MILLBROOK — The regular Board of Education (BOE) meeting of the Millbrook Central School District (MCSD) held on Tuesday, Jan. 26, addressed athletics, technology, next year’s budget and myriad other issues. After voting to approve the consent agenda items, the board discussed and voted on a number of items on its agenda, all discussed below.
The BOE president and the district clerk executed a contract between the MCSD and the Wappingers Central School District for health services for approximately 11 resident students of the MCSD attending non-public schools in the Wappingers district, in the aggregate amount of $8,950.92 from September 2020 through June 2021.
A resignation was accepted from Kirsten Calkins as instructional technician specialist, effective Feb. 8 of this year.
The following people were approved for data analysis coordinators for a stipend of $1,000 each and for compliance support for a stipend of $525 each, for the 2020-21 school year: Dana Bo at Millbrook Middle School, Samantha Bopp at Elm Drive Elementary School, Brittney Hillman at Millbrook High School, Brittney Hillman in the District Office, Tonya Pulver at Alden Place Elementary School; Paige Emerson was approved at $4,000 for the 2020-21 school year.
Approved for co-curricular appointments as Elm Drive Elementary School yearbook co-advisors were Kelly Eaton and Joann Hobson, at $537.60 each.
The BOE awarded an upgraded contract to J&J Sass Electric, Inc. with an increase in work and an added $26,512.
A technology update was given by Director of Technology and Data Services Elliot Garcia. He reported that there were 850 students and 250 staff currently in hybrid and remote instruction at the time. Among semester services, the wireless services were expanded.
Athletic Director Al Hammell reported on the current state of sports in schools. He discussed winter and spring athletic programs and the timetable by which the state has approved low and high risk sports.
There was a discussion of the pros and cons of reopening in-person athletic programs, and where Governor Andrew Cuomo weighed in on the issue. Although a vote wasn’t taken by the BOE, the pros seemed to outweigh the cons, said the board, including physical activity, mental wellness and human interaction along with the benefits of competition and the possibility that sports might increase an interest in academics.
At a special meeting held on Sunday, Jan. 31, the BOE approved allowing in-person sports programs to begin. The vote was six to one in favor of student participation in “high risk” winter sports, subject to strict adherence to the state’s safety guidelines and protocols during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as the rules of Section 9.
At the same meeting, a vote was taken to appoint coaches.
Darin Daly was appointed the varsity boys basketball coach; Mike Sinon was named the JV boys basketball coach; Adam Peek was appointed the varsity girls basketball coach; Adam Peak was named the varsity girls basketball coach and Dawn Harkenrider was appointed the JV girls basketball coach.
Board of Education meetings are available to the public via YouTube; go to the district website at www.millbrookcsd.org. Archived minutes are also available via YouTube and can be found on the website, with links to some of the school board’s presentations. Questions for the school board may be submitted prior to its meetings, go to its website for further instructions.
‘Square Quilting painting' by ransomeAlexander Wilburn
