As part of state School Board Recognition Week, superintendent Susan Swartz took time at the Monday, Oct. 23, meeting to thank the board for their service and dedication. Swartz, now in her second year with the district, said she appreciates all of the time given by the members.
It’s very important to me that the members of the board know that all they give to the community is appreciated. It has made my transition an easier process, and I appreciate their efforts in making this district as wonderful as it is, said Swartz.
More then the 700 schools across the state paid tribute to their school boards during School Board Recognition Week.
School boards `provide an invaluable resource as decision makers, not only as responding to special educational needs but also serving in the interest of schoolchildren and their futures,` said Gov. George E. Pataki in a written statement.
Swartz also thanked the board on behalf of the students in the district. She said that the board has always managed to keep up with the students’ interests, as they are their No. 1 priority.
Board president Margaret Smith told Swartz she appreciated being recognized.
`Being a board member takes a lot of time and dedication, so it is always nice to hear a thank you,` said Smith.
At the Monday meeting, the board also approved contracts for union secretaries and bus drivers. The contracts will be retroactive to July 1, and include a four percent pay increase over the next three years. These two groups make up about 100 employees in the district.
Another topic of discussion was having employees begin to add more to their contribution for health-care costs. The board said they hope teachers, teaching aides and teacher assistants do this as well. The contract for teachers will expire at the end of this year.
For secretaries, the increase in health-care contributions will be at 10 percent, increasing to 12 percent by the 2008-2009 school year. The same will apply to the AFL-CLO 766 bus drivers.“
