Cairo-Durham Central School District 2024-25 Budget Passes, Three Board Members Elected

CAIRO – The Cairo-Durham Central School District is excited to announce the results of the 2024-25 budget vote and Board of Education election that took place from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Cairo-Durham High School Distance Learning room on May 21, 2024. 

The proposed 2024-25 Cairo-Durham Central School District Budget in the amount of $37,107,106 has been approved by the following vote: 

__237___ YES 

__107___ NO 

The proposition to purchase two (2) thirty-five (35) passenger buses with three (3) wheelchair seatings in each bus, one (1) transit van and two (2) minivans for $465,000 was approved by the following vote: 

__239___ YES 

__106___ NO 

The proposition to increase the annual appropriation of maintaining the Cairo Public Library by $768 to the total amount $21,745 was approved by the following vote: 

__255___ YES 

__90___ NO 

The top three vote-getting Cairo-Durham Central School District Board of Education candidates were elected to three-year terms (July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2027): 

__238___ Elizabeth Daly

__230___ Brian Coletti 

__223___ Christopher O’Connell 

__155___ Matthew Maraglio 

__6___ (Write-in Candidate) 

“On behalf of the Cairo-Durham Central School District administration team and the Cairo-Durham Central School District Board of Education, I would like to formally thank the Cairo-Durham school community for exercising their right to vote and approving the 2024-25 budget, along with the listed propositions,” said Cairo-Durham Central School District Superintendent Michael Wetherbee. “I congratulate and look forward to working with the newly elected Board of Education members, along with those currently serving on the Board, in the District’s effort to continue providing a high quality education full of unique learning opportunities for our student body.” 

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PRATT MUSEUM EXHIBIT EXPLORES HOW PAST INFORMS PRESENT

Features Work by Contemporary Artist Cal Siegel

The Zadock Pratt Museum is pleased to present the first exhibition of our 2024 season. Whose Folk features work by contemporary artist Cal Siegel in conversation with a curated selection of objects from the museum’s collection. Siegel’s sculptures and photographs – various ceramic and wooden forms, vessels, and wall hangings all refer back to historical architecture and objects with equal parts reverence, humor, and criticality. When displayed alongside historic artifacts from the Pratt homestead, visitors are asked to consider how the past informs the present.
This exhibition is the first curatorial project by Tony Bluestone, a newly appointed member of the museum board. He is interested in how civic life is shaped by history and how cultural institutions deepen community engagement.
The exhibition runs from May 25th through July 31st; regular museum hours are Saturdays and Sundays, noon-5 pm.
Opening Reception: Saturday, May 25th from 1-6 pm.

Panel Discussion: Saturday, July 20th, 4pm
In conjunction with Upstate Art Weekend, we will host a conversation between Cal Siegel, artist; Tony Bluestone, artist, curator and Zadock Pratt Museum board member; Carolyn Bennet, historian and Zadock Pratt Museum board president; and Sarah Workneh, arts educator and co-executive director of Sky High Farms.

This exhibit has been supported, in part, by The Bank of Greene County, the Greene County Legislature through their County Initiative Program, the Nicholas J. Juried Foundation, and the Town of Prattsville.
The Zadock Pratt Museum is located in the western Catskills mountain top region at 14540 New York State Route 23, Main Street in Prattsville, NY.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/tvGFNGWPMKzbSh1L9

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The Prattsville Scoop

By Abby and Gabby

PRATTSVILLE – Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, please take a moment, or more, to remember the meaning of the day, those who gave or were willing to give their all for us, their fellow Americans as well as others in the world who believe in Democracy and Freedom. Yes, it is a day of celebration and you can give thanks for those who served or are now serving. Thank our veterans and those on active duty. Thank you. That said…..

The Prattsville Annual Memorial Day Parade sponsored by American Legion Virgil E. Deyo Post 1327, will be held Monday, May 27, 1 PM, Main Street, and will be followed by Memorial Day Services at the Prattsville Town Green. All, far and wide, are invited to attend, participate in and be thankful for our veterans, deceased and living, and their service. There will be containers set out by the American Legion at this event for American flags that are no longer in condition to be displayed. These flags will be honorably and respectfully burned in a Flag Burning Ceremony on June 13, Thursday, 7 PM, at Conine Ball Field, Prattsville, at the regularly scheduled monthly meeting of Post 1327. The public is invited to attend. Members of Post 1327 and Unit 1327 will gladly accept flags to be honorably disposed of at the flag burning ceremony.

Saturday, May 18, a day to honor the late CPL Lawrence Dwon as the recipient of the 2024 Greene County Veteran Memorial Award. Larry’s widow Christine and sons Matt and Paul were the guests of honor and his daughters-in-law and his granddaughters were there in the front row beaming with love and pride, and a few tears. Think his granddaughters were mesmerized with their grandfather’s military and community service and volunteerism. Larry and family moved to our area in 1985 and it was a mutual admiration relationship. The whole Dwon family and friends and community are very proud of Larry. Thank you to the Dwon family for sharing Larry with us and we thank him for his service.

With the aforesaid in mind, please remember that our veterans are honored by Greene County twice a year – the May honoree is chosen from the ranks that are now deceased and the November Honor a Veteran is selected from the ranks of living veteran. We can remember four veterans selected for one or the other of these honors – May Honorees were Larry Dwon and Virgil Deyo and the November Honorees were John Goettsche and Bob Gurley. Thank you every day to all our veterans.

Super news: On May 7, 2024, Jeremy and Ashleigh Jaeger Carr along with their parents Connie and Roy Spankake and Tim and Darcy Jaeger Brand welcomed Charleigh Josephine Carr. She was 7 lbs. 2.3 oz. And 19-1/2” long. Charleigh is named after grandfather Arnold Jaeger’s parents and her grandmother Diana’s father. All are doing Great. We got to see Charleigh and she is a tiny one and mom Ashleigh says she is already practicing her wiles upon the family and the world can not be far behind. We wish all great happiness and good health.

May is Poppy Month and supporting this effort is a great way of saying “Thank You for your service” to our living veterans.

Kip Rikard stopped by to get his American Legion schedule all updated for the Memorial Day ceremony and the upcoming flag burning ceremony at Conine Field on June 11, 7 PM. Kip is a long time member of the American Legion and tries to stay active. He gets around very well with his walker, just a little slower. Well that is to be expected for a 94 year old Korean War veterans. He stopped by his fellow Korean War veteran, Bob Gurley, to gloat it over Bob that he reached 94 before he did. Up until a few years ago, Kip and Bob would make a trip to the VA in Albany to deliver donated items to their fellow veterans in need. Kip turned 94 on May 18 and was feted to a family dinner out on the town. Will wish you Happy 95th next year Kip.

The Gilboa Conesville School 2024-25 budget passed by a 2-1 margin. All other propositions also passed and Greg Woodcock was returned to the Board of Education. It was a chance for many to catch up on family and friends’ news. Bobby Gurley and Jen Traver made a trip to Cooperstown to celebrate grandson Crew’s first birthday. Crew is the son of Issac and Nadine Gurley Huntsman, both in the medical field, and we really need more medical personnel. Thanks to them for caring.

Rhubarb is growing and is now perfect for picking for strawberry rhubarb pie. The first pie of the season was delicious. Great with strawberry ice cream or vanilla or both, it is only once a year.

Thank you to Jan and Joe Concato for providing taxi service to Larry Dwon’s Memorial for a few older friends. This shows you how smart older people are, they pick friends among those a decade younger than they are so they can do the driving.

Glen and Gary, sons of the late Glen and Betty Hapeman, decided to let others, via a yard sale, to enjoy and/or put to use their parents belongings. Betty and Glen were so very particular that there were a lot of items in perfect condition to take home and use immediately. It was enjoyable to talk to their sons and daughter-in-law and Betty’s sister Rose Williams. If there are any items left, perhaps the sons will have a Memorial Day sale? Saying that, it is a great day on Saturday or Sunday to check out all the yard sales, locally at the Ashland UMC, that probably will just pop up so do a drive with family and friends, pack a lunch and enjoy the day. We wanted warmer weather and now we have it so you better enjoy it. Can weeding and harvesting annual vegetables be far behind? Are there any able bodied people willing to dig some annual flowers?

The Tannersville UMC will be the site of a BBQ on May 28. 11 – 2, for their bi-monthly Soup and Sandwich Luncheon. This is a free event but donations are always welcome. Plus the friendship is always in abundance. There will be hot dogs and hamburgers as well as their usual desserts and beverages. You should try it out.

Road work? Yes, it is a hassle and you have to allow a little extra time in your travels but think of the smooth ride in this beautiful weather when it is done.

Happy Birthday on May 26 to David Lane, son of Jane and John Lane. Jim Dymond is wished a Happy Birthday on May 27. On May 29 it is Happy Birthday to Steve Baker, Mason Chase and Barbara Vetter, Roxie Mudge King is wished a very Happy Birthday on May 30. Send your news to gurleyrv@gmail.com or call 518-299-3219.

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EMT Parts Ways with Catskill and Windham after Video of Alleged Patient Mistreatment

By Andrea Macko / Porcupine Soup

WINDHAM―The EMT who parted ways with Catskill Ambulance this week after being recorded on camera apparently mistreating a disabled patient has now resigned from the second agency she was working for.

Windham Town Supervisor Thomas Hoyt responded Tuesday to an inquiry regarding whether EMT Laura Mastrantuono was still employed by the town’s ambulance. Hoyt did not identify Mastrantuono by name but said the EMT in question has “tendered a resignation.”

The incident, which was captured on an outside Nest camera, happened shortly after 7 p.m. on the evening of Friday, May 17 when Catskill Ambulance was dispatched to 466 Main Street in the village for a 911 call reporting a 63-year-old man who was unable to get up and experiencing difficulty breathing.

“They wouldn't help him down the stairs, he wasn't able to get onto the bed in the back of the ambulance, they let him fall and wouldn't help him up,” said Andrea Corrie, a close friend of the patient and his wife.

Corrie was in England when she was sent footage Friday night from a Nest camera outside the couple’s apartment and says what she saw was shocking. She posted the video on YouTube where it has been viewed more than 14,000 times.

“The Catskill Town Board is deeply concerned about a recent video we have been made aware of.   The Town and the two members of the Ambulance Service who were involved with the recent incident have agreed to part ways,” Catskill Town Supervisor Patrick McCulloch said in a statement Monday afternoon.

Town officials have not named the two providers, but sources within EMS identified them as Mastrantuono and Paramedic Justin Ball. It was unclear whether Ball is or was employed anywhere besides Catskill Ambulance.

Corrie says both the man and his wife have intellectual disabilities and due to health issues, some physical debilities. The man has diabetes and has suffered a few strokes, she explained.

“So, his left side is very weak and he isn't able to lift things or, as you can see from him struggling to get onto the bed then falling off, unable to support himself at all with his left arm or leg. His balance is also very bad because he has partial amputation to one foot,” Corrie added.

In the video, the man is waiting on a second-floor porch with his wife when the ambulance pulls up. Mastrantuono yells up to them: “I can’t carry him down the stairs. He is gonna have to go on his butt and come down.”

Later, the man appears to struggle to climb into the back of the ambulance while Mastrantuono sits inside and Ball stands behind him.

When the man falls to the floor of the ambulance, Mastrantuono shouts at him, “You need to get up.”

The two then accuse him of faking the fall. Ball threatens to call police and report the man for abusing the 911 system.

“I have no pity for this. This is a waste of my time right now,” Ball says.

The man’s wife comes down to the ambulance and tries to help pull his legs out the back doors while he yells in alleged pain. Ball then begins yanking the man out of the back of the ambulance by his legs while he bellows. Eventually the man gets himself onto the stretcher.

“I’m sorry man, I’m not trying to laugh at you, but I feel like I’m dealing with a teenager right now. I feel like I’m dealing with my seven-year-old that won’t follow directions,” Ball says. “That’s really what I feel like. I’m not trying to be mean. My seven-year-old listens better.”

Mastrantuono then says to the man’s wife, “Make sure you don’t call later because you want to go there to be with him.”

After taking the man’s vitals in the back of the ambulance, Mastrantuono comments that they are “fantastic,” and she doesn’t know why he needs to go to the hospital.

“Well at this point he is going because he can’t get out of the [expletive deleted] ambulance,” Ball replies.

The man was transported to Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson and Saturday afternoon Corrie said the man’s family was told that doctors discovered he had internal bleeding, was not getting enough blood to his brain, and would need a transfusion. He was released from the hospital and at home on Tuesday.

New York State Department of Health (DOH) spokesperson Danielle R. De Souza confirmed Monday that the state is looking into Friday’s incident in Catskill.

“This is the subject of an open investigation, and the department cannot comment at this time,” De Souza said.

The DOH, through its Bureau of EMS, has the authority to investigate and bring action against EMS agencies and individual providers based on complaints that include, but are not limited to, poor patient care, according to its website. Sanctions may result in civil penalties, suspensions, or revocation of certification.

In January of 2019, Mastrantuono was arrested by the Hudson City Police Department and charged with misdemeanor petit larceny. According to police and news reports at the time, the charge stemmed from her alleged theft of a patient’s cell phone. It reportedly occurred at Columbia Memorial Hospital while Mastrantuono was working for Windham Ambulance.

Columbia County District Attorney’s Office Community Liaison Ann Pazera said Monday that Mastrantuono’s case was settled with an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal, commonly known as ACOD. Mastrantuono served 15 hours of community service and did not get rearrested within six months, so the charge was dismissed, Pazera said.

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Obituary - John Oliver “Kenneth” Ellicott

On May 14, 2024, John Oliver “Kenneth” Ellicott died peacefully in the comfort of his home at the age of 83.

He was predeceased by his wife of 60 years: Helen (LeRuzic) Ellicott; brothers: Frederick (Rose) Ellicott of Yonkers, New York, Charles (Eileen) Ellicott of Medford, New Jersey and  Joseph (June) Ellicott of British Columbia. He is survived by his children: Sean (Lisa) Ellicott of Springfield, Virginia, Marianne (Andrew) Roberts of Schoharie, New York and Tracy (Michael) Greene, of St. Petersburg, Florida.

Additionally, he is survived by his grandchildren: Heather (Angela) Ellicott, Rosemarie Ellicott, Daniel Baldwin, Mark Roberts, Sarah (Alexander) Roberts, Meghan (Tristan) Hale and Abigail Greene; along with 5 beautiful great-grandchildren, his ever-faithful 4 legged buddy, a Pug named Oliver and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends whom he cherished spending time with.

John to some, Kenny to others, but never “Ollie,” (that’s the dog’s name, after all), was born on July 11, 1940 in the town of Belmullet, County Mayo in the west of Ireland, to Charles and Annie (Deane) Ellicott. As a young man in Ireland, he worked for the Irish Government bringing public works projects to the Mayo Gaeltacht, he washed hair in his mother’s beauty salon, ran his own fish and chips business, and managed much mischief between other such ventures. In 1960, at the age of 20, he emigrated to New York City where he first worked as an electrician’s assistant for Columbia University. There he became well-acquainted with a fellow philosopher, Rodin’s statue of The Thinker, in an adventure which (among the many other adventures of his youth) has since passed into family lore. The annals of the extended Ellicott family are filled with the tales of his life, all told with the rapier wit of a natural Irish raconteur. Perhaps his greatest adventure – and the one he most liked to tell – was the romance of Helen, the love of his life who, he would say, every man in New York City wished to court, but lent her hand in love and marriage only to him.

In 1965 he relocated to the beautiful Schoharie Valley, which reminded him of Ireland. He retired with 30 years of service to General Electric. He and Helen loved to cut the rug and would Jitterbug and Waltz the night away. Kenneth had a great love for his family; he was a self-taught woodworker and created many beautiful keepsakes for family and friends alike. His heart was boundless, and his love extended to his vast fellowship of friends. In keeping life simple and living one day at a time, with Helen at his side, he maintained a seemingly bottomless well of strength which he gladly shared with many a friend in need.

He will be missed. We shall not see another like him.

A celebration of his life will be held at 12:00PM on Friday, May 24, 2024 at Coltrain Funeral Home, LLC 134 River Street, Middleburgh. Visitation with his family will be from 11:00AM-12:00PM, prior to the service.  Inurnment will follow in Middleburgh Cemetery.

Memorial donations are requested to The Wilson House, www.wilsonhouse.org.

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Obituary - Shannon Louise Wisniewski

Shannon Louise Wisniewski (Gullestad), 43 was a resident of Austin Texas for 22 years. Shannon passed away peacefully on May 10, 2024 after a brief illness at St. David's Hospital in Austin. She was a graduate of Middleburgh High School, Class of 2000. After which she was employed briefly at Schoharie County ARC and later Aero Ford of Cobleskill, NY. She then moved and settled in Texas. Shannon loved her Country Music. " There's bound to be rough waters and I know I'll take some falls but with the good Lord as my captain I can make it through them all." By: Garth Brooks. Shannon sure lived by those words. She was Independent, had a Kind and Loving Heart and was a Great Big Sister even over 1500 miles away. She had a Cheerful Smile and a Contagious Laugh and will truly be missed by many. She is predeceased by her Husband, Gerald Wisniewski, Stepson David of Austin Texas and a Step Granddaughter. Her parents John Gullestad of Schoharie, Mother Regina Gullestad of Middleburgh and three sisters, Erin Gullestad (Chris) of Middleburgh, Amanda Gullestad (Matt) of Altamont and Samantha Lebarron (Freddy) of Cobleskill with many nieces and nephews and along with other loving family members. Shannon has entered eternal rest and has joined Gerald Sr. and mother in law Nadine Wisniewski. A short Ceremony will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024 at 11:30 AM in Manor Texas at the Travis County Wells School Road Cemetery. No Viewing to be held. 

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Obituary - Eleanor Borgelt Spencer

On Monday, May 13, 2024, Eleanor Borgelt Spencer left this earth in much the same way she lived her life, quietly and peacefully, with family and friends around her.

She is survived by her loving husband, James A. Spencer, her children Kim Smith, Robert Hoerz (Sue), Stephen Hoerz (Vicki), Allen Spencer, Lane Spencer (Brenda), daughter in law Joyce Hoerz and her grandchildren, Nichole Gallager (Josh), Michelle Bickford (Andrew), James Spencer, Tyler Hoerz (Lisa), Adam Hoerz (Erica), Benjamin Smith (Marjaana), Emilie Smith (Kyle), Ryan Smith, Joshua Hoerz (Sierra), and her great grandchildren, Cooper and Chase Hoerz, Sadie Hoerz, Nora and Erin Gallager, Brennan Bickford and Aada Smith. It’s a testament of all the love she had to share.

As an only child, born on May 4, 1933 to German Immigrants, Emilie and Frederick Borgelt, who owned and operated a small delicatessen in New Rochelle, NY. Eleanor quickly learned that work would be something she would always do in one way or another. Yet, she found time for other activities like cheerleading and chorus. Ellie attended Oneonta Teachers College and soon after graduation, began her teaching career in Larchmont, NY. In the early 1950’s she met and fell in love with Robert Adam Hoerz. They married in 1956 and moved to Middleburgh, NY which has been her home ever since. They had three children together and in 1965 she decided it was time to go back to work. She started teaching at Middleburgh Elementary School and never considered not working again. Ellie was truly loved by her students and their families, co-workers and the community. 

Sadly, in 1971, her first husband passed away, yet somehow, she managed to continue working and caring for her young family. In 1972, she began dating her second husband, James A. Spencer. They fell in love and married in 1973. The families were then joined with five children, three of them teenagers. Again, a testament to her love and patience. They built a wonderful life together for 51 years.

Once the children were gone, they traveled the world together. When they both retired, they decided to do a cross-country tour. Always the educator, they bought a map of the United States for each of the families of their grandchildren. They would send a postcard from every place they visited and the grandchildren were asked to find where they were on the map. It was so much fun for the kids and a wonderful learning experience.

Both were very involved in Middleburgh Rotary. They sponsored many Rotary Exchange students through the 1970’s and 1980’s, who quickly became part of the family. Some even still keep in touch and visit periodically.

She was a long-standing member Century Club and a board member of the Mohawk Valley Library Association.

Ellie loved to entertain and truly enjoyed the company of others. When you left her home, you were full spiritually and physically, because that’s who she was. Ellie will always be remembered for her kindness and the help and support she would always offer to anyone she knew who was in need. This world was truly a better place because she was in it.

Ellie’s family would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Helios/Hospice and our wonderful Health aides. 

A celebration of Ellie’s life will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at the Middleburgh Reformed Church, 178 River Street, Middleburgh, NY. All are invited to visit with her family from 5:00-7:00PM on Friday, May 31, 2024 at Coltrain Funeral Home, LLC 134 River Street, Middleburgh, NY.  Private inurnment will be in Middleburgh Cemetery. 

Memorial donations may be made to the Middleburgh Library, PO Box 670, Middleburgh, NY 12122 and the Middleburgh Reformed Church Furnace Fund, PO Box 112, Middleburgh, NY 12157

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Schoharie, M'burgh Budgets Pass; Rosenthal, Bruno Win SCS Seats

By David Avtabile

SCHOHARIE VALLEY - Middleburgh and Schoharie school districts voters approved 2024-25 budgets and each elected two board members to the school board in Tuesday voting.

SCHOHARIE

* Budget for 2024-25, $27,623,921, Yes: 244 No: 128,

* School Bus Purchases: Yes: 259 No: 113.

* $146,000 Library Tax Levy: Yes: 255 No: 117.

* Capital Reserve Fund: Yes: 255 No: 117.

* Establishment of Bus Purchase Capital Reserve Fund: Yes: 250 No: 122.

* School Board Candidates, two elected for three-year term: Laura Rosenthal – 228 Votes 2. Bradford Bruno – 201 Votes Candidates not elected: Steven Underwood - 126 Votes Lynda Lewandowski - 124 Votes.

MIDDLEBURGH

On Tuesday MCS residents approved a $24,900,000 budget for the 2024-25 school year by a margin of 69.9% in favor to 30.1% opposed. The tally includes absentee ballots. The budget increases spending by 2.42%, or $587,510 from the current year, and includes a tax levy increase of $153,836 or 1.50%. Since the tax levy increase (the total amount of money to be raised through property taxes) is less than the district’s maximum allowable levy limit of 2.01%, the proposed budget needed only a simple majority vote to be approved.

Pamela Standhart and Becky Binder were re-elected to a three-year seat on the Middleburgh Board of Education.

Additional propositions:

* Middleburgh residents approved a proposition for the purchase of three, 65-passenger diesel buses not to exceed $488,000.

* Voters approved the proposal of a 10-year Bus and Vehicle Reserve fund not to exceed $2 million.  This reserve will allow the district to prepare for the purchase or acquisition of school buses and charging stations that meet the NY State legislature’s goal of having a zero-emission bus fleet by 2035.  

* Voters approved the proposition to allocate up to $200,000 from the 2023-2024 unappropriated fund balance to the Repair Reserve Fund.

"We are grateful to the Middleburgh community for their continuing support of MCS and the programs that we offer to our students,” said Superintendent Mark Place.

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Schoharie Colonial Heritage Association to open museums on Memorial Day

By Jennifer Patterson

With the 48th annual Spring Antique Show fundraiser in the books, Schoharie Colonial Heritage Association (SCHA) is gearing up to open its museums for the season.

The nonprofit continues to support and maintain two museums – the Schoharie Valley Railroad Museum on Depot Lane and the 1743 Palatine House Museum (the oldest house in Schoharie County) at 102 Warner Hill Road in Schoharie. Both are open from noon to 4 p.m. on weekends from Memorial Day through early October. Other showings can be made by appointment.

Money raised at SCHA’s annual spring and fall antique shows, Model Train Show and Holiday Crat Bazaar support the museums, as well as the Children’s Summer Theatre Program, which is on hiatus this year.

“All donations go into the Schoharie Colonial Heritage pot to support our Railroad Museum, the Palatine House, and events like our craft shows and children’s summer theater,” said Railroad Museum Director Thom Fries, who joined the nonprofit in 2019 after retiring from working on the railroad for 36 years. “We like promoting history – that’s why we do this.” 

In 1974, Schoharie Colonial Heritage Association transported the last remaining vehicle of the Middleburgh and Schoharie Railroad to Depot Lane in Schoharie from the Middleburgh flats, where it had been since 1936. The restored 1891 passenger car is on display for visitors, along with a restored 1917 wooden caboose donated by the Bridgeline Historical Society.

In addition, a period boxcar and a flatbed car are on display at the Schoharie Valley Railroad Complex, which also includes a 1920 scale model of buildings, cars and terrain of the area served by the Middleburgh and Schoharie Railroad. 

Just down the road a bit off Spring Street, you’ll find the Palatine House tucked away at the corner of Warner Hill Road. Built in 1743 as a Parsonage for Lutheran Pastor Peter Nicholas Sommer, the structure is one of the few buildings in the Schoharie Valley to escape destruction during the American Revolution.

Acquired in 1972 by SCHA, the house has been carefully restored to its original condition. A staff of knowledgeable historians, attired in period clothing, offers house tours, demonstrations and hands-on activities for children. Workshops and historical lectures are also held periodically throughout the season.

Admission to both museums is free, but donations are “cheerfully accepted.”

For information about SCHA and its museums, call 518-295-7505, email scha@midtel.net, or go to https://www.schoharieheritage.org.

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Russell Named as SCS HS Principal

To Replace Kevin Calacone on July 1

By David Avitabile

SCHOHARIE - Schoharie Central School will be getting a new junior-senior high school principal for the 2024-25 school year.

Schoharie school board members Tuesday night accepted the resignation of high school principal Kevin Calacone as of June 30. He will be replaced by current assistant high school Principal David Russell.

Board members agreed to give Mr. Russell a four-year probationary agreement beginning with a salary of $110,000 for the next school year. The probationary agreement expires on June 30. 2028. Mr. Russell began the school year as athletic director before becoming assistant principal in September.

Dr. Calacone is going to be the President of LaSalle Institute in Troy. He has been in Schoharie for nine years.

In addition, school board members Tuesday appointed the following teachers and personnel for the 2024-25 school year:

*  Carey Raymond  as a Special Education Teacher, sixth grade to a three-year probationary agreement at a salary of $83,945 per STA contract, effective September 1.

*.Shauna Rockwell as a Speech-Language Pathologist to a four-Year probationary position at a salary Step 2, per STA contract, effective September 1.

* Amanda Stigberg as an elementary school teacher for  a four-year probationary appointment at her current Salary Step, per STA contract, effective retroactive to May 9.

*.Aaron Tesiero as an elementary school teacher to a, four-year probationary appointment effective September 

Board members also:

* Accepted the resignation of Rebbecca LaPoint as a Part-Time Teacher Aide, effective as of the end of the day on 6/27/24.

* Accepted the resignation of Charles Parks, Bus Driver, effective as of the end of the day on 6/30/24.

*Accepted the resignation of Lenorah Pierce, Full-Time Teacher Aide, effective retroactive to the end of the day on 4/05/24.

* Appointed Seth Sholtes  as a Office and Keyboard Worker, Step 1 $31,798, per SCEA Contract, eight hours/day, five days/week, 12 months/year, 52-week probationary, according to School Calendar, effective 5/28/24.

*Accepted the following change in appointment for Alex Kutinsky, change from: appoint, Custodial Worker, Probationary Full-Time, 10 months, Second Shift, Step 9 $37,195 per SCEA Contract, Second Shift Differential: $642 to: Appoint, Custodial Worker, Probationary Full-Time, 12 months, Second Shift, Step 9 $37,195 per SCEA Contract, Second Shift Differential: $642, effective 5/22/24. 

* Named Kat Harvey as Musical Assistant half-time, Stipend per STA Contract, $855, effective retroactive to 1/01/24.

*Appointed the following Summer Enrichment Teachers at the Curriculum hourly rate per STA Contract, Hours: 9AM-1:30PM, effective 7/08/24 through 8/16/24: Anthony Monescalchi, Ron Mastin, Brittany Heintz, Lisette Helmstadt, Gabrielle Stanavich, Jacqueline O'Rourke, Carolyn Strauch, Jennifer Hellstrom, Holly Rutland, and Erin Leahy. 

* Named the following Summer Enrichment substitute teachers at a salary Summer Curriculum hourly rate per STA Contract, Hours: 9AM-1:30PM, effective 7/08/24 through 8/16/24: Sandra Cater and Nancy Anderson.

* Appointed the following Summer Enrichment Aides at a salary Step at current hourly rate per SCEA contract, Hours: 9AM-1:30PM, effective 7/08/24 through 8/16/24: Heather Cater, Kelly Hartzel, Marissa McCormack-Waters, Megan Munzo, Teresa Schoenecker, Nicholas Sisson, David St. George, Amy Tessitore, and Courtney Thomas.

* Approved the Summer Curriculum Development of "Really Great Reading Program" which is grant funded. Appointed per hourly rate per STA Contract, not to exceed 15 hours effective 7/01/24 through 8/15/24,were for the following: Michelle Haverly (SPED), Joanne Spina (SPED), Carolyn Strauch (SPED), Brittany Heintz (SPED), and Anne Donzelli (SPED).

* Approved the Summer Curriculum Development of 15:1 Special Class Curriculum Development, which is grant funded. Appointed to an hourly rate per STA Contract, not to exceed five days, effective 7/01/24 through 8/15/24, were the following: Brittany Heintz, Social Studies (Global/US History), Carolyn Strauch (English), Adriene Bush (Math), and Rylie Smith (Science).

* Added seven people the to Capital Region BOCES Teacher Substitute Calling Service list.

* Authorized Transportation to Non-Public Schools for the 2024- 25 School Year.

* Accepted the donation from The Rolphie Fund of $724.36 for the Schoharie CSD Rolphie Fund.

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