The Board of Education met last night for its regular meeting. Here is a summary.

• The High School and Middle School administrative team shared the district’s efforts to encourage student attendance. Principal Mr. Heckman explained they are working closely with students and families to help resolve the many challenges that can affect student attendance. “We have great teachers who do amazing things with our students but they need to be in school for that to happen,” said Mr. Heckman. Their presentation is available here.
• The Board accepted the retirement letters of Safety Officer Mike Harris, School Nurse Cheryl Glindmyer, and Teacher Melissa Pearson. Here is what Superintendent Dr. Thomas Reardon wrote about each.
  • “Mike [Harris] joined Schalmont 12 years ago and, what was meant to be something temporary post his career working in Corrections turned into over a decade of service to the secondary campus. Mike will be enjoying his second retirement, but we will see him as he will remain on our substitute list.”
  • “Cheryl [Glindmyer] has served Schalmont for the past 26 years, working in the elementary, middle, and high school settings. Cheryl has more than earned the right to enjoy a much-deserved retirement. We thank her for all the wonderful care she has given to countless students over the years.”
  • “Melissa [Pierson] will be retiring after 32 years of service to Schalmont. As an alumni of Schalmont, Melissa has spent her career working as an advocate,teacher, and mentor to her middle school students. She has left an indelible, invaluable mark on countless students, and her presence will be sorely missed.”
• The Board approved the hiring of Katlyn Maxon as the new Middle School Nurse. Dr Reardon wrote: “Katlyn comes to us from the Schenectady City School District, where she has been the on-site nurse at Notre-Dame Bishop Gibbons. A parent of a middle school student, Katlyn is very excited to transfer her years of experience to the Sabre community.” Welcome to Schalmont, Katlyn!
• The Board approved the hiring of Robert Long as Safety Officer for the Middle & High School. Dr. Reardon wrote: “Robert [Long] joins us from the Schenectady City School District, where he has served as a security officer. Prior to working in security, Rob was a New York State Trooper, serving 21 years before his retirement. Rob also served in the Army National Guard for six years, and earned his BA in Sociology from the University at Albany. His experience and perspective will certainly serve Schalmont well.” Welcome to Schalmont, Robert!
• The Board approved a resolution to pursue a potential football merger with Berne-Knox-Westerlo and Duanesburg for Schalmont’s Modified, JV and Varsity teams for the 2026-2027 season. Dr. Reardon noted the merger would provide students from those districts an opportunity to play  on Schalmont’s team (as the districts’ small sizes makes it difficult to field teams) and helps keep Schalmont’s program sustainable. Dr. Reardon noted the merger would be similar to ones we have for hockey and lacrosse; he thanked the other districts who he noted made clear they don’t want to change the Sabres team name to reflect their districts and all home games and practices would still be held at Schalmont.
• The Board approved an agreement with the Rotterdam Boys and Girls Club to provide transportation for youths for their summer program. “We are pleased to provide their transportation for the summer, which in turn allows our drivers more opportunities for summer income, and also serves as yet another revenue source for the District. It’s wonderful when a community partnership can also have ancillary benefits,” said Dr. Reardon.

The next Board of Education meeting will be Monday, February 9 at 7:00 p.m.