by Rachel Hunter
The Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education at its meeting on April 29 heard the following Wildcat News report from Gouverneur CSD Superintendent of Schools Jackie Kelly.
“It’s that time of year again, and we are gearing up for our summer school program,” Supt. Kelly said. “Once again this summer, we will be holding in-person elementary and middle school programs. This summer, kids leaving Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 3 will be attending the elementary summer school program at the Gouverneur Elementary School. Students leaving Grades 4-8 will be attending the Gouverneur Middle School. We did this last year, and it was a great opportunity for our fourth grade students to experience the middle school before the school year begins. The program will begin Tuesday, July 8 and end on Thursday, August 14, 2025. Students will be in session from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day, Tuesday through Thursday. Our summer learning program will provide engaging activities to support and strengthen reading, writing, and math skills. Students will also have the opportunity to visit the library and participate in hands-on learning activities throughout their time with us. Please watch for more details to be sent home and available soon.
“At the high school level, I am happy to announce that we will be hosting our very own, in-person, in-house summer school. Session 1 will run from Tuesday, July 8 through Monday, July 28, Mondays through Thursdays. Courses that will be offered during Session 1 include: English, Global Studies, Fundamentals of Algebra, and Spanish. Session 3 will run from Tuesday, July 29 through Monday, August 18, Mondays through Thursdays. Courses offered during Session 2 will include: English, Global Studies, U.S. History and Government, Algebra I, and Geometry. Currently, we are still looking for a Biology and Earth and Space Science Teacher. This program will be offered to surrounding districts, and we will have more details to share with families soon.
“Finally, once again this summer, the District will offer free breakfast and lunch to all students in the community, 18 years old and under. The meals have to be eaten at school, and cannot be taken home. We have seen success with this program over the past couple of years… We are excited for Summer School.”
Gratitude was extended to Supt. Kelly for the report.
“I’m glad that we can continue those services for our students,” Board Member Laura Spicer said.
In other news: The Board approved several personnel items. This includes the following: The Board approved the retirement request from Gouverneur Middle School Special Education Teacher Gina A. Caldwell, effective June 30, 2025.
The Board approved the resignation request from Linda Soto, 2.75-hour Food Service Helper, effective at the end of day on April 28, 2025.
The Board appointed Trenton L. Sullivan to the position of Special Education Teacher for a four-year probationary period, commencing on September 2, 2025.
The Board approved the following substitutes for the 2024-25 school year, pending completion of all new hire paperwork and requirement: Jacqueline Koch (certified tutor), Alexys Becker, Whitney Bush, Drew Jenkins, and Chloe Smith.
The Board approved the appointment of the following current staff to work as institutional tutors for the 2024-25 school year: Robert Dunkelberg.
The Board approved the appointment of GHS Summer School staff, as presented. For Session 1 (July 8 - July 28: Mondays-Thursdays) English 9 - Michelle Fuller, English 10 - Michael Bason, English 12 - TBD (if needed), Global 9 - Colter Whitmore, Fundamentals of Algebra - Kim Reed, Spanish 1 - Emily Bason.
For Session 2 (July 29-August 18: Mondays-Thursdays) English 11 - Michael Bason, Global 10 - Robert Dunkelberg, US History & Government - Robert Dunkelberg, Algebra I - Samuel Sochia, Geometry - Deanna Hughes, Biology – TBD, Earth & Space Science – TBD.
For Sessions 1 & 2 (July 8-August 18: Mondays-Thursdays) Economics & Government - Brandon Griffin, Health – TBD, Special Education - Jill Davis, Teacher Assistant - Tracy Whitton, Teacher Assistant - Wendy Stowell. The Board also appointed Olivia Montango and Bobbie Holmes as substitutes. Also, Bobbie Holmes, Gina White, and Kristen Wallace were appointed for Regents Proctoring and/or Scoring (August 19-20).
In other news: The Gouverneur CSD Board of Education cast their ballot for the three open seats on the BOCES Board of Education – Roger Bennett, Cindy McLean, and Michael Davis.
The Gouverneur CSD Board of Education cast its vote for the adoption of the 2025-26 Administrative Budget for the Board of Education Services in the amount of $9,936,269.
The Board accepted the report of Board of Education Nominating Petitions received as of 5 p.m. on April 21, as presented. A drawing was held at 9 a.m. on April 22, 2025 for the placement on the ballot, witnessed by Tatia Kennedy and Dale Munn Jr. Candidates will appear on the ballot in the following order: Tina French, Lisa McGregor, William Cartwright, and Logan Buckmaster.
The Board declared the following items to be surplus property and of no value to the School District and authorize the Business Administrator to dispose of such items in accordance with Board Policy and in the best interests of the School District: Amco Electric Kiln (recommend to scrap), Max Stepper – Middle School (recommend to scrap), and 1964 Upright Piano (recommend to auction/sell).
The Board approved the request from the Gouverneur FFA Chapter to attend the following overnight trips: FFA State Convention (May 6-9 in Syracuse) and Camp Oswegatchie Summer Camp (June 29 to July 4).
The Board approved the athletic merger request with Canton CSD to allow Gouverneur CSD students to participate on the Canton CSD Varsity Boys and Girls Hockey teams during the 2025-26 school year, per the terms of the Section 10 Athletics Combined Teams Application.
The Board approved an athletic merger request with Canton CSD to allow Gouverneur CSD student to participate on the Canton CSD Boys Modified and Girls Modified and Varsity Lacrosse teams during the 2025-26 school year, per the terms of the Section 10 Athletics Combined Teams Application.
The Board set a public hearing to discuss the annual updates and revisions, if any, to the District’s Code of Conduct. The public hearing will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Gouverneur High School auditorium.
The Board, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools and after review of all information submitted, voted to terminate the probationary employment of a teacher, effective May 31, 2025. It was reported that the Superintendent would promptly notify the employee of the decision.
The Board called for a special board meeting on May 21, 5:30 p.m., in the GHS auditorium. Bid proposals for Phase I – MS Athletic Facility will be accepted until the bid opening on May 15. The Board of Education must approve the award of the successful bid with a tentative construction start date of June 2. The special board meeting has been scheduled to accommodate this timeline.
The next regular meeting of the Gouverneur CSD Board of Education will be held on Monday, May 12 in the GHS Auditorium. The Budget Hearing will be held at 5:30 p.m., followed by the regular board meeting. For more information, visit www.gcsk12.org.