Ogdensburg school introduces new leader
OGDENSBURG — The Ogdensburg Board of Education welcomed Dr. Ernest Palestis, the new interim superintendent/principal at its Sept. 2 meeting.
Palestis, who thanked everyone for the warm welcome, has been the superintendent/principal at Ramapo Indian Hills School and Ramapo High School for more than 20 years.
“I’m impressed with the conditions of the building,” Palestis said, who added the new school year welcomes new people and new challenges
“I’m looking forward to a productive and successful school year,” he said.
The teacher’s first day of school began the same day as the Board of Education meeting, Sept. 2, 2014. The students began September 3, 2014. Back to School Night will be held Sept. 9 and 10 giving teachers an opportunity to meet and greet the parents. The program will begin at 7 p.m.
Board member Ricardo Rojas remarked on how beautiful the school looks. The entire Board of Education members praised the custodians for the great job they did in preparation for the 2014-15 school year.
Rojas said he would like to see more people come to the Board of Education meetings. He suggested scheduling the Board of Education meeting another evening so more people can attend.
Assistant principal gives presentation
Assistant Principal Stephanie Bonaparte discussed Ogdensburg Day, which will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the borough. There will be a parade starting at noon. After the parade, there will be music and activities at the Ogdensburg Fire House field area. Bonaparte talked about inviting families and asking them to dress with Ogdensburg gear. Bonaparte will march in the Ogdensburg Day Parade. Bonaparte suggested Board of Education members that if they were available, it would be great to attend the event and walk in the parade. Rojas asked if the fireworks were being presented at the Ogdensburg grammar school field. Rojas asked Marilyn Cuykendall to confirm approval.
Bonaparte talked about Green Apple Day of Service which will take place Sept. 27, 2014. This will give students, teachers, parents and the community an opportunity to make their school into a productive, healthy and positive learning environment.
Bonaparte talked to thes school board about the Bill of Rights Anti-Bullying Act. Ogdensburg scored well on the assessment of their progress in handling this issue. Ogdensburg Grammar School scored 72 out of 78. The board unanimously accepted the assessment results
Personnel action
The Ogdensburg Board of Education, upon Bonaparte's recommendation amended the 2014-15 contract for Ms. Stephanie Byren, paraprofessional aide for 5.75 average daily hours, effective Sept. 1 through June 30, 2015, at $13.47 per hour, for 181 days, with an annual salary of $14,019.
The school board employs Shannon McEvoy as paraprofessional aide for the 2014-15 school year. The average hours per day will be 5.6, at $13.47 per hour, with an annual salary of $13,653 effective Sept. 1 through June 30, 2015.
The school board approved placement of Amanda Rizzo to do observation hours with Jamie Winton at Ogdensburg Elementary School during the 2014-15 school year.
Alina McGuire was hired as mentor for Ms. Kirsten Purser at the stipend amount of $550 for the 2014-2015 school year.
The board approved the revised 2014-15 contract for Ms. Lindsey Daly, from for an annual salary of $27,156 ($48,320).
Other board action
The Board of Education, Bonaparte's recommendation approved the Ogdensburg School New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge Proficiency percentages and action plan 2014. NJASK exam tests students’ achievements in language arts, math, and science.
The Parent Teacher Organization made a contribution of $4,500 for class trips for the 2014-15 school year.