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Kingston board appoints Dr. Laura Sagan interim principal at George Washington; consent agenda approved
Summary
The Kingston City School District Board of Education approved a resolution to appoint Dr. Laura Sagan as interim principal at George Washington Elementary School and accepted the consent agenda, which included multiple donations and grants.
The Kingston City School District Board of Education voted to appoint Dr. Laura Sagan as interim principal at George Washington Elementary School, and approved its consent agenda, during its regular meeting.
The board adopted Resolution COE 24, "appoint an interim principal," which the superintendent, Dr. Paul J. Patolino, presented on the board's recommendation. The resolution authorizes the superintendent and the board president to execute a contract with Dr. Sagan, effective Oct. 20, 2025, and states a copy of the contract will be incorporated by reference into the minutes. Following a motion and a second, trustees voted by voice; the chair called for “All in favor of 24. Aye. Any opposed?,” and the resolution was approved. Two trustees were recorded as excused earlier in the meeting.
Why it matters: Staffing at the school level affects day-to-day operations, student supports and continuity at George Washington Elementary. The board’s action establishes an interim leader and authorizes the district to finalize contractual terms.
The board also approved the consent agenda, which included acceptance of several donations and grants: a $489 donation to Ernest C. Meyer Elementary School from the Meyer PTA and Kevin and Laura Heaney; a $500 Connect Kids Field Trip Grant to Kingston High School; a $500 donation of supplies to Chambers Elementary School from the White Eagle Benevolent Society and the Town of Ulster Seniors; a $2,000 field-trip grant from the Community Foundation of the Hudson Valley for Clifford Miller Middle School; a $2,000 donation to the district athletics department from Ulster Host Company No. 5 (a replacement refrigerator for the concession stand valued at $2,999 was noted); and donated library books to Edward R. Crosby Elementary School from Amanda Green, among other items. The board accepted these gifts “with grateful appreciation,” as reflected in the consent motion.
What board members said: After the vote, the board chair invited Dr. Sagan to be recognized at the meeting. A trustee thanked Dr. Sagan publicly for taking on the interim role.
Background and next steps: The resolution gives the superintendent and board president authority to execute a contract "in lieu of probation" for the interim assignment beginning Oct. 20, 2025. The minutes will incorporate a copy of the contract; the record shows the board authorized final execution but did not read contractual terms aloud during the meeting.
Votes at a glance: - COE 24 — "Appoint interim principal assigned to George Washington Elementary School" (effective 10/20/2025). Outcome: approved by voice vote; two trustees excused. Motion and second recorded; formal tally not specified in the transcript. - Consent agenda — "Accept consent agenda and donations/grants listed in packet." Outcome: approved by voice vote; no roll-call tally provided in the transcript.
Ending: The board completed these actions early in the meeting and moved on to public comment and superintendent reports.
