Parent unhappy with Granville sports

By Jaime Thomas

One local parent is not happy with what she sees as a decline in the quality of sports in Granville.

At a meeting Monday night, Jackie Hoagland addressed the Board of Education in what she called a challenge.

“My concern is I’ve seen the athletic programs here steadily declining,” she said. “Do you go to athletic events? Have you spoke to students? Are you positive this is the right, positive path we’re pursuing?” she asked the board.

She explained that she perceives a lot of negativity between coaches and players, and despite her raising the issue to members of the board they continue to reappoint the same coaches.

“There are many different coaching styles; some work, some don’t. My concern as a parent and as a taxpayer is, are you making the right decision. I’d like to see more positive learning and encouraging coaches.”

When she was done speaking, John Shaw, president of the board, said he would call her the following day to discuss her concerns.

Also during the meeting, Crystal Everdyke, a music teacher, shared in detail about a select group of students’ recent trip to the Northeast Instrumental Music Festival in Lake Placid.

Several students, including Josh Shaw, Natalie Haines and Phil Hicks were selected to perform solos at the 40th annual event, and Everdyke praised others as well. During the presentation, several students explained how they benefited from the trip, and Everdyke showed a video slideshow made by chaperone Kerri Thomas featuring the premier piece the group played.

“You wouldn’t believe what that trip does for you as far as help you progress with music,” Josh Shaw said.

Reports

During monthly reports, Superintendent Mark Bessen updated the board on state education moneys.

“The governor claimed he put more money in the budget for education, but it looks like most of the money has strings attached. We’re hoping for more news on GAP elimination, but there hasn’t been much news. He’s got to play it because most of the voters live below the Tappan Zee Bridge,” Bessen said.

He also encouraged the public to attend upcoming budget workshops, the first of which takes place Feb. 24, in order to give input and understand the process before it comes to a close.

Shaw also told the board about a water report the district has to make; Dan Williams, Department of Public Works supervisor, helped with the process.

“Our most serious issue was a well near the field,” Shaw said, but a school official was able to find paperwork proving that the state education department approved of the placement in 1999. Williams suggested the school offer to do nitrate tests on the well every four to six months, which he said will be more than sufficient.

Resignations, appointments

Near the end of the meeting, the board accepted the resignation of two longtime district employees; Wendy Foltman’s retirement was effective Dec. 31, and Deb Tyler will finish Jan. 27.

Bessen said Foltman served the school district for more than 40 years.

“Wendy’s a very dedicated teacher. She was one of the most excited when we had new technology. She was a great benefit as an employee to have around,” he said, going on to praise Tyler as well.

“Many of you know her through having kids in the high school. You know how important an individual Deb Tyler is. She’s a true executive secretary, and that term doesn’t’ come lightly. Camille’s lucky to have her, and so is every principal who had her,” Bessen said.

Both women will serve as district substitutes in their respective areas.

As far as appointments, Alison Getty will substitute as a monitor, and Amy Smith will serve as a non-certified teacher and teacher assistant.

A number of spring coaches were appointed as well.

Duane Dodge will once again be varsity baseball head coach assisted by Cory Burton, and Shawn Parker will coach the junior varsity team.

Cathy Kilby will coach softball assisted by Ernie Bassett, while Leanne Krueger will coach the junior varsity girls, and Katie Barber will coach the modified team.

Terry Wheeler will again be the head tennis coach. Tim Best, assisted by Adam Burr, will coach varsity track and field, while Tom Scott, assisted by Sarah Twardy, will coach the modified team.

The next school board meeting will take place Monday, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m.