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Matthew Patterson library remodeled, dedicated to longtime staffer Larry Kershaw; student awards presented
Summary
The board celebrated the Matthew Patterson Elementary library remodel funded largely by Title I carryover and ARP ESSER funds and dedicated the space to longtime staffer Larry Kershaw. Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES and district staff recognized cosmetology student Maya Marquez as a student of distinction.
The Carmel Central School District on Dec. 17 unveiled a remodeled library at Matthew Patterson Elementary and dedicated the space to Larry Kershaw, a long‑time staff member the district credited with countless contributions to student care and the building’s upkeep.
Miss Santa Barbara and facilities staff walked the board and audience through the remodel: brighter lighting, custom shelving built to be safer for K–4 students, flexible seating, dedicated reading nooks and a "reading corner" rug designed to echo the local forested environment. The remodel also added STEM materials and furniture suitable for group work and hands‑on learning. The presentation noted many elements were built in‑house by the district’s Facilities Department.
Superintendent and staff described funding for the project: roughly $37,000 in total cost, with approximately $27,000 coming from grant sources referenced in the presentation (Title I carryover and ARP ESSER) and the remainder from district facilities labor and materials. The district emphasized that the Facilities Department performed the work in‑house, reducing outside contractor costs.
The board then dedicated the library to Larry Kershaw and invited his family to join trustees and staff at the library entrance for a brief recognition ceremony. Miss Santa Barbara read memories and tributes about Kershaw’s dedication, including examples of his work making classrooms and equipment more accessible to students.
Earlier in the meeting, Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES Assistant Superintendent Greg Brown and Director Steve Lowery presented a Student of Distinction award to cosmetology student Maya Marquez for leadership and academic progress, noting the program’s rigor (New York State cosmetology licensing requires 1,000 hours of clinical work).
What’s next: the board will post the GoPro footage of the library dedication on the district website; staff encouraged community visits to the new library space when available.
