The Medina School Board has said “no” to the idea of having an attorney present at each meeting, rejecting the suggestion of board member Rosalind Lind.
Since the suspension of former Superintendent Richard M. Galante in July, Lind has promoted the idea that a legal presence at meetings would help the board in decision-making.
“I have continued to give thought to this and what benefits we might derive,” Lind said. “I’ve been of the opinion almost from the beginning that we could only benefit from the attendance of our local attorney at these meetings. It could easily save us money ... and save us trouble, and we could improve as a board.”
Lind sought the board’s approval to have an attorney present for time increments of no more than four hours at general meetings and work sessions, saying the money could come from the unused line of the superintendent’s salary. She said there were “more than sufficient funds” available.
However, while some board members were in favor of the lawyer being present on some occasions, they felt it was not necessary for every meeting. Board member Virginia Nicholson, in particular, expressed her concern over the line item Lind was suggesting they derive money from.
“I think we need to be very careful with our funding right now, and that line item should be hung onto for the time being,” she said. “I’m not saying we shouldn’t visit this idea at another time or even budget it for next year. ... There are instances where I believe an attorney should be present, but not in all instances.”
Nicholson said four hours of attorney pay might be better used in research following a meeting, as opposed to an attorney being on hand in case a legal matter crops up in discussion.
In other action:
• Lind brought up a concern about reference checks on employees, inquiring about new hires in the district. Acting Superintendent Albie Suozzi said the standard policy is to check back as far as possible, in case previous districts have neglected to do so.
• The board voted on several official changes regarding the Mustang Marching Band, including compensation for several people who work with the students.
“I want it noted that dedication must be some kind of compensation for these people because it certainly isn’t the money,” said board member Maureen Blackburn. Several members were compensated for their work with the ensemble, including drill and color guard staff and musical instructors. Also, Scott Hoffman and Brett Ransom were named interim director and assistant director, respectively.
Hoffman has been filling in for former director Scott Ballard at the high school since September, when Ballard was arrested for allegedly initiating relationships with two of his former students. Ransom is the vocal music instructor at the middle school.
After placing second in their division at the state championships in Syracuse, the Mustangs continued to Maryland the weekend of Nov. 7 to compete. The band finished 12th among 16 bands at the U.S. Scholastic Band Association National Championships and fifth of 30 at the USSBA 20th anniversary celebration Nov. 8.
Local News
MEDINA: School board vetoes having lawyer on site
- Local News
-
-
Giving new life to the Diana
An effort that started four years ago is now nearing completion to get the marquee and the lights turned back on and the curtain raised for a new multi-purpose community entertainment center usage for the historic Diana theater building.
-
Nothing to wine about
The third time was the charm for Wine About Winter, which brought hundreds of residents and visitors to downtown businesses and organizations and showcased a variety of local wines Saturday.
-
Stop and Shop opens
The East Center Street Stop ‘N Shop is one of 27 Medina businesses hosting wine tastings Saturday during Wine About Winter, and the new store will offer much more when customers come back to shop.
-
Showcase event
Wine About Winter, which is being held from 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday, brings hundreds of residents and visitors into downtown Medina, but local stores aren’t they only area businesses being showcased this weekend.
-
Uniform Processing uses technology to help lenders, borrowers reach alternatives.
An Albion company uses computer technology to help clear up confusing mortgage transactions.
-
Parties nominate in Albion contests
The Albion Democratic and Republican party caucuses held meetings to nominate candidates for two positions on the village board Tuesday, but the evening ended with only two candidates and some disappointment in the lack of interest in local government.
-
Local leaders have power lunch
Business owners and elected officials gathered Friday at the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce’s annual legislative luncheon to discuss the current business climate and look ahead to the legislation that could help or hinder the local economy.
-
Prepared patriots
At mobilization ceremonies across the state this weekend, hundreds of servicemen from the Army National Guard were cheered on their way to training for a possible overseas deployment.
-
A church’s rebirth
The members of the Medina United Methodist Church plan to celebrate the rebirth of their community at this year’s Easter Mass, which church leaders said could be held at the partially constructed facility that will soon be the church’s home.
-
Legislature OKs terms for property sale
The Orleans County Legislature approved a set of terms Wednesday on the proposed sale of a vacant Medina property that was once a Jubilee grocery store to Zor Inc., a holding company affiliated with Evans Ace Hardware.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
