The Highland Central School District Board of Education held a reorganizational meeting, welcoming back Sue Gilmore and Tom Miller, who were returned by district voters for three-year terms

Alan Barone and Tom Miller were again appointed by their fellow trustees as Board president and vice president.

Athletics and fitness
The weight room at Highland High School has gained popularity over the last school year. Under the district’s insurance policy, the weight room cannot be open without a supervising staff member.

In order to make the space available during the summer, a handful of volunteers have stepped up to provide the necessary supervision. In September, Superintendent Thomas Bongiovi is considering asking the Board of Education for a stipend in order to hire a permanent weight room attendant. A permanent weight room attendant would allow the weight room to be used for other activities, such as yoga classes. The addition of this new position would ensure the safety of the students and staff using the weight room,and would also allow the weight room to have consistent operating hours.

Bongiovi plans on taking an active role in the recruitment of both players and coaches for the districts numerous sports teams. The issue of low participation was addressed in regards to the stipends of coaches of disbanded teams. In the past, coaches of teams that were disbanded due to low participation were still given their full stipend. This coming year, stipends will be prorated to reflect the amount of time the team is active.

Board welcomes new educators
The school board welcomed some newly appointed district educators. Elementary teachers Daniel Sommerfeldt and Kristen Marie Bove, special education teacher Alysse Breitenbach, STEM teacher Kristina Hughes and Elementary School Librarian Victoria Stoebe are joining the district this coming September.

The next Board of Education meeting is August 6, 5:30 p.m. at Highland High School.