Superintendent Dr. Will provided the board an update on July 8, highlighting recent graduations, summer professional development, personnel moves and multiple capital projects under way across the Harrison Central School District.

Dr. Will thanked staff for a series of successful graduation ceremonies and praised student speakers. He said the district is running approximately 40 summer courses and has already begun high school summer school. Staffing announcements included the appointment of Antonia Simeo as a new principal (following a retirement) and the promotion of a longtime district educator, Stephanie Goldman, to a new assignment; the district said it is beginning a search to fill Ms. Goldman’s previous position.

The board approved a personnel report that included terminations, resignations, regular and temporary appointments, leaves of absence and change-of-status items. A teacher identified during the meeting, Shelby (last name provided in the meeting transcript), was approved to take on the role vacated by the newly reassigned elementary leader and was introduced at the meeting. Shelby told the board she is “honored and humbled to serve the district in this role.”

On facilities, Dr. Will said the high school will receive a new turf field with bleachers and a media tower and that footings for a classroom addition have been poured; the addition is expected to be ready for occupation in November or December. Parsons Memorial School is having a new lobby area constructed; Purchase Elementary School has started pouring footings for its foundation. Dr. Will credited the district maintenance crew and outside contractors for progress on these projects.

Dr. Will also said the district’s business office had earned a rating again (as described at the meeting) and that prudent fiscal management will allow the district to “stretch our dollars even further.” The superintendent said work with architects and construction managers has kept summer schedules busy for staff.

There was no public comment during the meeting. The board recessed to executive session for CSC and personnel matters and later reconvened to complete the consent agenda.