Grand Island Central School District news page

Grand Island School Board News Page
2001

Instructors Sought For Summer Program
   The Grand Island Central School District seeks instructors to work in the 4-week "Summer Enrichment Program" at Connor Middle School during the month of July 2001. All grade levels will be taught (K-12). Instructors need not be state certified, although certification would be helpful. Needed are instructors of foreign language, mathematics, science,art, computers, English, crafts, physical education, reading and writing and ecology.
   Those with an interest in helping to make a youngster's summer fun and education should apply with a letter of interest to: Jim Mazza, Summer Enrichment Program, 1100 Ransom Road, Grand Island, NY 14072.

Principals present preliminary budgets
By Lee Cohen
   Monday, March 5, 2001.The five building principals presented their budget proposals for 2001-2, minus staffing requests, to the school board at Monday night's work session. Superintendent Paul Fields told trustees that staffing would be discussed on Monday, March 26, when the district would have a better idea of personnel needs and be able to devote sufficient time to discuss possible staff additions or terminations.
   Sidway is expecting an increase in enrollment, currently at 476, Principal Frank Cannata told trustees. He said that federal and state aid for additional staffing to reduce class size to 18 or 19 pupils will help offset increases in his budget. If more rooms are needed, he added, the library, which now takes up two classrooms on the second floor, could be relocated to the first floor room facing the post office, thus giving him an additional classroom. BOCES, which has rented space for two years for a self-contained classroom, may have to seek another location in order to free up space.
   Helping to reduce cost to taxpayers is additional reimbursement from the state, based on enrollment, for textbooks, computers, library and AV supplies. All five schools are taking advantage of this increased aid to update those materials.
   The budgets were basically hold-the-line documents, with little or no increase from this year, despite the fact that costs have risen. Items such as equipment repair, printing costs, equipment costs, contractual expenses, supplies, conference and travel costs generally remained the same.
   At the high school, however, Principal James Dempsey said that enrollment will increase next year by about 50 pupils due to a large 8th grade class this year, so his budget reflects increases to accommodate additional students.
   Huth Rd. Principal Peg Koppmann asked for increased equipment funding for replacement of desks, chairs and other equipment. "Everything's falling apart," she said.
   Fields announced that data from school districts' report cards, issued by the State Education Department, cannot be released to the public until mid March, although results are now available.
   The budget process will continue on Monday, March 12 at the board's next regular meeting, to be held at Huth Rd. School at 7 p.m.

Teachers, Substitutes Sought
   The Grand Island Central School District is seeking certified teachers in all subject areas for anticipated openings in September, 2001.
   The District also has an immediate need for substitutes in all certification areas.
   In anticipation of these current and proposed future needs, the District will hold a Teacher Recruitment Fair with on-site interviews on Monday, March 19 at Sidway Elementary School, 2451 Baseline Road, Grand Island. The Fair will run from 3-6:30 p.m.
   Those attending are asked to bring a copy of their resume, certification or certification status and transcripts (student coies are acceptable).

Budget Process Begins with Review of BOCES Expenditures
By Lee Cohen
   Monday, February 26, 2001.The school board's brief business meeting was followed by presentation of the proposed Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) budget for 2001-2002, the opening salvo in the 2001-2002 budget process that will keep trustees and administrators busy every Monday until spring break in April.
   Superintendent Paul Fields reviewed the budget with input from Larry Schaller, assistant superintendent; Carol Jones, director of Pupil Personnel Services, Donn Perry, supervisor of buildings and grounds, and Jim Szafran, technology coordinator.
   Board president Richard McCowan noted that when he had come on the board 10 years ago, BOCES aid for Grand Island stood at 72 percent. "It is now down to 53 percent." The current year's BOCES budget is $1,952,985. That includes the cost of Grand Island's required participation in the BOCES capital project to repair its three buildings. The proposed budget removes that cost, however, and is proposed at $1,435,563. The district borrowed $850,000 to pay for its share of the BOCES capital project and is paying $114,000 each year for 10 years, BOCES aidable at 53 percent. Grand Island is one of 19 districts sharing services in Erie 1 BOCES to lower costs.
   There are 78 students participating in courses at Harkness and KenTon BOCES career education centers this year, down from 82 last year. The cost, $387,675, is reflected in the proposed budget. The cost of student/family support services is $573,348. That includes such areas as home/hospital instruction, special class services, hearing/speech services, handicapped tuition, alternative middle and high school instruction.
   Other areas funded through BOCES include learning and technology services (such as library automation), projected at $51,700; information technology services (bookkeeping, record keeping, network services, book budget for private schools), projected at $264,052; and administrative services, totaling $157,000.
    In an informal discussion of Grand Island's capital project's status during Voice of the People Schaller stated that submission requirements had changed midstream, making the approval process more complex and detailed. He told trustees that he had gone to Albany with 87 pounds of material and 100 drawings, to satisfy the State Education Department's revised regulations.
   McCowan noted that originally the legislature had increased state building aid by 10-percent to encourage districts to submit renovation and construction projects, but the governor had changed the regulations. "The priorities now seem to favor districts with older buildings that need more renovation," he explained. There is concern that Grand Island may not get the funding that had been promised at the time the capital project was approved by the voters.
   Fields announced that school attorney Chris Trapp had donated $500 toward expenses for the annual Superintendents Academic Recognition Dinner. The dinner honors the top three seniors in every school district in Erie County, and students are presented a crystal hand-carved buffalo in recognition of their achievements. Fields also took a moment to memorialize John Fontana, who died recently at the age of 97. Fontana had been a school trustee and served as president for many years.
   In personnel action board members appointed Janis Sotherden as a .8 English as a Second Language teacher, Kim Rampino as a short term substitute special education teacher, Janice Farrell as a permanent teacher aide. Other permanent appointments: Linda McGinn and Patricia Ruckinger, cooks; Sandra Cedrone and Eddie Rafter, food service helpers; Greg Prior, delivery service chauffeur; Patricia Fike, cafeteria monitor; Denise Shanor, teacher aide. Virginia Smiraglia's probationary term was extended. Deborah El-Houssieny, who was in the audience, was introduced to the board and appointed district office probationary senior account clerk typist. Marlene Coughlin's resignation as temporary food service helper was accepted.
   The board will hold a work session next Monday in district office and a business meeting on March 12 at Huth Rd., beginning at 7 p.m.

Grand Island School District Announces Goals
1. Implement Phase 2 of the capital project
   1a. Develop plan/submit to SED fall/winter 2000, Plan submitted.
   2a. Begin construction spring/summer
2. Implement SAVE mandates
   2a. organize committees - fall/winter 2000
   2b. implement plan - winter/spring
Schools Against Violence in Education (SAVE) legislation enacted.
District has obtained a grant to assist implementation.
3. Develop new 5-year plan.
   3a. select objectives - winter 2000
   3b. seek consultation - spring
Unfunded mandates, revenue losses through SED, and tax assessments are straining our limits.
4. Implement mandated curriculum changes.
   4a. launch curriculum mapping process - summer/fall 2000
   4b. develop methods to computerize - winter/spring
Mapping is not complete, but procedure to store and update on computer system has been developed.
5. Implement teacher recruitment plan.
   5a. develop recruitment timetable - fall 2000
   5b. have teacher recruitment day - winter/spring
Teacher recruitment needs formalizing. Timetable already established.

Parents Protest Poor Results In 9th Grade Math
By Lee Cohen
   Monday, February 12, 2001.During Voice of the People at the school board's latest meeting several parents expressed their concern about the high failure rate in 1st semester math 9 (Math A-1) and asked what the district intended to do to prevent further failures. Of 200 students in the course 84 failed and are repeating it this semester. Denise and Tom Dewey said that this year's freshmen were bearing the burden of the state's new math program. "What are you going to do so that students don't fail other courses? You need to prepare kids before they enter 9th grade."
   Parent Katherine Burke said that her child had been in math lab. "They didn't understand how to do the math and there were so many there that there wasn't enough individual attention. The kids will get discouraged." Parent Robin Swedish wondered if the teachers themselves had taken the test and added that her child's teacher did not provide after-school help. Math coordinator Debbie Billica defended the department and the test. She said that some teachers had activities they were responsible for after school and could not be available. Help could be provided during the day during study periods, however. She added that the new math course was not the same as anyone had taken or taught before. The new 9th grade curriculum and the test for it were still being developed by the state, she explained.
   The school district has divided Math A into a three- semester course (rather than one year) for students who, it was felt, would have trouble dealing with the new state standards. The elimination of different teaching levels, since all students are expected to pass Regents exams, has put a burden on high schools to deal with those who ordinarily would not be in Regents courses.
   Superintendent Paul Fields assured parents that the district does have a plan in place to deal with the state's new standards. "We are modifying courses to deal with these changes." School trustees charged the superintendent to direct the high school's shared decision making (SDM) committee to look at the math program to see what can be done to address parents' concerns. Fields will report to trustees at their March meeting.
   In board action H. Shea was appointed fire inspector for 2001, district goals and the budget calendar were approved (see separate articles), and the Employee Assistance Program contract was okayed. Community Education Advisory Board members were approved as follows: Pete Bellanca, Mary Ellen Kipley and Kathleen Hoppel.
   Coaches were appointed for the spring season: baseball: Dean Santorio, varsity, Jeff Johnston, JV, Brian Winger, modified; softball: Dave Kelly, varsity, David Bowman, JV, Art Meaney, modified; track: Andy Curtis, girls varsity/JV, Craig Davis, girls assistant; Don Sauer, boys varsity/JV; lacrosse: Bill Riffel, varsity, Steve Steck, JV; tennis: Don Pray, boys varsity/JV.
   Other appointments: Monika Harrington, short-term sub, foreign language; Jodi Swain, short-term sub, special ed.; Darcy Dadish, permanent cleaner; Bonny Jo Rupert, temporary food service helper; Tammy LaMonte, probationary cafeteria monitor; Jodi Lee food service helper sub. Leaves of absence were granted to Denise Cuneo for the 2001-2002 school year and to Karen Grande for child care. Resignations were accepted from Patricia Lane, long-term special ed. substitute teacher, and Vernal Wohlfeil, who is retiring as a food service helper.
   The meeting was preceded by a Connor Middle School presentation. The Syncopations, a 6th-8th-grade 45-member girls' chorus, sang beautiful harmony under the direction of Anna Lee Masiello, accompanied by pianist Christine Clendenning (Sidway music teacher). Jane Schaber, 8th grade science teacher, discussed state-mandated changes in the science curriculum, the effect it would have on the school's program, and the purchases (microscopes and balances) that were made to meet the new requirements. She also gave examples of the type of questions on the state's new science test, to be given for the first time this year. The school district had to pay for science teachers to take required training to learn how to administer and score the test, which will include a hands-on component.
   Trustees will meet again on Monday, February 26 at 7 p.m. in the Middle School Little Theater, at which time they will begin the 2001-2002 budget process.

School District 2001-2002 Budget Calendar
By Lee Cohen
   The school district has published its calendar for the 2001-2002 budget as follows:
February 26 (board meeting) - budget review presentations
March 5 (work session) - review elementary and secondary program sections
March 12 (board meeting) review program sections (other, instruction, transportation)
March 19 (work session) review other budget sections
March 26 (board meeting) budget review; approve notice of hearing and vote; decide on propositions; review relevant sections
March 30 publish notice of hearing
April 2 (special meeting) approve budget
April 20 property tax report card
April 30 budget available to public
May 7 budget hearing (Middle School Little Theater)
May 8 six-day notice to voters
May 15 annual meeting and budget vote (high school gym)

School District Does Well In State Tests
By Lee Cohen
   (Monday, January 22, 2001) Director of Curriculum Karen Karmazin told school board trustees at their regular meeting that results for grades 4 and 8 students taking English/language arts (ELA) and math tests last year were well above the state average. Using the state's new School Accountability Performance Index (SPI), the grade 8 math index was 149, compared to a state average of 119.
   The grade 8 ELA index was 161, compared to 132 statewide. In grade 4 the math index was 181, compared to 156, and the ELA was 178, compared to 149. Karmazin explained that an SPI of 140 was the standard for the 2000-2001 school year. Schools with scores below 140 are required to develop a Local Assistance Plan (LAP) showing how they would improve performance. She said that the standard would increase to 145 for the next school year and 150 the year following. The SPI, with a range from 0 to 200, is based on the percentage of students performing at or above Level 2 plus those performing at or above Level 3. Schools can improve their index by moving students from Level 1 to Level 2 and then Level 3. An index of 200 means all students are performing at or above Level 3.
   Superintendent Paul Fields expressed concern about the number of tests 8th graders will have to take, citing the increase in state testing. This year 8th graders will be required to take state tests in ELA, math, social studies, science and technology plus a language proficiency exam and local final exams. "It amounts to almost a whole month of exams," he stated. Trustee Sue Gill added that when school board members had discussed their concerns with state officials, they had been unwilling to listen.
   In correspondence Board President Richard McCowan reported he had received a letter from residents of the Bishops Gate, Foxcroft area concerned about student parking during the school day. Superintendent Paul Fields said that the problem is being addressed. Approval of the 2001-2002 budget calendar was postponed until the next meeting.
   Members for the school district Safety Committee Team (representing the district, the town, the community and the architectural firm) were approved as follows: Jack Weisenborn (chairman), Larry Schaller, Don Perry, Gail Lazenby, James Dempsey, Jack Burns, Jon Roth, Janet Goodsell, Ed Egan (architect), Gary Jones, Milynda Tim, Robert Blaisdell, Bill Vampotic, and Peter McMahon. In personnel action the board accepted the resignation of Margaret Mahoney, English as a Second Language teacher. Leaves were granted Lori Muller, teaching assistant; Virginia Smiraglia, food service helper; and Julie Bidell, teacher aide. Sue Campbell (formerly a short-term sub) was appointed a long-term substitute teaching assistant.
   Speaking during Voice of the People, Gail Lazenby, president of the Grand Island Teachers Association (GITA), asked the board to consider changing a .8 position at Connor Middle to full time. He explained that the position has had to be filled three times because each teacher had resigned to take a full-time position.
   Lazenby concurred with Dr. Fields's comments about 8th grade testing. "It's caused 8th grade teachers a tremendous amount of anxiety. It's very difficult to pump kids up to take the state tests and do well." He explained that their attitude is "Why take them? I don't need them to pass the course." He noted that 8th graders will have to take a three-hour state exam in social studies as well as the course final. "The State Education Department is just plain wrong."
   The board will convene again on Monday, February 12 in the Middle School Little Theater. The 7 p.m. regular business meeting will be preceded by a Middle School presentation at 6:30 p.m.

School Board honors Scholar Athletes

Four outstanding athletes who were named to All-Western Academic teams were honored at Monday night's (Jan. 8, 2001) school board meeting. They are (from left) Nick Bergman, Gary Asbach, Pete Sabatowski and Katie Remus. Bergman and Sabatowski were named to the All-Western New York Academic football team. Asbach was named to the All-Western New York Boys Soccer Team and Remus, to the All-Western New York Girls Soccer team.

By Lee Cohen
   Monday, January 8 . . .Six fall sports teams were named Scholar-Athlete teams by the NYS Public High School Athletic Association. They are boys golf, and girls soccer, tennis, volleyball, cross country, and gymnastics teams. The student athletes and their coaches were recognized at the school board meeting. To qualify a varsity team must average a minimum of 90 percent and meet several other requirements.
   Honored were girls soccer (90.71 percent): Kaitlin Certo, Rebecca Chamberlain, Rachelle Colosi, Robin Kania, Katie Kendall, Megan Makowski, Kate Mitchell, Ashley Northrup, Corinne Razem, Katie Remus, Jennifer Rogan, Savannah Stolzenburg, Kim Walker; girls tennis (92.65 percent): Margo Anderson, Jennifer Bullock, Jill Cassert, Lindsay Chambers, Colleen Clarke, Anna Czapla, Jolie Dahlstrom, Laura Fik, Alison Hudson, Maureen McCarthy, Patrice Paolucci, Leanne Pizur, Katie Rebmann, Allison Siehnel, Nicole Walker; gymnastics (91.38 percent): Colleen Coughlin, Christy Gibney, Allie McLean, Alexis Mioducki, D'Anna Mock, Stacey Monaco, Larissa Thompson.
   Also girls volleyball (92.36 percent): Jen Breier, Michelle Elmer, Erin Frieday, Sally Head, Michelle Kalisz, Melissa Rayhill, Janelle Sturtz, Nikki Zito; girls cross country (92.99 percent): Mandy Benko, Christina Breier, Elly Henderson, Nicole Kalisz, Margaret Kiehl, Jee Sun Kim, Lauren Mergel, Sara Otto, Danielle Podlucky, Melissa Sipos, Danielle Wasson; boys golf (91.87 percent): Andy Boron, Matt Fields, Chris Goeltz, Brian Kopf, Ben Kozar, Joe Martino, Tom Rajczak, Tony Rossi, Mike Stanko.
   In personnel action school trustees granted Sandra Lamb tenure in English, named AP biology teacher Toby Jewett graduation coordinator, gave Caroline Lavango a leave of absence as cook and appointed her cook manager, extended Debbie Killian's leave of absence as teaching assistant to continue her short-term substitute special ed. teacher, and extended Jodi Swain's short-term substitute special ed. teacher appointment as well.
   Darlene Conners was named a probationary teacher aide, and temporary appointments were granted Jerry Keleher, custodian; Marlene Coughlin and Donna McGilveary, food service helpers. The resignation of Alice Lang as food service helper was accepted.
   In other business trustees approved the district's participation in BOCES cooperative bids for microcomputer supplies and equipment and calculators, okayed revisions in the school calendar (reported elsewhere).
   Following an executive session trustees unanimously approved a four-year contract (including 2000-2001) with the district's School Related Personnel (SRP) bargaining unit. The contract reflects a 2.9 percent increase in salaries, with raises of 40 cents in the first two years and 45 cents thereafter. There are also changes in contract language, according to Dr. Richard McCowan, school board president. He commented that SRP staff "voted overwhelmingly" for the contract. "I believe it's fair for everyone, for the community, the staff and the district." SRP members include bus drivers, secretaries, maintenance and cleaning staff, aides and food service workers.
   The board will meet again on Monday, January 22 in the Connor Middle School Little Theater at 7 p.m. with curriculum matters and the budget calendar expected to be on the agenda.

Snow closings cause changes to school calendar
By Lee Cohen
   (Monday, January 8, 2001) With winter barely underway, three emergency school-closure days have used up the district's inclusion of three extra school days in the calendar to insure that the state-mandated yearly student attendance rate of 180 days is met. Based on Superintendent Paul Fields' recommendations, the school board, meeting at Kaegebein, unanimously approved the following revisions to the calendar.
   Friday, February 16 will change from a full day of elementary parent-teacher meetings to a half day. Students will attend in the morning, with parent/teacher meetings in the afternoon. Lost time for meetings could be made up before and after school. Friday, March 16, originally a Superintendent's Conference Day, will change to a full day for students. Conference time could be added to building staff meetings, or a day for staff only could be added to the calendar on June 25 to make up the time, if needed.
   These changes allow for two potential snow days. If additional days were needed, spring break would be shortened.
   There is an additional calendar change for Connor Middle students. During the week of June 14-21 (Regents Week) students in grades 6-8 will not report to school so that teachers may correct state tests in math, social studies, technology, science and languages other than English. The state permits Regents days to be counted for student attendance, and because the Ransom Rd. complex is a 6-12 campus, Fields explained, that would include Connor Middle.

Artist's rendering of Capital Project Improvements

The main-entrance canopy will be replaced by a domed structure and expanded, closer to the sidewalk. Grassy areas will be shortened so that sidewalks are closer to the building. On the right is the two-story music addition, to be built along the auditorium wall. The high school lobby will be expanded and the office will open off the lobby. (Rendering courtesy of Edwin G. Egan, Architect)

Depicted is the main practice area. The music wing will include a band room, chorus room, large and small practice rooms, general music classrooms and a choral practice room. The music suite will connect to the auditorium stage. (Rendering courtesy of Edwin G. Egan, Architect)

Performance contract program on target and within budget
By Lee Cohen
Superintendent Paul Fields reported to school board members Monday night on five aspects of the district's performance contract program to cut energy costs, describing it as on target and within budget. New boilers at Huth and the Ransom Rd. complex were installed by the October 15 deadline and new computer-operated temperature controls at those two buildings will be on line next week. During the winter break a new heating and vent system will be installed in district office. Early next year high-efficiency motors will be installed district wide on all air handlers and circulation pumps. Finally, the first phase of window replacement will begin at the Ransom Road complex over spring break with a target finish date of August 1, 2001.
Dr. Jim Dempsey, high school principal, presented next year's planning guide. Four courses have been added, dependent on the budget and the availability of teachers. They are Literature of Repression, Theater and Acting, College Calculus and a web site course. The math program has been revised. Debbie Billica, math department coordinator, reported that in addition to regular math in 9th grade, a second sequence, beginning with 101 math, will be added, which will present material at a slower pace in order to better prepare some students for the state's new testing program.
Jim Mazza, director of continuing education, reported on the program and was congratulated by the board and the superintendent for its success. Activities include summer enrichment, outreach to seniors at the Golden Age Center, special Saturday programs, intervention classes and after-school activities, in addition to regular evening adult classes. Mazza thanked his Continuing Education secretary, Karen Lefler, for her help and support.
Trustees approved participation in BOCES cooperative bid awards for AV supplies and equipment, ribbons and cartridges, and software.
Calling this fall's sports program "one of the best in many years," Dr. Fields told trustees that he would like to salute the fall teams at an upcoming board meeting. In personnel action winter volunteer coach appointments were made as follows: Kevin Kulikowski, varsity boys basketball; Brian Greenfield, freshman basketball; Mike Zuch, girls basketball; Steve Steck, bowling; Mike Murray, boys swimming; Linda McGinn, bowling. The board accepted resignations from Marlaine Kaniecki, teachers aide; John Busch, cook manager; Josephine Garcia, cafeteria monitor; and gave Gail Click, Connor Middle senior clerk typist, a leave of absence without pay. Debra Killian's position as special ed. short term substitute was extended; Mike Dunlop was named a probationary teacher assistant, and Barbara Briechle, permanent food service helper.
The board will meet again on Monday, January 8 at Kaegebein, with a school program at 6:30 p.m. and the regular meeting at 7 p.m.

School Board Okays architect's Plan for Capital Project
By Lee Cohen
Trustees Monday night gave the go-ahead for Edwin G. Egan, architect, to submit his plans for Grand Island's 18.4 million capital project to the State Education Dept. for its approval. Egan announced that he could have his plans ready for submission before the end of the year.
If all goes as expected, renovation could begin before the close of school in June.
The board, at its work session, also heard from the engineers handling the project: Tetrad Design, Williamsville, and Jones Engineering, Buffalo, as well as from Jim Szafran, the school district's director of technology. On his recommendation the district will proceed with plans to link its five schools through a district-owned Wide Area Network (WAN) that uses wireless tower-to-tower transmission, rather than cable or fiber optics, thus eliminating the cost of long-term leasing equipment, installation, maintenance and service fees.
The bulk of capital project work will be done at the high school, with the major alteration the addition of a two-story music wing to the right of the front entrance. Separate boys and girls team rooms will be added, replacing the current music area, which also will be used for additional office space as well as for a weight room. Science rooms will be updated and interior courtyards will be reduced to add space to the library, the guidance office and main office. Stairwells will be enclosed, using glass block. The latter is a safety requirement in case of fire.
Parking lots and sidewalks will be replaced. According to the engineers, the district's pavements "have not had the life span they should have had for the amount of money spent." Paving at the Ransom Rd. complex will be rebuilt with sufficient drainage, and the middle and high school each will have its own parking lot separated by a grassy area, suitable for sports. Total parking space will be increased. Sidewalks will be brought closer to the buildings and there will be curved-roof entrance canopies at each school. Huth Rd. also will undergo extensive renovation, with a science and math classroom added, the entrance reworked, paving will be improved, and a crossover corridor between the two wings will be added.
At Kaegebein the front parking area will be reworked, floor coverings will be replaced, crumbling walls will be repaired as will the front entrance tiles, and the exterior doors will be removed and modern ones installed.
At Connor Middle the office will be moved closer to the entrance, a new gym floor will be installed, a conference room will be built using part of a back courtyard, and a lift will be installed in the library to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.
Bathrooms will be reworked at all schools to meet ADA regulations, as will the fire alarm systems. Roofs will be replaced at Huth, Kaegebein, and Connor Middle.
Little needs doing at Sidway because the building was recently renovated; however, kitchen ventilation will be added, as will bathrooms for four classrooms. The high school also will need reroofing, but the money currently is not available. According to Superintendent Paul Fields the district is hoping that the results of the bidding process will allow for enough savings to add that roof to the capital project.

Staff Development Day
Several years ago town officials had asked if it would be possible to close school on Election Day to make it easier for the vote to be held and for the safety of children. School officials, also concerned about student safety with so many people in the school buildings, concurred.
But they had another reason, as well. The state mandates that school districts conduct a certain number of staff development days. Election Day was perfect, because it saved the cost of hiring substitutes.
So while students had the day off, teachers did not. A Professional Development Program, organized by Dr. Karen Karmazin, director of curriculum, and program coordinators, had elementary and secondary staff meeting in seminars and workshops by grade level and by subject area. Professors from nearby colleges, BOCES personnel, and other professionals led seminars and workshops dealing with curriculum planning. Faculty from Huth and Kaegebein worked together in the areas of social science, math and science. Art, music, physical education, speech therapy, library, and reading faculty were able to meet in separate groups to discuss and coordinate their programs. At the secondary level workshops included dealing with mixed-ability grouping, using computers for classroom instruction, adapting instruction for special ed. students, and content-area reading. In addition faculty met by area of instruction for curriculum planning. The theme of the day was "Excellence in Education: Our Bridge to the Future."

School board refers school-uniform decision to committee
By Lee Cohen

At its Monday night regular meeting, held at the bus garage, school trustees deferred any decision about optional school uniforms at Sidway School until they receive a recommendation from the school's Shared Decision Making committee. Board President Richard McCowan reminded trustees that uniforms cannot be mandated.
The board approved a trip by 52 music students to the Grand National Adjudicators Invitational to be held in Chattanooga, Tenn., from April 18-22. Grand Island is one of only 16 groups nationwide which received an invitation to the event, based on its superior performance last year at the National Invitational.
Declared as obsolete equipment were parts from a 250 Ford, and two Suburbans, one with 182,000 miles; the other, with 177,000.
In personnel action Kathy Chadwick was granted a child-care leave and resignations were accepted for Rose Krauss, solar greenhouse advisor, and Cassie Barnes, special education teacher. Appointments approved: Sue Campbell, short-term sub; Joe Mentor, assistant boys swim coach; Walter Cline, volunteer wrestling team coach; Carrie Earnst, Mastermind team advisor (high school); Kristine Clark, volunteer HELP Club advisor as part of the GIFTS program; Marlaine Kaniecki (Connor Middle), probationary teacher assistant.
Also Patty Frentzel (Kaegebein) and Marie Heberlein (Huth), probationary teacher aides; Judy Prior, permanent cook/manager; Arlene Rosman, probationary bus attendant.
Trustees Myrna Blair, Sue Gill and Dave Goris reported on their participation at the state school board convention last month.
McCowan reported that trustees Jeri Schopp and Frank DelSignore had been excused from Monday's meeting.
At the superintendent's request trustees canceled their November 27 meeting, scheduled a December 4 workshop to discuss the capital project, and will hold their next regular meeting on December 13.
During Voice of the People Kristia Gatti, a student, asked whether the school district had made any response to the racial attack at Blackmon and Ward Pk. Superintendent Paul Fields said that many teachers had discussed the incident. He added that the school district had condemned the action of the youths, adding that he feels strongly that it does not represent the majority of students here. He said that students had been given an opportunity to meet with a member of the press to discuss their feelings about the incident.

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