NLCS Students Score Well On Standardized Tests

by Phillip Zema
On July 7 New Lebanon School Board meeting set the tone for the upcoming school year. Current superintendent Karen McGraw was sworn in for another term.  Incumbent Board of Education members JoAnn Gavirty and Raymond Sowalski and David Kroboth, the BOE’s newest member, were sworn in as well.   Moreover, current President Monique Wood was again nominated to lead the Board. Sowalski will continue his position as BOE Vice President.
High School Principal Leslie Whitcomb reported that New Lebanon’s students scored remarkably high on standardized tests. She indicated that most of the students passed their regents exams, including a 91% pass rate for Living Environment and a 61% mastery rate for US History.  Moreover nearly every eighth-grader passed the second language proficiency exam, with 3/4ths achieving mastery scores.  Whitcomb also announced that driver’s education is once again being offered by the District and the course is well underway.
Union Free School
There was also a brief discussion about the Union Free School.  The Union Free School, a subcommittee of the Lebanon Valley Historical Society, has yet to hear back about the Lowe’s grant. News about whether the grant will be awarded should come within the month.  If awarded, the grant would be used towards stabilizing the old school building
The Board is also investigating how much it would cost to demolish the building.  Originally, demolition costs have been estimated to be as low as $35k.  If asbestos is found in the building, however, the costs will likely be considerably more.  The District is still awaiting news about whether asbestos abatement is necessary.
A rather tranquil and mundane meeting did not leave much room for controversy.  Most of the action items were approved with little discussion.  The only instance of contention was over a resolution to hire a full time mechanic.  For reasons not made clear, both Timothy Lambert and David Kroboth had reservations about approving the appointment. After a brief executive session, the resolution was approved 5-2, with Lambert and Kroboth dissenting.
New Principal Search
During the public session, there was a concern raised about the District’s search for a new Elementary School Principal. On June 16 it was announced that Daniel Packard, the current Elementary School Principal, would resign from his position, effective August 6. Several audience members felt that the Board should have discussed the job opening at the meeting.  The Board replied that the hiring process was taking place.
The high school’s Assistant Principal will assume the duties of Athletic Director.  The new duties come with a $2,000 stipend.