On July 1 the Marlboro School Board held their first meeting of the 2019-20 school year. Two new board members were sworn in for three year terms; JoAnn Reed reclaimed her seat at the May budget vote with 591 votes, having lost in the previous cycle, and newcomer Karen Brooks won her seat on the board with 457 votes.

When running for the board, Reed promised to closely watch the fiscal bottom line and would hold the district responsible to the taxpayers and the business owners. Reed said women, “bring an equal voice to the table. As taxpayers we should have an equal say.” She went on to add that sitting on the school board is not simply about showing up twice a month for a meeting, but it is about supporting the students, the staff and the community.

Brooks promised to work as a team player on the board. She said she ran for the board in order to give back to her community where she has lived for the past 36 years.

Brooks said it is critically important that the school board provide the students with, “critical thinking skills and the learning opportunities in order for them to compete in the global job market they are going to be working in and to become productive and successful members of our society.”

At the end of this first board meeting, Brooks said, “I am looking forward to the process, working to help better meet the students needs, looking at policies, looking at fiscal responsibility and helping to offer more programs for the kids.”

Reed is looking forward to coming back and getting involved, “with our students, our teachers and our community and being there supporting them. I am looking forward to this year; I’m a little nervous too, coming back because there are always new challenges with that.”

Reed referenced the Vision 2020 project that was approved by voters last May, “and I am proud to be part of that.”

The School Board also voted to keep Frank Milazzo as their President and Susan Horton as Vice President.

The Board unanimously approved six new teachers; Harrison Colandrea has certifications in Earth Science grades 5-9 and also 7-12. He holds a BA in Geology from SUNY New Paltz, a Masters Degree also in Geology from Idaho State University and a Masters Degree in Earth Science from Empire State College. He will be teaching at the Middle School at a salary of $58,410.

Andrew Mayce is joining the Music Department at the Middle School at a salary of $58,410. He is a k-12 music certified teacher and holds BA and Masters degrees in Music Education from SUNY Fredonia.

Brittany Toapha is Elementary certified from birth through grade 2; Childhood Education grades 1-6; Students with disabilities grades 1 through 6 and Remedial Reading through grade 6. She has a BA in Early Childhood and Childhood Education from SUNY Fredonia and a Masters Degree in Literacy and Special Education from SUNY New Paltz. She will be teaching at the Elementary School at a salary of $58,410.

William Besimer is a Physical Education k-12 certified teacher and will be teaching at the Elementary School. He earned his BA in Physical Education from SUNY Brockport and a Masters Degree in Sports Management and Athletic Administration from the Southern New Hampshire University. He will be a .4 level teacher on prorated salary of $58,410.

Eric Baulsir was unable to attend the board meeting, but has been working in the district for two years as a part-time Social Studies teacher and will be full-time starting this fall. He holds a BA in History/Social Studies from Sienna College and will be paid $62,708.

Karleigh Kowalski, who also was unable to attend, holds certification in Childhood Education grades 1-6 and earned her BA in Elementary and Special Education from Syracuse University. She will be teaching at the Elementary School with a salary of $58,006.

Superintendent Michael Brooks is pleased with the official start of a new school year.

“We’re kicked off to continue moving forward,” he said. “We’ve got a great group of people that lead the district, a great team of individuals collectively and everybody brings a lot to the table. We’re poised for another great year.”