserve Fund.

The board approved the following agreements: Healthy Kids; the Anderson Center for Autism and Educational & Management Services, Inc.; the Anderson Center Consulting; and Astor Services for Children and Adults.

Service agreements were approved between the MCSD and Karen Finnerty for occupational services; Drs. Andreas Smoller and Nelson Jose Dorta,  neuropsychologist for assessment and evaluation; Sylvan Nakkab of Ivy Rehab Network, Physical Therapy and Rehab Professionals; a health service was also approved for with for two students to go to the Spackenkill district for a cost of $2,392.98 from Sept. 21 through June 30.

The BOE announced that several new teachers have been appointed for probationary periods, including: Alexander Garcia; Katherine Wimmers; Kerri Martin;  Ana Nyarady; Melissa Betts; and Allison Webb.

School Superintendent Laura Mitchell that the eSports program has had an excellent first season, with the Rocket League Team taking second in the finals.

The Millbrook Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) has arranged an appreciation luncheon for the MCSD staff for all the work they do to support students, as well as special luncheons for district bus drivers, facilities staff, food service personnel and teachers/staff at each school building.

Vacancies need filling

There are nearly a dozen vacancies in the district, said the BOE, and interviews are being conducted. Those openings are in various departments from administrative to maintenance.

School districts have been alerted of their 2022-23 grant allocations, and work has already begun on next year’s applications, due in August.

There’s a new tradition to look forward to, the end of the year staff BBQ, thanks to the Millbrook Education Fund (MEF), which is funding the event.

Deputy Superintendent Caroline Hernandez Pidala  said applications are now being   processed for the Summer Scholars program. At press time, 39 students had already expressed interest in participating this summer, which is consistent with the previous two years of enrollment.

The BOE encouraged all parents of students with disabilities to participate in the survey about parent communication. The MCSD does not see the results — they are desegregated by SUNY Potsdam and MCSD will receive a summary.

The next BOE meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, June 21, 7 p.m., in the middle school cafeteria. Meetings may be viewed on YouTube; go to www.millbrookcsd.org for more information.