Newark School Board meets
By John Zornow

The Newark School Board met last night at the high school.

Additional retirements were announced, and school officials continue to ready all buildings for the start of classes on September 5.

Retiring are: Jane Demer, reading teacher, Olivia Thomas, math instructor, and Jane Tucker, home and careers teacher. The retirements were effective August 10.

Opening day of Newark public and parochial schools will see a projected enrollment of about 2875. Official 2000-2001 enrollment is announced in October.

Building Project Update: Project construction manager Mark AuClair said that an on-time opening of Perkins Elementary school is likely, even though some problems are being experienced with concrete curing. AuClair stressed that no 'big ticket items' remain unfinished. All other projects, according to AuClair, are right on schedule.

Time for the public: Ange DeJohn and Sue Balschmiter questioned a revised policy on public comment, wondering if the new policy is designed to limit public input. The new policy reads as follows: 'Public comments are invited from those individuals who desire to address the Board of Education on any topic related to Board work. Speakers are requested to limit their remarks to not more than 3 minutes; to appoint a spokesperson if a concern is a group concern; to supplement verbal presentations with written reports, if necessary, if desired.'

Board President John Strait responded to Balschmiter's question that the change in policy was only a general guide to move the agenda along. Mary Moseley asked the board to allow the meetings to be televised. This comment did not spark any response. DeJohn asked board members if they had read a letter in last week's Courier-Gazette written by a former board member. DeJohn said the letter did not reflect well on the community. No board members commented on the article.

Supt. Robert Christmann acknowledged the recent gifts of backpacks by the Art Williams family. These backpacks will be distributed to needy first-grade students. (You can read this story and other school news at the District website.)

Business Manager Robert Fogel discussed the recent retirement incentive. He indicated that the costs for the 24 early retirees would run $272,000 and would be recouped within five years, due to the lower salaries of replacement staff. Fogel stressed that in order to offer the incentive, the district had to show that the replacement staff would cost no more than 50% of those retiring.

Curriculum Supt. Henry Hann described the new teacher orientation process, lasting six days, which started yesterday. It includes a BOCES trainer and follow-up process. Hann reported on High School Report Card Night, indicating that it will take place at a 10-week interval. Report cards will be available, and parents will be able to meet with staff in an afternoon or evening session.

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