CLAYTON â Toward the beginning of the month, eight teachers in the Thousand Islands Central School District were told they may potentially lose their jobs next school year. Rather than being an issue of funding, these layoffs are being proposed as an option by the district due to declining student enrollment, officials said.
The positions span from elementary to high school level, and without them, the district may not be able to offer college courses, electives and some special education services. Some vacant positions also may not be filled. As of right now, the layoffs are just a proposal, but could become a harsh reality if another solution is not found and implemented.
CLAYTON â The Thousand Islands school community came together Tuesday evening with a simple message for those who would listen: âSave our teachers.â
The Thousand Islands Central School Districtâs Board of Education meeting Tuesday evening drew a larger crowd than most. Though they werenât allowed inside the library where it was being held due to available space and current health guidelines, an impassioned crowd of protesters stood just outside the door to make their feelings known with regard to eight teaching jobs in jeopardy.
âAs a school district, weâre different than any other type of business in the sense that there must be a balance between being fiscally responsible and educating and supporting the children of our community,â said social studies teacher Ryan Kendall, one of the impacted instructors. âThe impact of a school district is more vast than any other type of business because you are helping to mold and shape future gener
ALEXANDRIA BAY â Come summertime, there may be no lifeguards available to watch the village beach.
According to village Trustee Julia Erck, nobody has applied to work as a village lifeguard yet this year. She said the village has had an ongoing issue getting enough lifeguards every year, but this year is the first time in recent memory they havenât had any applicants at all.
Facing a total lack of lifeguards for this year, Mrs. Erck said that if the village doesnât get some applicants before the season begins, theyâll have to keep the villageâs public beach closed.
Gilfus
DOLGEVILLE Starting in May, Dolgeville Central School District will be welcoming a deputy superintendent, Joseph Gilfus, who will then become the new superintendent in July.
Gilfus signed a contract on Tuesday to become the next Dolgeville Central School District superintendent of schools – pending a formal board appointment this week.
He will join the district effective May 1 initially as the deputy superintendent. Interim Superintendent Theodore Kawryga will remain in his role through the rest of the 2020-21 school year. As of July 1, Gilfus will become the superintendent of schools.
“There’s a lot of tradition at Dolgeville Central School District, and I’m honored to be a part of that now,” Gilfus said. “The enthusiasm that everyone from teachers and staff to parents and the school community have for providing students a strong education makes me excited to join the team.”
From staff reports
The Dolgeville school board has chosen a new superintendent of schools.
Joseph Gilfus signed a contract Tuesday, Jan. 12, to fill the position, pending a formal board appointment next week.
Dolgeville Board of Education members decided Dec. 16 to offer Gilfus the position. Board members will have to vote Tuesday, Jan. 19, to formally make the appointment and validate the contract.
“There’s a lot of tradition at Dolgeville Central School District, and I’m honored to be a part of that now,” Gilfus said. “The enthusiasm that everyone from teachers and staff to parents and the school community have for providing students a strong education makes me excited to join the team.”