AFTER-SCHOOL BUS RESOLUTION, STA Certificate and SESA Negotiations Resume By Klaus Gaebel--Post Star
At the November Board of Education meeting, Student Representative Nicole Schoen indicated that the bus safety issue she brought to the board's attention in October had been resolved. At the October Board of Education meeting, Schoen had warned of over crowded after-school buses for cross-country away games. Schoen said "on behalf of the modified and varsity cross-country teams, we'd like to thank Mr. Heidcamp, the board, and the athletic office for resolving the over crowded cross-county bus situation." Schoen later explained that after she made the board aware of the overcrowding in October, two buses were made available to transport students to the league championships at Ogden Hills. On previous occasions, only one bus was used. A single bus was still used for the sectionals because fewer students attended those events, according to Schoen. Also at the November meeting, Saugerties Teachers' Association (STA) president Denyse Ortlieb presented the Board of Education with a certificate of appreciation. The certificate said in part "the STA would like to recognize the Board of Education of the Saugerties Central School District, under the leadership of President Don Tucker and Vice-President George Heidcamp, whose governance has led to unprecedented opportunities for the dialogue necessary for meaningful resolution of the challenges and concerns facing our district." An award was presented by Natilie Moss, the co-director of the NYS Association of Foreign Language Teachers, for an outstanding language department in the region. Accepting the plaque was Bernadette Dvorak, Chairperson of the Saugerties language department, and on-hand to accept congratulations were Ana Gatta, Angela Houlihan, Geraldine Popko, and Teresa Schirmer. Marine Dipaola, president of the SESA (Saugerties Educational Support Association), representing teaching assistants, teacher aides, clerical, and food service personnel, indicated optimism a contract settlement may be reached soon. Dipaola said "I realize this may be a slow process for us now, but I believe when we are through, we will have a contract that will be fair and equitable for all parties involved." The SESA president indicated the negotiating teams met before the monthly November board meeting for the first time since the summer. The teams have three additional meetings planned and Dipaola said 'I hope before the Christmas break I will be able to go to my membership with an update that will have been worth waiting for." |