Board approves new secretary-to-superintendent role amid restructuring; member abstains on related personnel item

The Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central School District Board of Education on Thursday approved a package of personnel actions and advanced a proposal to fill a secretary-to-the-superintendent position as part of an administrative reorganization.

Board President opened discussion of personnel items and the board approved personnel items 7.1 through 7.24 with item 7.16 pulled for separate consideration. Superintendent Craig Chandler described the new position as both "an assistant to the superintendent" and a role that will "support the business office," restoring functions previously outsourced and including cross-training "to be the Board Clerk, eventually alongside Sue," with no additional compensation for added duties.

Board members acknowledged the position carries a "significant salary" and substantial responsibilities but said the candidate presented an "exceptional fit." When item 7.16 (the administrative substitute/related appointment) was considered, Board member Matt announced he would abstain because the appointment involved his spouse; the board approved the item with the abstention recorded.

The action formalizes a staffing change intended to bring several district office duties back in-house and to create overlap in key administrative functions to support continuity when the current Board Clerk retires. The board did not specify the candidate's name or the exact salary in the meeting record; those details were discussed in executive session and are not included in the public motion.

The board indicated no additional compensation will be paid for the cross-trained Board Clerk duties. Chair and superintendent said staff would continue to provide procedural and personnel follow-ups as required.