Kingston BOE appoints Erica Burnaby Middleton to vacant seat; routine personnel, schedule and consent votes pass

The Kingston City School District Board of Education on July 23 unanimously appointed Erica Burnaby Middleton to fill the seat left vacant by the resignation of Trustee Jennifer Fitzgerald and approved a series of routine items, including a salary adjustment and the board's 2025'26 meeting calendar.

The appointment came after a public-comment period in which multiple community members urged the board to fill the vacancy with the candidate who received the next-highest vote total in the recent election. "I am prepared to, be a full time member of this board," Erica Burnaby Middleton said during public comment, adding she stood by the policies and perspectives she had campaigned on. Several parents and community members, including Marissa Manelli and Christina Pickard, spoke in support of Middleton and asked the board to act quickly so the board could be fully staffed for the coming year.

Why this matters: The board filled the vacancy ahead of the new school year, increasing the number of seated trustees and enabling full participation in decisions expected this budget and policy season. Trustees indicated timing and the practical difficulty of assembling a full board before Labor Day influenced their decision to vote at the meeting.

Board discussion and vote: Trustees debated briefly before moving to a roll-call vote. Trustee comments included a call to decide promptly: "I think we should just make a decision tonight," one trustee said during discussion. The board then voted by roll call; the board recorded seven yes votes and one member excused, and the appointment was approved. Middleton was sworn in at the meeting.

Other business and routine votes: The board also took several routine actions during the meeting.

Votes at a glance: Joyce Long salary adjustment (BOE 12): The board approved a salary amendment "that the Board of Education hereby amends the salary of Joyce Long, director of special services and programs out of district to a $139,086 effective 04/23/2025." The motion was moved and seconded and the board approved the item. Meeting schedule for 2025'26: The board approved the 2025'26 Board of Education meeting schedule, which remains primarily on Wednesday evenings with one Tuesday date noted (April 21). Consent agenda: The consent agenda was approved as presented. Approval of minutes: Minutes from the July 9 meeting were approved.

Superintendent and operational updates: Dr. Paul J. Patolino, superintendent of schools, gave updates on summer programs and construction projects. He said K'3 and other summer programs had concluded and that extended-year and high-school summer sessions would run into mid to late August. On the Edson Bailey and Valley construction projects, Patolino said major exterior work and HVAC installations were on schedule and that some nonessential finishes could roll into the next construction season; he said health and safety issues would be addressed before students return.

Policy: The board received a first reading of a revised personal electronic devices (cell phone) policy. Patolino said the district has operated under new practices for about a year in grades 5'12 using student pouches and that the revised policy would align written policy with practice. He said the district has applied to the New York State Education Department for reimbursement of prior costs and for future support tied to implementation.

Donations: The board accepted donations: $1,068.56 to Ernest C. Meyer Elementary School from the Meyer PTA and 13 gift cards totaling $975 from the Fairly New Thrift Shop to the Kingston City School District.

What happens next: Middleton was sworn in at the meeting and will serve the remainder of the term vacated by the former trustee. Trustees said they expect to finalize board goals at a 5:00 p.m. session before their next regular meeting and noted a potential special meeting will be scheduled to adopt tax rates if necessary before the deadline at the end of the month.

A note on process: Trustees repeatedly emphasized that some topics covered in public comment may be addressed at future meetings or through staff follow-up rather than on the spot, and that state and federal privacy laws limit discussion of personnel- or student-specific matters during public comment.