By Jessica Wasmund<br><a href="mailto:jessye.wasmund@journal-register.com">E-mail Jessica</a>
MEDINA — All’s well that ends well.
The Medina Board of Education wrapped up its final meeting of the tumultuous 2008-09 school year with a few goodbyes and promising hopes for a new year.
Members of the school board and community saw a number of shake-ups in the past year — from the resignation of former Superintendent Richard M. Galante for falsely claiming 17 years of service with the New York state troopers, to the arrest of former band director Scott Ballard, who was suspended under allegations of having inappropriate relationships with former students.
“It’s been a long year, to say the least,” said Albie Suozzi, acting superintendent who filled in for Galante following his departure.
Board President Susan Squires, who opted not to run again for a spot on the board, took a moment to thank her fellow board members, community members, administration and family for their constant support throughout the difficult year.
“I will dearly miss working with my fellow board members in this capacity,” Squires said Monday night. “I do not think anyone realizes how much time these people put in. ... I am proud of the progress this district has made, and will continue to make in the next year.”
Timothy Ames, director of buildings and grounds, reported that plans were already in full swing to have the schools cleaned up and ready for next fall. Ames also reported that improvements were being made to the district’s phone systems.
“The current system was installed in 2001,” Ames said. “There were capabilities at the time for automated answering machines, (but the district decided against it). Now we’re looking into setting it up so callers would only have to dial one number. ... What we have is sufficient, it just needs to be extended on a little bit.”
In other news:
n Questions were brought before the board regarding the future of the Mustang Marching Band and its director. Kathy Dreyfus, publicity chair for the marching band, asked what kind of qualifications were needed to direct the band. Suozzi responded by saying the position would first be open to a certified teacher in the Medina district, and if no one were to come forward, it would be opened up to outside candidates.
n The reorganizational meeting, where the 2009-10 board president and vice president will be elected, is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. July 1 in the district office. The board will also hold its monthly work session and board meeting on July 13 and 20, respectively.
