A pattern of success
Saugerties School Board members Tom Ham and Chuck Schirmer have volunteered thousands of hours serving as board members. Their commitment has been made because they were able to make decisions that are beneficial to the students of our schools, but are also mindful of the taxpayers in the community. As current members of the BoE, Tom and Chuck worked hard to insure that all students are provided with the services needed for an appropriate education. In addition, they oversaw the implementation of Race to the Top, including Common Core and APPR requirements. The district stood to lose over a half-million dollars annually if this work was not completed.
The prior administration had created a condition where the fund balance for the school district was almost a negative $1 million. That resulted in the district borrowing money in order to remain solvent, at an annual cost of more than $100,000 of taxpayer money to pay interest on the loans. We now have a fund balance of approximately $2.4 million, so the interest money can now be used more productively, either to lighten the tax burden or for the children — rather than the banks.
Tom Ham and Chuck Schirmer played an important part in hiring a competent administrative team, including the superintendent, assistant superintendent, business official(s), principals, and assistant principals. Tom and Chuck pride themselves in always trying to get the best person for the job, and avoiding the issues of nepotism that had at one time existed in the district. The following administrators have been hired since they have been on the board: Larry Mautone, Lissa Jilek, LisaJane Kappler, Sue Osterhoudt, Don Dieckmann, Mike Apostol, Carole Kelder. Although traditionally underrepresented in administrative positions, Saugerties has six females serving in these roles (out of 13 positions).
In an effort to insure that taxpayer dollars were not wasted, Tom and Chuck have been involved in the building projects and other facility improvements. This has included major renovations to every school in the district, including new roofs, removal of underground oil tanks, repair of septic systems, and security upgrades. Although maintenance of the facilities is an ongoing job, the district has addressed the big issues — and now we are on a schedule for continuing to keep them in top condition. The commissioner of education, senators, and assemblymen of New York State have become supporters of the district, and now regular interact with the board.
In addition to regular meetings, Tom and Chuck have participated in contract negotiations, labor issues (including the Public Employee Relations Board), committee meetings, and crisis response teams. Tom and Chuck made tough decisions, but stand on their record as public servants who have demonstrated a pattern of success. With each action, they think of the children first, and the overall good of the community of Saugerties. I hope you will come out and support Tom Ham and Chuck Schirmer on Tuesday, May 20, 2014 in the School Board election. Polls open 6 a.m. –9 p.m.
George Heidcamp
Saugerties
Incumbents have proven themselves
It appears we have a group of highly qualified candidates for the upcoming school board election. Among the field of candidates are two incumbents who deserve your careful consideration for reelection. For many years Tom Ham and Chuck Schirmer have exhibited outstanding leadership skills and repeatedly proven their commitment to our community. During their tenure we have witnessed the recovery from a district financial crisis, the return to a positive fund balance, the selection of a team of highly qualified administrators, and an ongoing commitment to facility maintenance. They have time and again proven they possess the wisdom and intelligence to balance the requirements of the district, and the students, with the concerns of the residents and taxpayers. Faced with the ever increasing cost of district operation and the continued pressure of unfunded mandates, Tom and Chuck have shown themselves to be valuable members of a group charged with drafting budgets that provide for the needs of students and educators while remaining ever mindful of the state imposed tax cap. On Tuesday, May 20 I hope you will support Tom Ham and Chuck Schirmer in their bid to return to the board of education and continue the exceptional level of service they have displayed over the past several years.
Bill Schirmer
Saugerties
Bomb trains away
The unaccountable, arrogant license of the oil/gas industry is brought home to our Hudson Valley by the bomb trains moving through our local towns. This highly descriptive nickname, “bomb trains,” was coined by railroad men, not tree huggers. The fracked Bakkan crude oil is different from conventional oil. It burns explosively at a low temperature. Although legally, deadly chemicals must be contained in insulated train cars, deadly crude oil is legal in ordinary thin skinned #111 tank cars, of which 200 a day ride the rails across NY State. There have been two NY derailments recently, of empty cars — luckily. Kate Hudson, lawyer for Riverkeeper, not exactly a drama queen, has predicted an explosive catastrophe, “not if, but when.”
Hudson will address the Ulster County Legislature Tuesday, May 20 at 7 p.m. Some local legislators are calling for a public hearing. We must support local democratic efforts to question an industry which has bought Congress. Both Washington and Albany admit the risks of this transport but are focusing regulation on our “right” to know about the risks so first responders can be prepared. Prepared for massive fire balls in our neighborhoods? Our local legislative agencies embody the only democracy still accessible to us. Call your county legislator. Let’s support this call for a public hearing to be heard much farther than Kingston.
Joan Walker-Wasylyk
Woodstock
Health care for immigrants
On May 11, a headline in The New York Times read: “Disease of Pakistan Poor now Worries the Affluent.” Why should this worry us? In Pakistan polio, once eradicated, is now spreading in poorer neighborhoods.
Fortunately, in the U.S. illegal aliens are immune to polio and all other contagious diseases. This must be why we make no effort to provide them with access to health care. Why bother? Right? I think not. In the U.S., too, germs spread disease and not only among illegal aliens who are in our malls and work places. Germs cannot determine who is legal. We are, or will be, as exposed and unprotected here as the wealthy in Pakistan unless we provide health care to everyone living in our midst.
Lanny Walter
Saugerties
School district thanks donors
The teachers and staff of the Saugerties School District would like thank the Saugerties community for their continued support of our students and staff. It has been a great pleasure once again this year to give back to local organizations and individuals in need. Over the last nine months, the staff of the Saugerties Central School District has collected over $6,000 through our weekly Dress Down program. With these funds we have been able to donate to Saugerties students and families in need. We have also been able to make donations to the Council of Churches supporting their toy drive at Christmas, the Queens Galley Soup Kitchen, The Boys and Girls Club of Saugerties and provide tuition assistance for children attending the Saugerties Summer Recreation program. We have also collected non-perishable foods at various times throughout the year for the Saugerties Food Pantry. We will continue to collect funds through the end of the school year and will resume our Dress Down program in the fall.
Teachers and staff
Saugerties School District
No baseball without generosity
As we begin our 2014 baseball season we would like to take a moment to thank those who have made it possible. Costs rise every year and it is through various fund-raising activities that we are able to garner the necessary money to keep our program strong. Individuals and businesses throughout the community are gracious in giving and we really appreciate the support. If you are reading this list and not on it but would like to join our contributors please feel free to do so by mailing a check made out to the American Legion to Jerry Malgieri, 19 Hemlock Lane, Saugerties, NY.
Contributors: (Individuals and businesses): Naccarato Insurance, James Gage, John and Bev Harris, Art Russell, Russ Scally Financial Services, Sal and Rita Misasi, John and Joni Granwehr, Cliff and Florence Snyder, Terry and JoAnne Parisian, Franklin Clum, Don and Alicia McCaig, Jeannette Harris, Robert Howe, Ray and Carol Scally, Jeff Markle, Donna Mehalak, William Brinnier, Marie and Claude Post, Debra Koehn, Dolores Brink, Bob and Faye Quirk, Ray and Lucy Stagich, Larry Marcus, The Exchange Hotel, Electric Control Concepts, Ward Backhaus Collision, Saugerteis Animal Hospital, Saugerties Sports Hall of Fame, Charolette Wilson in memory of Henry York, Charles and MaryAnn Marrullo, Cliff and Caroline Breithaupt, Martin and Pat Keenaghan, The Center of Health, Dave and Cathy Fuller, Michael Saporito Photography, Vince and Ruthanne Buono, James Griffis, Skip and Ann Westergard, Gerard Brice, Robert and Agnes Gardner, Saugerties Fire Dept, Mark and Lisa Wachtel, Mike and Denise Dittus, Vince and Sharon Brennan, William and Irene Geick, Susan Gunderud-Whitaker, Robert Kraft, Praetorius and Conrad, Sawyer Motors, Murphy Law Office, Sylvia and Peter Kramer, Bill and Donica Ball, Gladys Hutton, Good Guys Auto, Lions Club, Kenbenco Inc, Stewart Shops, Stone Pony Deli, Vince and Jen Hackett, Priscilla Ritz, Joseph and Mary Roberti, Eugene Heslin, Kenneth Flicker, Betty Jorgensen, The Reis Group, Lawrence and Margaret Mangan, Shane Ellis, Dennis and Mary Beaver, Robert and Debra Lawless, Robert and Claire Schnell, Saugerties Carpet and Linoleum, Sally and Lawrence Traube, John Brink, In memory of Jack Pekovich, Joseph and Roberta Gavner, H.L. Snyder and Son Inc, Gloria Bragdon, Eleanor Snyder, Fritz and Pat Beckert, Patricia Falzano, Saugerties Babe Ruth, Maynard O’Connor Smith and Catalinatto, Saugerties Little League, Kathleen Reynolds. SAA, Central Hudson.
Casino Bowling Fund Raiser: Saugerties Bowlers Club
Sign contributors: Ten Broeck Commons, Mullen Construction, Sinnott’s Plumbing & Heating, Naccarato Insurance Agency, Seamon-Wilsey Funeral Home, Village Apothecary, Helsmoortel Insurance Agency, Dall Vechia & Kraft LLP, H.L. Snyder and Son, Inc., KWH Builders Inc., Benson Steel, Benson Crane Service, H & S Environmental, Murphy Law Office, Mirabellas Restaurant, Greco Motors.
Golf Fund Raiser: Hole Sponsors: Dall Vecchia & Kraft, Saugerties Little League, Leighton Enterprises, Sue’s Restaurant, Winnies Auto Sales, Aerus/Electrolux, Ray Mayone Construction, Sawyer Motors, Sawyer Savings Bank, SAA, Greg Chorvas, Sickler-Torchia-Allen-Churchill, Town and Country Liquors, The Sasso Family, Akudos Awards, Karp-Ackerman-Skabowski- Hogan, Derosa & Klein, Saugerties Lions Club, Stone Pony Deli, Polaski Dental Group, Fix Brothers Fruit Farm, Cole Taylor Mortgage, Dutch Ale House, Main Street, Restaurant, Stellas Station, MHV Fed Credit Union, Diamond Mills, C & J Plumbing, Mowers and More, Buono Funeral Home.
Special contribution: Mark “Doc” Silinovich, Collette Van Derbeck .
Coaching Staff
American Legion Baseball
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