Board of Ed Looks Ahead to New School Year, Approves Fall Coaching Positions

With the new school year approaching, the Board of Education looked at staffing issues at last night's meeting.

Superintendent Dr. Robert Cronin said 14 new teaching positions have been filled, with a librarian position at Clintonville Elementary School the only position remaining open. Ten of the new positions were the result of replacing retired teachers.

The board unanimously approved all of the varsity coaching assignments for the fall season, with Anthony Sagnella returning for his 15th year as football coach.

Among the other coaches are Carl Jacksonark, boy and girls cross country; Federico Fiondella, boys soccer; Mark Giordano, girls volleyball; Cori Krajewski, field hockey; and Colleen Delaney, girls swimming.

Two winter coaching positions, girls basketball and boys hockey, were tabled. The school system has not yet determined who to hire to lead the teams, and is currently considering applicants, said Assistant Superintendent of Schools Patricia Brozek.

Dr. Cronin also announced a number opening activities for the new school year, which begins September 1. Administrator professional development meetings will be held August 15 and 16, new teacher orientation takes place August 23 and 24 and teacher preparation day is August 31.

The board also discussed a transportation issue for after-school child care. In the past, buses transported children to after-school day care free of charge, and then charged parents $50 for the service. The use of vans to provide the service was too expensive, however, so the board is now considering a program that will allow school buses to stop at local day care centers already on their routes. The issue will be considered a second time at September's meeting.

Vice-chairman Stephen DiCapua covered budget issues at the beginning of the meeting, announcing that savings on bus contracts and insurance paid for snow removal last winter. He also said $100,000 was left over in the tech account. It will be held by the town temporarily, but can be used by the school system for IT expenses or other capital needs during the upcoming school year.