Write a commentThe Oswego City School District Board of Education gathered on Tuesday, February 25, at the Oswego High School Anthony J. Murabito Media Center for its regularly scheduled meeting.
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Cathleen Chamberlain was recognized for her 30 years of service to the district as she has announced her retirement effective on July 1 of this year. During her tenure in the district she has also served as an elementary teacher. Board of Education President Kathleen Allen and Superintendent of Schools Benjamin Halsey presented her with a "Certificate of Recognition" for her dedicated service.
However, she was also a Technology Integration Specialist who spearheaded the implementation and training of teachers when the district approved a massive technology program.
The board also recognized retiring Minetto Elementary School teacher Nancy Zawisza for her service as she was unable to attend, but will be retiring on May 1.
A rather large substantial "Personnel" agenda faced the board.
Coaching appointments were made for the upcoming spring season. The track coaching position of head varsity boys' coach had been reposted and Jeff Gordon was approved as the varsity boys' track coach while Megan Smith will become the girls' varsity track coach and Catherine Celeste the girls' assistant varsity track coach. The track coaching appointments were approved 5-2-1. The board also accepted the resignations of Gordon and Smith from previously appointed positions. Gordon had been previously approved as the girls' varsity track coach and Smith the girls' varsity assistant track coach.
Meanwhile, Daniel Witmer was approved as the boys' jayvee lacrosse coach and Michael Howard the girls' modified assistant lacrosse coach.
In other action Danielle Rombough was granted a leave of absence from teaching thru June 30, English teacher Allison Anderson received tenure effective on March 26, Deborah Mazurek was approved for the OHS Musical Orchestra Pit and Phil Meaney was approved as an after school study table supervisor for the Oswego Middle School.
Under "Support Staff Recommendations" the board approved the termination (due to abandonment) of school bus driver Judith Davis, a leave of absence for library clerk Kim Patrick, a provisional appointment for Alta Cortright as School Personnel & Benefits Coordinator and a summer appointment for Janine Regan as an account clerk-typist for this summer.
Probationary employees approved were custodian Steven Lamond, typist (11 month) Kim Patrick, typist (OHS) Eileen Fritton and food service part time helpers Donna Wright and Kristen Roberts.
Permanent employees approved by the board were part time school bus attendant Marcia Alvarado, registered professional school nurse Deborah Brooks-Bauer, part time food service helper Terri Yoder and custodial workers Sarah Shoults and Mei Bookman.
The board also approved a variety of transfers of funds.
During the next board meeting on Tuesday, March 11 at the OHS Anthony J. Murabito Media Center it is expected that Superintendent of Schools Benjamin Halsey will conduct further discussion on the budget planning.
He also noted that he would be meeting with committees relating to the curriculum and intramurals as well as policy in the near future.
Board members had two items under their "Items from the Board" portion of the agenda.
Thomas DeCastro asked if administrators could be encouraged to attend board meetings on a regular basis while John Dunsmoor asked about the availability of funding for repair or renovation of the Turrill Street Field.
Business Administrator Nancy Squairs noted that money was in the budget for Turrill Street.
It is expected there will be further discussion relating to the field and it is expected the district committee will revisit the athletic facilities plan that was previously discussed.
The next meeting of the board will be March 11 with committee meetings commencing at 5 p.m. at the Oswego High School.
