Sullivan West students observe board meeting

By Z. A. KOHLOA
Posted 10/23/19

LAKE HUNTINGTON, NY — At the Sullivan West Central School Board’s first two meetings of the 2019-2020 school year, there seemed to be more students in attendance than school staff, …

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Sullivan West students observe board meeting

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LAKE HUNTINGTON, NY — At the Sullivan West Central School Board’s first two meetings of the 2019-2020 school year, there seemed to be more students in attendance than school staff, community and board members put together. At the meeting on October 17, there were over 15 students in attendance.

Many of the students were 12th graders from John Ogozalek’s Participation in Government class and Sullivan County Community College American Government, a college credit course for interested Sullivan West seniors. The half-year course requires students to attend one public government meeting.

It can be a town board meeting, town court session, or school board meeting. Ogozalek said many of the students often choose to go to the school board meeting rather than a town government meeting.

One student admitted that many were in attendance because they “just want to get it out of the way.”
“The school board meeting was very interesting. I learned a lot about government by attending. None of us students really expected that,” the student added.

For the past two months the board has been discussing mergers of the varsity football and wrestling teams with those at neighboring schools. In September, the board approved the merger of its football team with Eldred Central School District’s team.

This month, on the recommendation of superintendent Stephen Walker, the board voted to approve the merger of the Liberty Central School District’s wrestling team with those of Sullivan West and Eldred. The merger will be evaluated on a yearly basis and the application for combining teams must be made annually.

In August, the board welcomed many new hires, including English teacher Midge Maroni who was appointed to replace Donal Henke. Maroni’s appointment became effective on September 3, with an annualized salary of $47,116. At the October meeting effective upon the recommendation of Walker, the board terminated the employment of Maroni. Also on the recommendation of Walker, the board approved the appointment of Sharon McKay as the new leave replacement for Henke, effective November 1, at an annualized salary of $47,116.

The board also approved the appointment of Thomas Ference as a long-term substitute English teacher. This recommendation will be effective from November 14, to January 10, 2020, unless terminated sooner, at a pro-rated annualized salary of $47,116

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