Watkins school makes magazine

Jun 08, 2010 at 02:38 pm by Observer-Review


WATKINS GLEN   ADVERTISEMENT

Watkins school makes magazine

WATKINS GLEN—The Watkins Glen school board made the cover of “District Administration” magazine, because of the mobile learning devices.
Superintendent Tom Phillips presented the magazine at the Monday, June 7 board meeting.  Mary Iandoli, Watkins fifth grade math teacher, and student Kacey Samuels are on the cover.  The story focuses on schools using mobile learning devices.  Watkins Glen middle school students are currently using the Go Know “cell phones” in classes to do work.
In other business:
• Phillips said the district applied for the second round of “Race to the Top” funds along with the state.  He said most districts did, but only 70.36 also got the union to sign as well.  He explained that the one day turnaround districts were given to apply fell during a closing due to Memorial Day.  Phillips said, luckily, Watkins was open that day.  He also added that the state now has a better chance to “millions of dollars,” due to changes in education legislation.
• The board also recognized seven retiring faculty members, representing over 200 years of service to the district.  The retirees are Billie Bauman, John Nihill, Kate LaMoreaux, Nanette Hanley, Fred Troy, Rosemarie Franzese, and Gail Franzese.  Board President Brian O’Donnell said, “I can attest they’ve devoted their lives to this district and they will be missed.
• Phillips announced the district received a $1,200 grant to incorporate technology into the music curriculum, involving recording.
• A speech therapist position was created.  Phillips explained it was filled through BOCES, but it would be cheaper for the district to have the therapist in-house.
• Fall coaches were appointed, with the exception of football.
• The board approved abolishing staff positions, as voted on by district members.  The budget included decreasing staff by 13 positions: 10 instructional, two teaching assistants, and one administrative.  Phillips said if there are more retirements, the board will look at filling some of the positions.
• The board approved an agreement with the Schuyler County Mental Health Clinic to provide transportation.
• The board also approved an agreement with the Schuyler County Community Services Board and Schuyler County for school based mental health services.
The next regular board meeting will be Wednesday, July 7 at 5:45 p.m. 
  $element(adman,groupads,SchuylerRight1)$
Sections: Additional News