County Likely Moving Forward with Revamped Website

By Chris English

SCHOHARIE COUNTY — A proposal from a Michigan company for a revamped website has gone over well with Schoharie County officials and it appears they are moving forward with the idea.

At the Thursday, Aug. 29 meeting of the county's Economic Development Committee, members approved a motion from Chair Werner Hampel of Cobleskill to use $44,600 from county sales tax money set aside for economic development on the proposal from Revize Web Services. It made a presentation at the Aug. 16 Board of Supervisors meeting.

The $44,600 represents the first year's costs from Revize, which would then charge $6,900 a year for the next four years after the first. The motion approved at the Aug. 29 meeting now moves on to the county Finance Committee and from there to the full Board of Supervisors, which has the final say.

"An updated website would have a very good way of reaching out to people," Hampel said at the Aug. 29 meeting. "It will help bring us into the 21st Century."

Fellow county Supervisor and Economic Development Committee member Donald Airey of Blenheim agreed and said it's probably time for a new and fresh county website.

"I was impressed with their presentation and it seemed like the cost for what they are offering is quite reasonable," he said. "I think the website really does need updating and needs to be a lot more user-friendly. I am all for it."

In other news from the Aug. 29 committee meeting, county Economic Development Coordinator John Crescimanno brought members up to date on the status of various grant applications and initiatives.

He said a contract not to exceed $65,000 awarded to MIDTEL of Middleburgh for Wi-Fi installation and five-year system operation in the Village of Middleburgh has been delayed. Crescimanno said the reason for the delay is that New York State stepped in and said the county needed to make double sure it was giving minority and women-owned businesses a fair shot at the contract.

"It's just their process now," he explained. Crescimanno said revised requests for proposals have already gone out and are expected back soon.

"This should only push things back about a month," he said.

A county request for $30 million from the state's Municipal Infrastructure Program for broadband buildout in Schoharie County is still pending, Crescimanno said. It is hoped that the $30 million, if granted, would lead to 100 percent broadband coverage in the county, he added.

A note on the Aug. 29 meeting agenda regarding the MIP request read "Have not heard a response in some time. Believe a decision is coming soon. More to follow."

Crescimanno said he is working with Schoharie County Public Transportation Director Christine Kraemer on a grant application that will hopefully fund a study on public transportation in the county and how it can be improved.

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NYS DMV Commissioner Visits County Clerk and Team

Back, from left:  Clerk Liaison Cathy Sharkey, DMV Commissioner Mark J. F. Schroeder, Schoharie DMV Rep Supervisor Annette McFarland, & County Clerk Larry Caza. Front, from left: Nicole, Ayiana, Tracy, Jamie, and Kim

            

SCHOHARIE — State DMV Commissioner Mark J. F. Schroeder recently came out from Albany to visit with our County Clerk Larry Caza and to meet his team and tour the offices. “I am always happy to meet up with Clerk Caza and his staff. I try to get out to visit with all of the county clerks around the state whenever I have a chance,” said the NYS DMV Commissioner & Chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. “The clerks are important Partners in the work we do every day at DMV, including helping to get New Yorkers signed up as part of the Organ Donor Registry, and maintaining those relationships is something that has been very important to me in my time as Commissioner.” 

Comm. Schroeder truly believes in MBWA {Management By Walking Around} and never hesitates to get out and see the local county offices for himself. Traveling with his County Clerk Liaison, Cathy Sharkey, Commissioner Schroeder works to continually shatter the old perceptions of what the “DMV” is. “Our Mission Statement is to Safely, Securely and Professionally ‘Drive you Forward’. One of my key goals is to propel everyone: staff, customers, vendors, toward growth – success – and fulfillment.”     

Schoharie County Clerk Caza, himself a twenty-year veteran of the Clerk’s office & the local DMV couldn’t agree more: “I am so proud of the staff here and how they work hard every day to provide the best service and explain the often-complex rules and procedures our customers have to deal with. It can be very tough to tell someone there’s an issue with their paperwork or their driving record. More often than not, our staff here can help folks understand what the best path forward is to get their issues resolved & have the customer leaving with a ‘way-more-positive-attitude’ than when they came to the counter.” Caza was elected County Clerk last November and started his first term in January of this year, but he’s been working in the office since April of 2004 when he was appointed as Deputy County Clerk. According to Clerk Caza, “The Core values of the State DMV line-up quite well with our own: Respect – Empowerment – Inclusion – Integrity – and Innovation.”

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Gilboa-Conesville Ready for the New School Year

Staff Report

GILBOA – There were 10 new people to help welcome students back at Gilboa-Conesville Central School yesterday, Sept. 5 and a new canine addition is being trained, according to the school newsletter.

Superintendent Bonnie Johnson has a year under her belt now and is looking forward to the new school year. The top priority remains providing a supportive, inclusive, and innovative educational environment for all students.

Several programs will be continued this year, and include the FUSE-STEAM curriculum for grades 4-8, the Wildcat Wonders monthly celebration for PreK students, Parent Square in a new program replacing Thrillshare, and SchoolTool is providing a new student management system.

Among the 10 new staff members, are: Ayla Boggs - Functional Academic Classroom; Aurora Cookhouse, library media specialist; Candice Gockel, instructional technology; Melissa Graham, instrumental music; Katrina Grave, mechanic helper; Courtney Hasenkopt, fourth grade; Mary Hinkley, 7-12 principal/director of special educations; Casey Smith, business office; William Sprossel, bus driver and Derek VonLangen, 7-12 science.

Johnson's philosophy of involving families in the education of their children continues. She urges parents and guardians to reach out to teachers, administrators, or the district office with any concerns.

She said all of the "exceptional staff" is in place and ready to inspire, challenge and support each student.

New this year will be merged sports teams. Gilboa-Conesville and Roxbury have combined for their sports teams this season, due to a steady decline in enrollments. The two communities are committed to providing as many opportunities as possible, which includes the merged teams.  After discussion by the boards of education, it was determined the merger of the two teams was the best way to provide those opportunities for students in both districts.

There will be a unified varsity, junior varsity, and modified teams with the exception of golf and skiing. Providing all three levels ensures students will be playing at the proper level. They will be known as GCR with both the Rocket and Wildcat in the logo.

Murphy, a black Labrador Retriever puppy is in training to become the school facility dog. He is being trained to provide comfort, and support and will eventually go to work with his handlers to assist with academic and social/emotional interventions. He is in training with Paws 2 Connect and will be tested to become a therapy dog as well as a Canine Good Citizen. In the school newsletter, Johnson indicates there is excitement about all of the ways this program will benefit the students.

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Registration Now Open for the 2024 Conesville Historical Society Turkey Trot

CONESVILLE — On Saturday, November 30, Come run or walk a 5K or 3.1 mile trail in historic Conesville, NY a few days after Thanksgiving!!  It’ll help YOU burn off that awesome turkey dinner and help US raise money for the Conesville Historical Society!  We have many fun and interesting presentations we’d like to bring your way in 2025.

Register at: conesvillehistoricalsocietyturkeytrot.itsyourrace.com or contact John Riedl at jriedl665@gmail.com / 607-588-7711.  Visit us at Conesville Turkey Trot 5K on Facebook. **To receive a t-shirt, you MUST pre-register by Nov.4**

Start time: 10 am

Meet at:  The Conesville Recreational Field next to the firehouse on 990v in Conesville, NY 12076

Rain or Shine!!  Trot, run, or walk……have fun!

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Schoharie Looking to Change 'School Climate"

By David Avitabile

SCHOHARIE - As the new school year begins, Schoharie school officials are looking at different ways to improve the "school climate."

With a new high school principal and assistant principal in place, officials are looking at suspension rates and other information, Superintendent David Blanchard told school board members at their August meeting.

Schoharie is strict on discipline, Mr. Blanchard stressed.

"We are not soft on discipline," he told board members. "The principals do not ignore bad behavior." He noted that there were 274 one-day in-school suspensions during the 2023-24 school year and 127 out-of-school suspensions.

Suspensions are the end product, Mr. Blanchard explained.

"Suspension isn't the answer. We have to work more on restorative practices," the Superintendent said.

"We can't suspend our way out of this problem. We have to come up with alternatives."

Both the new principal, David Russell, who previously served as assistant principal, and the assistant principal Carley Ryan, know about the issues and "are working on it," Mr. Blanchard added.

Board members also approved the 2024-25 district-wide safety plan at their August meeting.

The board received a letter from a parent who complained about the increase in bullying in the district. The letter, which was read at the meeting, did not specify which building or grade the parent was referring to. 

The parent wrote, in part, "We have to do better...Bullying has gotten out of hand. Something has to be done."

The parent also complained that there was "a lot of bias" in the district and adults are "not listening."

Another complaint was that when the victim of bullying fights back, they get in trouble, the parent wrote.

The letter was in response to the district-wide safety plan, which was published for review by the public.

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SCS Family Engagement Committee Ready to Form

SCHOHARIE - The Schoharie Central School District is seeking members of the school community for their new Family Engagement Committee. 

The district is looking to enhance our connections with families. To help us achieve this goal, they are holding an initial meeting of the committee at 3:15 p.m., on September 4, at the school.

Anyone who is interested in serving on this committee should contact Barbara Maland at (518) 295-6679 or bmaland@schoharieschools.org for more information and to reserve a spot on the committee.

The committee will help the district guide its work as they seek to improve their connection with district families and the community in general.

Family engagement is vital to the success of students, both inside and outside of the classroom. Please consider joining this committee. Members of the community who do not have children currently attending school are also welcome to participate.

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SCS Hoping to Retain Interest in Clubs Despite Busing Changes

By David Avitabile

SCHOHARIE - The move to one bus run at Schoharie Central School may create some challenges for high school advisors to maintain interest in the numerous clubs at the school.

After having two bus runs in the past few years, the district is switching back to one bus run with the school day starting at 8am and ending at 2:34pm. This matches most of the neighboring districts and schools in the Capital District. 

Schoharie has built up a big interest in clubs, activities, and intramurals in the past few years, Superintendent David Blanchard. Clubs met during a "flex" period, which was the last period of the day.

Officials do not want the interest in clubs to wane this school year, he told school board members at their August meeting.

In order to maintain that interest, the district is planning two late buses for after-school activities and they will still run the 5:30pm bus for athletics, Mr. Blanchard said.

"We are hoping there will be enough interest generated," he told board members. If not, officials may have to look at a mid-day flex period to maintain participation for clubs and activities. "That remains to be seen."

The transition to one bus run will take some time, he added.

"It's going to be a challenge for a few days, but there is always a challenge, but once we get into the flow of one bus run will be better," Mr. Blanchard said. 

The number of bus runs have been reduced but there was still a need for two more drivers, as of mid-August, Mr. Blanchard added, "Two more drivers would be ideal. We have the buses."

Mr. Blanchard also noted that because of the shift to one bus run and one start time for pre-kindergarten through grade 12, as well as a general trend of having more families in recent years drop off students in the morning in their personal vehicles, officials anticipate a very busy first few mornings of school. 

To ensure the safety of students and families, officials outlined the following busing instructions and suggestions:

Allow for an extra 10 minutes before and after the scheduled pick-up time, as bus drivers get used to new routes.

Elementary students will be required to sit in the front of the bus. High School students will be required to sit in the back of the bus. If younger and older siblings wish to sit together, they may do so in the middle of the bus.

Buses will hold students in the parking lot until 8 a.m.

The 3:30pm late bus run will start later in September. More details will be available later. The 5:30pm late bus will begin on September 5.

Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students will not be released from a bus in the afternoon unless there is an adult present at the drop-off location. 

For more on student busing, please visit the district transportation page on the district website.

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SCS Names Advisors, Coordinators for 2024-25

By David Avitabile

SCHOHARIE - Schoharie school board members continued to get ready for the new school year by naming a slate of department heads, curriculum coordinators, and club advisors at their August meeting.

Board members named the following junior-senior high school department heads, at  stipend of $4,500 per STA Contract, unless otherwise noted:

* David Cummins, English/Reading.

* Leah Schaefer, Fine Arts.

* Lindsay Peterson, Foreign Language (LOTE).

* JoLyn Borst, Guidance.

* Marion Burghart, Library Media Specialist, $850.

* Erika Robert, Math.

* Tammy Drinon, Physical Education/Health.

* Jennifer Chavez, Practical Arts.

* John Styles, Science.

* Edward Rivers, Social Studies.

* Brittany Heintz, Special Education.

Board members also appointed the following elementary curriculum coordinators at a stipend of $3,500 per STA Contract:

* Megan Caruso, ELA K-2.

* Darcie Schmid, ELA 3-5.

* Melanie Paloski, Math K-2.

* Bridget Krepcio, Math 3-5.

* Jeneca Kenny, Science.

* Rachel Lenart, Social Studies.

* Megan Langan, Special Area.

Board members named the following high school class/club advisors at stipends per STA Contract:

* JoLyn Borst, Best Buddies Advisor, $850.

* Christina Vincent, Freshman Class Advisor, E7.

* Anne Ringuette, Sophomore Class Advisor, E3.

* Jennifer Chavez, Junior Class Advisor, E20.

* Marion Burghart, Senior Class Advisor, E12.

* Marion Burghart, Crafting and Giving Club Advisor, $1,150.

* Rylie Smith, Environmental Stewards Club, $850.

* JoLyn Borst, Food Pantry Coordinator, $850.

* Madison Dunbar, FFA Advisor, E2.

* Christina Vincent, Gay-Straight Alliance Advisor, $850.

* JoLyn Borst, High School Adventure Club Advisor, $1,550.

* Nadine Standhart, High School Adventure Club Advisor, $1,550.

* David St. George, High School Gaming Club Advisor, $1,550.

* Eric Croote, Jr/Sr High School Intramurals Advisor, Fall: $3,100, Winter: $3,100, Spring: $3,100.0

* Martin Messner, Jr/Sr High School Intramurals Advisor, Fall: $3,100, Winter: $3,100, Spring: $3,100.

* Michelle Haverly, Jr. High School Student Council Advisor.

*  Joanne Spina, Key Club Advisor, I2.

*  Amy Church, Musical Director, I2.

*  Pam Guest, Musical Assistant (.5), E20.

* JoLyn Borst, National Honor Society Advisor, $1,550.

* Dan Ringuette, National Junior Honor Society Advisor, $1,550.

* Eric Croote, Outdoors Club Advisor, $1,550.

* Carrie Styles, Select Choir Advisor, $1,550.

* Ed Rivers, Student Government Advisor, E8.

* Martin Messner, Travel Club Advisor, $1,700.

* Tammy Drinon, Varsity Club Advisor, E13.

* Kelly Takacs, Yearbook Club Advisor, E13.

* Carrie Styles, Youth Belonging Leadership Team Advisor, $850.

Board members appointed the following elementary club advisors at various stipends per STA Contract:

* Ashley Hannan, Elementary Adventure Club Grades 3-5 Advisor, $1,550.

* Amy Thalheimer, Elementary Adventure Club Grades 3-5 Advisor, $1,550.

* Danielle Couture, Elementary After School Choir Advisor, $3,000.

* Anthony Monescalchi, Elementary Intramurals (Girls), Fall: E3, Winter: E3, Spring: E3.

* Angela Jackson, Elementary Intramurals (Boys), Fall: E9, Winter: E10, Spring: E9.

* Anthony Monescalchi, Just Run Co-Advisor (0.5), Fall: I2, Spring: E2.

* Amy Thalheimer, Just Run Co-Advisor (0.5), Fall: E3, Spring: E3.

* Lindsay DiMaso, PBIS Elementary Coordinator, $1,550.

* Amy Thalheimer, Student Council Grades 3-5 Advisor, $775.

* Lindsay DiMaso, Student Council Grades 3-5 Advisor, $775.

*   *   *

In other action, board members:

* Named Carrie Styles, Equity Coordinator at a stipend of $8,000 per STA MOA.

* Appointed Melanie Paloski, CTLE Committee Chair at a stipend of $8,000 per STA Contract.

* Named Ashley Hannan Elementary Behavior Committee Chairperson at a stipend of $4,000 per STA MOA.

* Named Anne Donzelli Secondary Behavior Committee Chairperson at a stipend of $4,000 per STA MOA.

* Appointed Megan Caruso, K-12 Mentor Coordinator at a stipend of $4,000.

* Approved a  Memorandum of Agreement - STA - President Release Time, Approve, per stated terms and conditions.

* Named the following teachers as mentors who completed mentor training: Michele Borst and Darcie Schmid.

* Approved an unpaid leave of absence for Pam Guest, for 10 days; April, 7-11/2025 and April 21-25/2025.

* Approved Ben Fox as an Elementary Volunteer, for the 2024-25 School Year.

* Added the following to the SCS Substitute List, Approve, at current sub rates: Kossow, Sandra - Non-Certified without Degree, effective retroactive 7/23/24, Chapman, Alexis - Non-Certified without Degree, effective 9/01/24 pending fingerprint clearance, Lawyer, Shirley - Non-Certified without Degree, effective 9/01/24 pending fingerprint clearance, Chase, Miranda - Certified without Degree, effective 9/01/24 pending fingerprint clearance, Borst, McKenzie - Non-Certified without Degree, effective 9/01/24, and Lawyer, Casey - Non-Certified without Degree, effective 9/01/24. 

22.  2024-25 RETURNING SCS Certified Substitute List, Approve, at current substitute rates, the following individuals:

Griffin, Michelle (Certified Teaching Assistant)

Hesdorfer, Margaret (Certified Teacher)

Jeffrey, Terri-Ann (Certified Teaching Assistant)

Mackie, Alex (Certified Teacher)

Newberry, Bonnie (Certified Teacher)

Richter, Ellen (Certified Nurse)

Wayman, Jacqueline (LPN)

Wissenbach, Donna (Certified Teacher)

* Added seven people to the Capital Region BOCES teacher substitute calling service list.

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SCS Names New Ag Teacher, More Appointments for 2024-25

By David Avitabile

SCHOHARIE - Schoharie Central School has a new agriculture teacher.Schoharie school board members last month named Madison Dunbar as the new agriculture teacher for the junior-senior high school, effective July 16. Ms. Dunbar was give a four-year probationary position.

*   *   *In other personnel items, board members:* Appointed Alicia Loucks as a special education teacher in the elementary school.

* Named Sherry Georgeson as a special education teacher in the high school.

* Appointed Alexandra Nash as a special education teacher in the elementary school.* Named Luis Toro as a Probationary Full-Time Teacher Aide, Step 5 $18,967 per SCEA Contract, six hours/day, additional time as needed.

* Appointed Hannah Vedder as a Probationary Part-Time Teacher Aide, Step 1 $15.50 per hour per SCEA Contract, 3 hours/day, additional time as needed.

* Named Duncan Schanz as a Bus Driver, Step 13 $28.82 per hour per SCEA Contract, approximately 4 hours/day, according to School Calendar.

* Nida Ehring as a Probationary Part-Time Food Service Helper, Step 9 $17.36/hour per SCEA Contract, 4.5 hours per day, additional time as needed, according to School Calendar.

* Named the following coaches for Fall sports: Heather Palmatier, JV Volleyball Head Coach, Jacqueline O'Rourke, Modified Volleyball Head Coach, Lisette Helmstadt, Girls Varsity Cross Country Head Coach, and Robert Smith, Boys Modified Soccer - (Volunteer Assistant).

* Approved additional period stipends, for the following teachers: Lindsay Peterson - Spanish 1 Class - $8,000 per STA Contract, Leah Schaefer - Yearbook Class - $8,000 per STA Contract, and John Styles - Formal Logic - (0.5) $4,000 per STA Contract, and Chem Hygiene - (0.5) $4,000 per STA Contract.

* Approved Kelly Fagnani, seven days of work during summer to complete updated testing for a number of complex students that have transferred into the district this summer in preparation for 2024-25 school year.

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SCS Releases Drop-Off/Pick-Up, Busing Info

SCHOHARIE - Schoharie Central School is welcoming its students back to school this Thursday and there will be several changes in busing for the 2024-25 school year.

Because of the shift to one bus run and one start time for Pre-K through grade 12, as well as a general trend of having more families in recent years drop off students in the morning in their personal vehicles, they anticipate a very busy first few mornings of school. 

They said they understand families are busy, especially in the mornings and appreciate your patience. To ensure the safety of our students and families and to help get the school year off to a great start, they ask you to please review the following instructions and notes:

Family drop-off/pick-up

There will be additional school staff on hand to assist with arrival. Please follow directions from school staff, who will be posted in various locations.

Parents and guardians should remain in their vehicles at all times, with the exception of parents that may need to assist children getting into and out of car seats.

When dropping off students, please pull your vehicle as close to the vehicle in front of you as safely possible.

Students should exit and enter vehicles only on the sidewalk side of the vehicle.  

They ask that all students say their goodbyes at their vehicle, and family members do not try to walk them across to the school. There are many staff on hand who will take care of them and make sure they get connected with their classroom teacher from there.  

Once you’ve dropped off your child, proceed with caution if you pull around the cars in front of you.

Busing

Please allow for an extra 10 minutes before and after the scheduled pick-up time, as bus drivers get used to new routes.

Elementary students will be required to sit in the front of the bus. Jr./Sr. High School students will be required to sit in the back of the bus. If younger and older siblings wish to sit together, they may do so in the middle of the bus.

Buses will hold students in the parking lot until 8 a.m.

The 3:30 p.m. late bus run will start later in September. More details will be available later. The 5:30 p.m. late bus will begin on September 5.

Pre-K and kindergarten students will not be released from a bus in the afternoon unless there is an adult present at the drop-off location. 

For more on student busing, please visit their transportation page on the district website.

Student drivers

Student drivers in 11th and 12th grade must park in the lot behind the track. If they park in any other location, they will be asked to move their vehicles. Student drivers risk losing parking privileges on school property if they fail to comply with the requirement to park behind the track.  

Student drivers are required to have a parking pass that will be assigned through the Jr./Sr. High School office.

Visitors during the school day should find an empty space in the parking lot if you are at the school for a prolonged period of time. Visitors can pull into the bus loop and park near the building as needed for short visits, ie. dropping off or picking up students for appointments. Please do not leave vehicles unattended in the area marked in red as the fire lane. 

They anticipate that there will be changes to traffic flow, parking patterns and procedures as we move forward into the new school year and they get a better understanding of arrival and dismissal patterns.

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