by Rachel Hunter
The Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education’s decision on the proposed $57.38 million capital project has been delayed.
GCSD Superintendent of Schools Jackie Kelly gave the following update at the Sept. 25 meeting: “As you know, the plan was to ask the board to vote on a resolution for the capital project at tonight’s meeting. As part of the capital project, the district must comply with the environmental review process required by the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). The board cannot approve an action until the SEQR process is complete. The SEQR process is not yet complete. The paperwork has all been submitted to the DEC for review, so we are just waiting to hear from them. At this time, the plan is to bring the resolution for the capital project back to the Board of Education at the meeting on October 16, 2023. Once that is approved, an official date for the vote can be set. We are still planning on that being on December 12, 2023, and we are within our timeframe to do that. If anything changes, I’ll keep the public and the board informed.”
There was a lengthy discussion about the project’s use of capital reserve funds.
In other recent school news:
The Gouverneur CSD Board of Education meeting on September 11, 2023 opened with a 9/11 remembrance. “September 11, 2001 is a day that will live in infamy. In 2001, four commercial airplanes were hijacked by the terrorist group Al-Qaeda. Two of the planes crashed into the North and South towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, another crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington County, Virginia (just outside Washington, D.C.), and the final plane crashed into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania after passengers attempted to stop the hijackers from hitting their intended target of Washington, D.C. There was a total of 2,977 victims on that day and thousands of Americans have also died since then due to 9/11 related illnesses.” Supt. Kelly then called for a moment of silence “for the victims of this terrible terrorist attack.”
During discussion, the Staff Recognition Award was presented to GMS Music Instructor Sarah Stedman. “The District Shared Decision-Making Committee has chosen Sarah Stedman to receive the Staff Recognition Award for the month of June. If you attended any of the middle school concerts during the 2022 – 2023 school year, you would know why Sarah is the recipient of this month’s recognition award. The Wildcat chorus is incredible! She instills confidence and pride in her students and they leave middle school with a true love of music. Sarah makes personal connections with her students, and she schedules lessons and rehearsals during her planning time and after school in order to meet the needs of all.” Much gratitude was extended to Ms. Stedman as she accepted the honor.
GCS Supt. Kelly then shared the following Wildcat news items:
“Although we are only a few days into the school year, it has been a great start! It began Tuesday, September 5 th with the second Annual Employee Recognition Ceremony. All employees joined Mr. Fenlong and me in recognizing a number of the members of our faculty and staff who have achieved milestones in their careers at the Gouverneur Central School District. The employees who have achieved five, ten, fifteen, twenty, twenty-five, and thirty-five years of service were recognized with a certificate and a pin. We also recognized all of our 33 new hires as well as the employees who have moved to new roles in the district. A sense of positivity and excitement swirled throughout the auditorium.
“Then on Thursday, we welcomed back our students. The students were greeted by an enthusiastic team of administrators, teachers, teaching assistants, aides, and staff in each of our buildings. It is great to have the students back.
“I’d also like to take a moment this evening to share an honor that the District received recently from Fort Drum. Prior to his reassignment to Fort Gregg-Adams in Virginia, Garrison Commander Colonel James Zacchino presented the District with a Certificate of Appreciation for exceptional service and support to our military connected students from 2021 – 2023. The certificate states: “Gouverneur Central School District leaders and educators have served Fort Drum Families with great dedication and compassion. Your commitment to educational excellence personifies the Army value of selfless service to our military community. Your professionalism is above reproach and has ensured effective and consistent communication while providing top notch educational services. Thank you for your sincere care and outstanding support of our Fort Drum military connected students.” We wish Colonel Zacchino and his family the best of luck in his new role of Deputy Quartermaster Commandant and we look forward to working with the new Garrison Commander of Fort Drum Colonel Matthew Myer.”
The Gouverneur CSD Board of Education accepted the request for resignation from Heather Richardson (Secondary Mathematics Teacher, effective August 31, 2023) and Laura Ritchie (2.75-hour Food Service Helper, effective September 7, 2023).
The board also approved the following appointments:
Through the McKinney-Vento consortium grant, GCSD is able to have the following people support our identified homeless population: M-V DTST Members include Monica Scott, Kayley Learn, Pam Mahay (Support Leader), Stephanie Plaisted (Support Leader), Christie Warren, Jenelle Yeoman. M-V Mentors: Monica Scott (Liaison/Mentor); Hunter Hitchman, Kayley Learn, Christie Warren, Grace Mashaw.
The board approved Gouverneur Elementary Afterschool Tutoring – Instructors for the 2023-2024 school year: Corey Rogers, Penny Matice.
The board approved High School Afterschool Tutoring – Instructors for the 2023-2024 school year: Lisa Carbone, Sarah Wood, Sam Sochia, Nanette Holt, Jean Johnson.
The board appointed Billie Jean Sheen and Mackenzie D. Reynolds to the positions of Teacher Aide. The board appointed Kaylee Ordway to the position of Individual Aide. The board also approved the appointment of the following GCS staff as tutors for 2023-24: Lisa Carbone, Christine Cognetti, Tabitha Kirkpatrick, Jessica Miller, Marie Moore, Ken Nicholas, Kim Reed, Melinda Schiszler, Monica Scott, Robert Webster, Saddie Whitaker, Terri Whitaker, Cherie Zira.
The board approved the appointment of returning substitutes and tutors for 2023-24: Penny Matice, Tutor; Hannah Stowell, Teacher, Teaching Assistant. The board approved the appointment of the following new substitutes for 2023-24, pending completion of all requirements: Cafeteria: Penny Petrie. Classroom (Teacher, Teaching Assistant, Aide): Caitlin Cardinell; Alyssa Edick; Kaitlynn Morse; Nicole Marriott; Jamie Mitchell; Danielle Newton; Grace Pope; Brianna Prashaw; Danielle Towne. Clerical: Patricia LaClair.
The board also approved 2023-24 Advisors as follows: Cory Young (Deanonian, Grade 12 Advisor, Math Club, Webmaster), Emily Bason (Musical Director No. 1, Whiz Quiz), Robert Decker (GHS Art Club, Musical Set Director), Kylie Spinner (FFA), Brett Worden (Select Choir-Chamber Singers), Bethanie Denesha (Deanonian 2, Grade 11 Advisor), Julia Streeter (Honor Society 9-12), Paul Buell (Select Strings), Brett Lupi (Stage Band), Evelyn Barton (GHS Student Council), Sarah Wood (Varsity Club, Science Olympiad, Grade 11 Advisor), Samuel Sochia (Science Olympiad), Heather Parker (Grade 12 Advisor), Kathleen Stamper (Grade 10 Advisor), Jean Johnson (Grade 9 Advisor), Michael Bason (Competitive Speaking Club, Senior High Fall Play), Meaghan Matthews (Costume Club), Hailey Cook (Winter Color Guard), Alissa Collier (K-Kids Club), Brooke June (Elementary Robotics), Katherine Doster (Elementary Military Kids Club), Jenelle (Yeoman) Patchin (Pep Band, Tri-M Advisor).
The board also approved Pam Stevens for 12 hours (two days of curriculum work) with the 12:1:1 classroom.
The board approved the appointment of the following students as Monitors for the 2023-2024 school year, pending completion of all requirements: Kaden Wells, Gavin Davis, Madison Hopper. These students will be assisting in the Auditorium with lights, sound and stage setup for a number of events this school year.
The board acknowledged the unpaid leave of absence for childrearing purposes for a probationary employee from September 1, 2023 through April 16, 2024. The board approved the appointment of Anita Sleeman to the non-probationary position of long-term substitute.
The board approved the appointment of Joseph Wahl Jr. to the non-probationary position of long-term substitute for the Physical Education position that is encumbered by a vacancy, effective September 7 through November 8, 2023.
The school board approved the following teachers as mentors or mentees for the 2023-24 school year. The mentees include: Michele Brenno, Mike Bryant, Jamie DeRusso, Brett Lupi, Grace Mashaw, Julie Neiss, Korrine Patterson, Alexis Ritter, Kylie Spinner, Carol Trombly, Jade Walker, Gina White, Colter Whitmore, Pat Williams, Brett Worden. The mentors include: Brittany Buckmaster, Lisa Carbone, Alissa Collier, Robert Decker, Beth Denesha, Sara LaPoint, Brittany Lewis, Amber Ormasen, Monica Scott (mentoring 2 mentees), Elizabeth Siebels, Sam Sochia, Shawn Typhair, Marcy Tyler, Jenelle (Yeoman) Patchin (mentoring 2 mentees).
The board appointed Bette Prashaw, Carol Ormasen, and Jamie Mitchell as 2.75-hour food service helpers.
The board appointed Patricia Williams to the temporary position of Family and Consumer Science teacher, effective September 11, 2023 through June 26, 2024.
The board approved the appointment of Abigail Bowman as the Student Board Representative for 2023-24. Ms. Bowman is the president of the Student Senate and is a member of the High School Class of 2024. Vice President Bates commented that the board appreciates GHS Principal Cory Wood putting her name forward and they look forward to working with her.
The board approved a merger request with Harrisville Central School District to allow their students to participate on the Gouverneur Wildcat Boys Cross-Country Team at all levels during the 2023-24 school year.
The board accepted with gratitude and appreciation the donation of 100 bottles of sunscreen from Kinney Drugs to the district schools.
The board accepted with appreciation and gratitude the donation of $105 from the Class of 1973 received on September 6, 2023. This donation will be combined with a previous donation from the Class of 2018 in the amount of $1,850 to be donated to the new school store at he high school. Supt. Kelly shared the School Store was started by the Class of 2018. GHS Principal Wood said that, in addition to school supplies, general Wildcat apparel would be available, and students would run the store and learn about merchandising, etc. President extended gratitude to those involved for their generosity.
At the Sept. 25, the GCSD Board of Education welcomed the new Student Board Representative Abigail Bowman.
Supt. Kelly offered the following announcement in the Wildcat News segment: “I’m proud to announce the launch of the Positivity Project, fondly known as P2, across the district in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8. The Positivity Project is an initiative designed to promote character strengths and foster a positive school culture. During the second week of school, the entire Gouverneur Middle School united in an extraordinary drone photo shoot, capturing an aerial view of the symbolic P2 shield. The Positivity Project, a widely recognized program, equips schools with resources to cultivate character development and positive relationships. By embracing the 24 character strengths, the Gouverneur Elementary School and the Gouverneur Middle School aims to create a supportive learning environment where students thrive academically, socially and emotionally. Through the Positivity Project, the Gouverneur Central School District is committed to nurturing kindness, empathy, and collaboration among students. This week’s character trait is teamwork, and as adults we all know how important this trait is throughout life. I am looking forward to keeping the public and the board informed throughout the school year about the great success we experience with this new initiative.
“I’d also like to take a moment this evening to recognize Lauren French. The Distinguished Service Award is given in recognition to one individual who has shown exemplary commitment to public education. This award is going to be presented to Lauren, Retired Life Member and former superintendent of the Gouverneur Central School District. Lauren served on the Board of Directors for LEAF, Inc., the Executive Committee, House of Delegates, Commissioner’s Advisory Council, the Conference Committee, and the Membership Sub-committee and has presented at Women’s Initiative programs, the Future Superintendents’ Academy (FSA), and the New Superintendents’ Institute throughout her career as a superintendent. In retirement, she continues to support both NYSCOSS and LEAF, Inc. through teaching FSA participants and co-facilitating a webinar series on personal and financial wellness for education leaders with Equitable. She also serves as a leadership coach for LEAF, Inc.’s Leadership Coaching program. This award will be presented to Lauren during the opening keynote on Sunday, October 1, 2023… Congratulations to Lauren.” Great applause sounded in recognition of Mrs. French’s great achievements.
The school board was invited to attend the Southwest Tech (BOCES) Open House on Oct. 5, 5 to 7 p.m., in Fowler.
The school board approved a series of memorandum of agreements. A MOA was approved between GCSD and the Gouverneur Education Association to recognize the Fall and Spring Trap Team advisors as presented. A MOA between GCSD and the Gouverneur Education Association was approved to provide addition compensation to teachers who voluntarily forfeit a preparation period in order to provide coverage for a class period and teaching assistants who substitute teach when no substitutes or other appropriate means are available. A MOA between GCSD and the Gouverneur School Related Personnel Union was approved to provide the additional compensation to teacher aides who substitute teach when no substitutes or other appropriate means are available. A MOA between GCSD and the Gouverneur Administrators Association was approved to include provisions for the job title of athletic coordinator for 2023-24 as presented.
The school board approved the following appointments: GES Afterschool Tutoring Instructor (Caitlyn Sullivan), GMS Afterschool Tutoring Instructors (Kim Reed, Melissa Sweeney, Jennifer Wilcox, Danielle Peake, Terri Whitaker, Brandon Griffin, Robert Webster, Christine Cognetti, Nola Farns, Julie Neiss, Melinda Schiszler, Shari Ronas, Gina Taylor, Sean Devlin, Lisa Stowell), GMS Afterschool Tutoring Lead Teacher Stacey Devlin, High School Detention Monitors Bob Dunkelberg and Lisa Dunkelberg.
The board also approved the following substitute appointments. For Teacher/Teaching Assistant/Aide: Hailey Cook, Gina Johnson, Alexandria Klimowicz, Bridget White. For Cafeteria: Britney Gardner, Amy Saxbury-Christensen. For Clerical: Patricia Bush.
The board approved the following 2023-24 advisors: Paul Cappellino (Fall Trapshooting Team), Brandon Griffin (Drama Club 7/8), Monica Scott (Honor Society 7/8), Heather Rose (Student Council 7/8), Sarah Stedman (Military Kids Club HS/MS), Kelly Wilson (Military Kids Club HS/MS), and Lisa Stowell (History Club).
The board approved the appointment of Cortney Evans-Eppolito as a Lifeguard Instructor for the 2023-2024 school year.
The board appointed Kylie Helvie to the temporary position of special education teacher (September 26, 2023 to June 26, 2024).
The board granted an unpaid leave of absence to Aaron McEathron from his position as physical education teacher for the purpose of serving as the athletic coordinator for the 2023-24 school year.
The board acknowledged the medical leave for an employee from September 5 to September 28, 2023.
The board approved the leave of absence of Kimberly Flood from her position as Food Service Helper (5-hour) and appoint her as a long-term substitute cook (6.5-hour) for an employee, beginning on September 26, 2023 to continue until employee returns, expected on or about December 31, 2023.
The board formally accepted the gift of the donation from the family and friends of Mrs. Jenny Reddick (’64), in the amount of $325.00, and increase the 2023-24 budget by the same. Ms. Reddick passed away June 12, 2023. In her memory the family asked in lieu of flowers a donation be made to the GHS Art Department. It is the wish of the family to provide these funds to assist our Art Department to encourage and develop our student artists. This gift is in addition to that accepted at the July 31, 2023 regular Board of Education meeting.
The next meeting of the Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education will be held on Monday, October 16, 5:30 p.m., in the GHS auditorium. For more information, visit gcsk12.org.