SCS Searching for Spanish Teacher

Will Use Distance Learning for the Rest of the School Year

By David Avitabile

SCHOHARIE - Schoharie Central School has been searching for a Spanish teacher for their seventh and eighth graders since the summer. Their search is not over, but after some long-term substitutes, the district has decided to go with a distance learning class for the rest of the year.

High school Principal Kevin Calacone spoke to school board members about the switch at the February 15 board meeting. The distance learning program was to begin on February 26 with a certified teacher. The school sent a letter home to parents informing them of the change.

Though they have had no luck finding a certified teacher, they will post the position again for the fall, Dr. Calacone said.

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In other action, board members:

* Accepted the retirement resignation of Floyd E. Lamont, Jr., custodian, effective March 15.

* Accepted the resignation of Megan Kruzinski, Senior Account Clerk Typist, effective retroactive to end of the day on February 12.

* Accepted the resignation of Gregory Medak, long-term Substitute, effective retroactive to end of the day on January 19.

* Approved an amended leave of absence request for Catherine Bikowicz, extending previously approved leave of absence until approximately May 16.

* Approved an amended leave of absence request for Ashley Hannan, extending previously approved leave of absence to now begin on February 12 and extend through approximately May 21.

* Appointed William Nichols, as a junior-senior High School Long-Term Substitute, Salary Step 1 $46,976, per STA Contract, effective February 26.

* Appointed Caleb Phelan, as a High School long-term Substitute, Salary Step 1 $46,976, per STA Contract, effective February 16.

* Named Melissa Gregory as a four-year probationary Teaching Assistant, Salary Step 6 $19,793 per STA Contract, effective January 30.

* Reassigned Brianna Conley from: probationary Full-Time Teacher Aide, Salary Step 2 $16,425 per SCEA Contract, 6 hours/day, to: probationary Office and Keyboard Worker, Step 4 $34,746 per SCEA Contract, 8 hours/day, 5 days/week, 12 months/year, 52-week probationary, according to School Calendar, effective February 16.

* Appointed Tashina Cummings, part-time Teacher Aide - Bus, Salary Step 10 $16.96/hour per SCEA Contract, 5 hours/day, additional time as needed, according to School Calendar, effective February 16.

*Appointed Heather Fretto, full-time Teacher Aide, Salary Step 1 $17,460 per SCEA Contract, 6 hours/day, additional time as needed, effective February 16.

* Named Tara Leveski, as Elementary School Substitute caller, effective retroactive to January 29.

* Approved Mentor Changes, as follows: Marion Burghart, Change TO: Level II Mentor to Mitchell Barton, Stipend $590 according to current STA Contract.

* Added the following people to the SCS Substitute List, at current sub rates: Skyler Willard - Non-Certified, effective retroactive to February 7 and Kimberly Fortune - Non-Certified Without Degree, effective retroactive to February 14.

* Changed the following certification for Jacqueline Gerstenberger of the Capital Region BOCES Teacher Substitute Calling Service list, at current sub rate, from non-certified to Certified, effective retroactive to September 27, 2023.

* Added the following to the Capital Region BOCES Teacher Substitute Calling Service List, at current sub rates, effective February 16: Brink, Paige, Non-Certified with degree.