New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo will suit up for a soccer match at Sullivan West High School when he brings his first summertime Catskills Challenge to Sullivan County on June 30.

Superintendent Dr. Nancy Hackett confirmed at the June 16 Board of Education meeting that the district accepted the invitation to host the private sporting event that will reportedly include members of the State Legislature, administration, and local officials.

The 2016 Catskills Challenge is modeled after Gov. Cuomo’s three previous Adirondack Challenges in aspiring to promote tourism and showcase all of the diverse recreational opportunities available throughout the state. The Catskills region encompasses Sullivan, Delaware, Ulster, and Greene Counties.

Known for his competitive spirit, Gov. Cuomo gets personally involved in the challenges.

“At the end, I think it’s always the governor’s team that wins,” Hackett joked.

While Hackett said she was only certain about the soccer game, rumor has it that Gov. Cuomo’s June 30 visit will also feature a paddle on the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, a potential motorcycle race, and an activity at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.

Security professionals have been to the Sullivan West campus in Lake Huntington twice so far to inspect the facilities. All school personnel who will be working that day were required to submit their identifications for clearance.

“This will not be an open venue. It is not open to the public,” Hackett emphasized.

Board member Rachel Brey applauded Dr. Hackett for taking on the extra work load involved in hosting the Catskills Challenge, noting, “You always put us front and center out in the community.”

Seeking positive attention for the district is what it’s all about, according to Dr. Hackett. “It will be an opportunity to get some good footage for us. We may see photos of our school on the ‘I Love NY’ website,” she said.

Five More Years

Support for Dr. Hackett’s performance as superintendent over the past four years was exemplified by a unanimous vote of the board to extend her contract through 2021.

She swore her new oath of office immediately after the late-file agenda item was addressed.

Board member Ken Cohen referenced the trouble that some other districts have in retaining quality leadership.

“We are just really blessed to have someone of this caliber,” he said in mentioning her accessibility and enthusiastic representation of the district’s interests. “We’re really lucky to have you.”

For Joan Glase and Student Member Timothy Jacobsen, it was their last Board of Education meeting. Glase opted to retire after five years of service and will be succeeded by Juliete Gaebel at the July 7 meeting. Jacobsen of Callicoon Center will attend SUNY Oneonta in the fall to pursue a degree in English Education.

School Resource Officer

Sullivan County Sheriff’s Deputy Jack Harb reviewed his first year as School Resource Officer for the Sullivan West district, noting that his role would vary from teacher to counselor to law enforcement officer as the situation demanded.

He said that his overall goal was to bond with and serve as a mentor to students.

Over the course of the school year, Harb offered programs on bullying, substance abuse, bicycle and driver safety, fire prevention, cyber crimes, identity theft, domestic violence, social media, penal law, gangs, forensics, and college safety issues.

“I inadvertently started a physical fitness club,” Harb added, explaining that what began as behavior diversion strategy to burn off energy turned into his supervision of study hall exercise time for some 40 students in good standing.

Harb also conducted home visits, participated in counseling sessions, gave presentations to teachers and staff, and attended sporting events.

Board member Lucas Arzilli later acknowledged that he “had been reticent about hiring” a School Resource Officer but said, “He’s more than just an SRO. He’s gone above and beyond that to become part of the school community.”

Students will have their last day of classes on June 23. High School Commencement will take place at 10:30 a.m. on June 25.