Newark school names will change
By John Zornow

After discussing the subject at three board meetings, asking for input in the Courier-Gazette, and on WACK radio, the Newark Board of Education voted to name the school building on West Miller St. after former Supt. of Schools, Norman R. Kelley. Effective September 2001, the Miller St. building will be known as the N.R. Kelley Intermediate School. As part of the vote, the current Kelley building will then be known as The Newark Middle School.

Business Manager Robert Fogel reported on the handicap access issue at the Miller St. school. Currently, the handicap parking and access is located on the creekside of the building. Fogel indicated that the district architects are exploring the costs and the feasibility of remodeling the west entrance for handicap access.

Preparations for the 2000-2001 budget were discussed. Fogel explained the budget development process, format, and timeliness. Fogel indicated that this coming year is to be affected by debt payments on the building project, as well as increased staffing and overhead for the Perkins building, which will be the first completed in the $48 million expansion.

Cable broadcasting of board meetings was again brought up. Board President Dave Howard asked for comment on the matter. Jeff Snow suggested that building project meetings and bid openings could be televised, while former school board member Mary Mosely suggested just special meetings. Student Josh Backus was in favor of all meetings being on camera. No action was taken on the matter.

In other board action:

Teacher Robert Binggeli was honored with an award from the New York State Academy for Teaching and Learning.

District Priorities were discussed and agreed upon for the school year 1999-2000. They are as follows:

• Improve student performance on State required tests in ELA and math as compared to 1998-99 performance.
• Create a positive learning environment by promoting positive student conduct.
• Give students an environment that enhances higher learning by controlling violence, peer harassment, and attendance.
• Give students an environment that enhances higher levels of learning by promoting students' accountability in the areas of violence, peer harassment, improved attendance.
• Review, revise and implement job descriptions and expectations for continuous quality improvement of staff performance.

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