Saying Goodbye To Dr. Young
by Doug La Rocque
After ten plus years on the job, Berlin Central School District Superintendent Dr. Stephen Young attended his last School Board meeting on Tuesday, January 19. Dr. Young had announced his retirement last year, effective December 31, but has stayed on until the new superintendent, Jospeh Dhara comes on board officially on February 1.
Board President Frank Zwack offered the board’s, school staff and
administration, as well as the community’s thanks for all he has helped to build and develop at Berlin Central. For his part, Dr. Young said he is “filled with pride for what the students, teachers and staff have accomplished over the past ten years,” but mostly thanked the board “for having built a strong and broad base for education.”
Are There Pay Cuts?
Board member Kellie Kashack asked Business Manager Karen Capozzi and Dr. Young, if the school district nurses, teachers aids and other support staff, have had their salaries cut. Ms. Capozzi’s answer was no, because these employees are hourly. But, in December, the district made the decision most were no longer needed on Wednesdays, when the school is in fully remote learning mode. Thusly, with less hours, less pay. She indicated the hours reduction was just being noticed, because of a lag payroll. She did indicate each building principal has the prerogative to call any of these employees in on a Wednesday, if needed.
Some Questions On The Consent Agenda
Each month, the board approves a number of items at one time, called a consent agenda. This month it included the Treasurer’s report, personnel action, approval of the recent claims audit, the Committee on Special Education’s recommendations, approval of the 2019-20 Audit Finding Corrective Plan, 2020-21 Budget Transfers and change orders on outside contractors agreement. Prior to the vote, any board member can ask questions, or even pull the time for a separate vote. That is what happened at this meeting concerning the budget transfers. Board member Katie Snyder wanted further clarification about a $140,000 expenditure that she indicated may not have been clearly defined. Ms. Capozzi said it was for a bus purchase. There was also discussion about $8,000 in furniture expenses, that too was resolved and the transfers were approved.
Other News
High School/Middle School Principal Jodi Sullivan reported they are already beginning to look at schedules and programs for the next school year, and are preparing for a bi-weekly 20 percent COVID-19 testing of the student population, should infection levels rise to a threshold set by New York State. The board also re-appointed President Frank Zwack, as it’s representative to Questar III.