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Haldane Principal Andy Irvin Resigns
Haldane's year of transition continues
by Mike Turton
While there may be some truth to the old adage "The more things change, the more they stay the same," you may have trouble finding anyone at the Haldane Central School District who agrees with the latter part of that statement. The Haldane Board of Education began the 2007- 2008 school year already facing a number of significant changes: new Superindent Mark Villanti had just taken over from his predecessor John Di Natale; Meryl Rubinstein had resigned as School Business Official, replaced on an interim basis by Dennis Geisler; and two new trustees, Evan Schwartz and Michael Junjulas were just beginning their terms. But even more change is in the air. At last week's meeting, the Board accepted the resignation of Andy Irvin as principal of the middle school and high school. Irvin leaves at the end of September to take over as head of Human Resources at Rockland County BOCES. Superintendent Villanti hopes to find a new principal who is "a good match" as early as Thanksgiving. He indicated that he would likely look for a retired school administrator to act as interim principal while the search is conducted. The Board also approved the hiring of Anne Dinio to replace Meryl Rubinstein effective September 24 and with the new title of Business Manager.
The Board continues to wrestle with a decision on how to upgrade the heating system in the elementary/middle school building. Both of the existing steam boilers have had multiple failures and are well beyond their useful service life. Originally, three alternatives were considered: installing new steam boilers; installing a new hot water system or the installation of a geothermal system. The geothermal system has been eliminated as a possibility. Total project cost is estimated to be in the six million dollar range. Whatever the decision, it must be approved by voters in a bond referendum. That vote could take place next spring with construction beginning in the spring of 2009. The Board expects to set a timeline for the project at its next meeting.
A number of coaching positions were approved: Stephanie Carrington, JV Girls Volleyball; Ashley Murphy, Modified Girls Volleyball; John Milner, Varsity Girls Soccer and Airhinos Serradas, JV Girls Soccer.
John and Mary Franz, parents of a tenth grade student attended the meeting to voice strong concern over criteria used in choosing team members for the girls' junior varsity (JV) volleyball team. Their daughter recently tried out but was not selected to the team. One of their concerns centered on comments made by coach Stephanie Carrington to their daughter that seemed to indicate that her chances of making the team would have been better had she been a member of the AAU travel team. The travel team is also coached by Ms Carrington but is not affiliated with the school. "That is a conflict," Mr. Franz stated emphatically, adding that selection to school teams "should be totally separate from participation on travel teams." They also objected to the fact that students from grade seven and eight are allowed on the JV team, Mrs. Franz stating that "Seventh and eighth grade students should play with their classmates and high school students should play with theirs. The seventh and eighth graders have many years ahead. My daughter has only a few years left. It isn't fair." Board policy currently allows grade seven and eight students to play on JV teams. Superintendent Villanti indicated that he would speak with coach Carrington to ensure that no favoritism is given to travel team players in choosing school teams and that that message is communicated clearly at try outs. Board President Dave Merandy expressed his view that, "The whole idea of travel teams is upsetting and disturbing to me. What it costs, who gets to play…" Merandy said he felt that "all of our athletics have to be looked at. There's too much pressure on kids. We need more feedback from the kids." Several trustees expressed concern over the issues raised by Mr. and Mrs. Franz, promising that the Board would revisit its athletic policies.
School athletics will be one of several subjects to be discussed at a day-long retreat planned for September 29 at the school. Trustees and administration will also consider methods for improving operating procedures. Goal setting and long term planning with a five to six year horizon will also be addressed.
Trustees were appointed to a number of committees at last week's meeting: Evan Schwartz, Audit; Bruce Campbell, Health and Safety; Makaria Gallagher, Wellness; Dave Merandy and Bruce Campbell, Buildings and Grounds; Michael Junjulas, Technology, and Makaria Gallagher, Code of Conduct. Ms Felice Ramella, a Cold Spring resident, was also accepted to serve on the Wellness Committee.
Superintendent Villanti indicated that the first day of school went very smoothly. At ceremonies held that day, Cheryl Saposnick was recognized for thirtyfive years' service as a teacher at Haldane. Ms Saposnick now teaches in the middle school after spending much of her career in the elementary school.
The Haldane Board of Education's next meeting will be a Workshop on Tuesday, September 18.
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