The Niskayuna School board met Monday, Aug. 18, to discuss the final details of the installation of geothermal wells for the heating and cooling system at the high school.
The new system is part of a major building project for the district, which includes the addition of five classrooms at Glencliff Elementary and four classrooms at Craig Elementary.
About $50 million of the construction budget is going toward the high school projects. Communications director for the district Judy Frost said the C wing of the high school was torn down earlier this year, and a two-story classroom addition is being built. She said the new wing is expected to be completed in the spring along with a new media center.
Students can also expect to see new sidewalks and freshly paved roads to be completed by the end of September. Other improvements include a new irrigation system for the main athletic fields.
Frost said when work crews began improvements at some of the schools, asbestos was found, but has since been removed.
`There was some asbestos found on pipes at Rosendale and Birchwood. It has been taken care of,` said Frost.
The board of education reported that next summer the district would begin installation of a new heating control system, which will include digital controls, making the buildings more energy efficient.
In other district news, Lynne Runic was appointed earlier this month to the position of administrator for student support services, effective Sept. 2.
Frost said Rutnik brings more than 15 years of special education experience to the district. Part of her position will include overseeing the special education programs and support services.
Rutnik comes from the Shenendehowa Central School District, where she supervised more than 50 special educators and an equal number of teaching assistants. She also worked for six years at the Capital Region BOCES as a supervisor and principal.
`We look forward to having Lynne join our team. She brings invaluable experience to the district,` said Superintendent Kevin Baughman.
Rutnik completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology at the State University of Plattsburgh and her master’s degree in special education from The College of Saint Rose. She earned a certificate of advanced study in educational administration from the University at Albany, and holds permanent certification in special education and educational administration.
Jean Winkler was appointed as the English language arts director at the elementary and middle school level. Winkler most recently worked at Shenendehowa and previously worked as Academic Intervention Services literacy teacher at W.K. Doyle Middle School in the Troy Enlarged City School District.
`Jean is a highly motivated educator who has demonstrated talent as a leader in elementary- and middle-level literacy. She comes highly recommended to the district for her collaborative nature and strong staff development skills,` said Baughman. “
