School Building Project Coordinator Position Again Put on Hold By Klaus Gaebel--Post Star
The November 13th school board agenda contained an action and discussion item involving Dominic Zarrella being "approved as a part-time teacher on special assignment - Contruction Saff Liason/Safety coordinator." Since this item was tabled at the previous meetings, it was put on the agenda again. Zarrella is presently a special education teacher in the district. Superintendent Rhau said the position was valuable and that the person previously holding the building project related position was involved with scheduling bus routes, assisting with web site pictures, ordering equipment, etc. The superintendent said "this is still a critical position, in fact, right now, it's probably more critical than even last spring, because now, if we're going to make all the moves with the students and staff in order to be able to get this project completed on time, it's going to require much more coordination with somebody that's familiar with the way the school works, knows the staff, knows the kids, works with the administrators, and is able to get it done." Rhau felt the position couldn't be handled by an outside person "because it's got to be someone that knows Saugerties high school well." Rhau indicated Zarrella was the only person that applied for the position. Trustee George Heidcamp was opposed to moving Zarrella into the position. He said it was his understanding that the "relationship between this gentlemen and the students are very close." He continued by saying "this board has an obligation and responsibility to think about the children first, before anything else, and I would hope that this board would vote that way." Heidcamp said he could support the position, but that he was opposed to taking the teacher away from his students. Trustee Jim Steinhilber thought it was more important for the students to have this particular teacher than for him to be involved in the building project. Board member Terry Parisian stated "we're forgetting about the teacher that applied for the position." He explained "it's his free choice to apply for that position," and asked board members "if he wants it and he's capable, why are we holding him back?" The board decided to table the issue for further discussion.
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