OSWEGO – The Oswego City School District Board of Education discussed school safety and security on the evening of June 7, with all members of the board present.
District resident Brandy Norton, a parent of two students, addressed the board during the portion of the meeting dedicated to members of the public. Norton discussed the recent Pageant of Champions, a musical event that has been hosted by OCSD for 42 years.
Norton said that the loss of revenue from the concession stand, caused by the “District’s position on running the concession stand,” and the increasing cost of judges fees have created a financial hardship for the music program, and requested that the district begin to pay the judges fees.
Board President Heather DelConte requested a breakdown of financial information that would allow the board to consider this request.
District resident and volunteer wrestling coach Jim Eckman revisited the board and continued his remarks from the last board meeting, regarding the wrestling program and his opinion that the program is understaffed. Eckman stated that in the event of an injury at a wrestling match, with only one coach present, the match would have to be ended, and the team would have to accompany the coach and injured athlete to the hospital.
Eckman reminded the board that the modified program has two paid coaches, while the varsity program has only one, and he questioned the reasoning behind that arrangement. Eckman also shared his opinion that the wrestling program does not have adequate practice facilities. Eckman asked the board to consider facilitating a designated practice room for the wrestlers in the high school building.
Superintendent Dr. Mathis Calvin III addressed Eckman’s concerns, stating that the wrestling practices were moved to the middle school as a result of social distancing regulations, which required the high school gym to be utilized as a cafeteria.
Moving on to the Superintendent’s Report, Calvin began by congratulating the district’s top 100 students, with the board offering a round of applause for the youngster’s high academic achievement.
Calvin also mentioned the district’s awards night, held on June 6, which awarded a plethora of scholarships to deserving students. Calvin said that over $1.3 million in awards and scholarships were handed out. Calvin also congratulated students who recently signed to compete for NCAA sports programs. A complete list can be found on the district’s website, https://oswego.org.
Calvin then shifted the board’s attention to health and safety within the district. Calvin shared the fact that many parents in the district have expressed concern in the wake of the many recent mass shootings in the U.S., some of which have involved schools.
“Our district is very committed to maintaining the health and safety of our students… We are doing everything we can every single day, and that didn’t just start because of these issues that have been going on… As we were planning for the year, during the year, even after the year, our goal is to do everything we can to keep kids safe,” Calvin said.
Calvin went on to describe the district’s safety plan, noting that the specifics of the plan would not be shared with the public due to the obvious fact that sharing these details could enable an attempt to disrupt the safety of the schools.
Calvin went on to describe the district’s positive relationship with a number of public safety entities and agencies, and listed a number of drills performed in the schools with regularity to ensure a familiarity with these necessary procedures.
The fact that all buildings utilize a single point of entry was also emphasized by the superintendent. Calvin stated that the Oswego County Sheriff’s department has increased patrols in and around all Oswego County schools.
According to Calvin, the district is working diligently to build relationships with students to help identify any problems that might arise.
“We have, this year and last year, upped our number of mental health supports in our district,” Calvin said.
Calvin then introduced the district’s new Athletic Director and Director of Physical Education and Athletics, Cynthia Lauzon. The SUNY Cortland alumnus and recent employee of Tupper Lake Central Schools greeted the board and shared her excitement to begin her new position.
“I am very happy to be here, and it’s nice to meet everyone,” Lauzon said.
Lauzon said that after living in the Adirondack climate, the snowbelt would not be a problem for her.
Board President Heather Del Conte asked Calvin if any arrangements have been made to recognize graduating seniors who have accepted jobs with local business or government entities, and Calvin stated that he would look into the progress of that possibility.
- On the Board of Education agenda, item A passed unanimously.
- On the Consent agenda, items A-C passed unanimously.
- On the Curriculum Agenda, item A passed unanimously.
- On the Personnel Agenda, items A-R passed unanimously, with item H passing with board member Pamela Down in abstention.
- Finance Agenda items A-F passed unanimously.
Student Representative Zachary DeMott addressed the board, mentioning several upcoming events, including the Eighth grade graduation planned for June 9. DeMott offered best wishes for those students preparing for final and regents exams.
In Items from the Board, board member Pamela Dowd offered heartfelt thanks to all nurses, school nurses and others as well, for all that they have done during the pandemic.
Board President DelConte thanked the volunteers that have helped the marching band over the years. DelConte asked Calvin if the upcoming graduation ceremonies would be livestreamed, and Calvin confirmed that this would happen.
“Grandmas and grandpas all over will be very excited,” DelConte said.
The board then moved to executive session to discuss several matters.
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