Horseheads Board approves HR moves, names Damien Sachs athletics director

At a special Oct. 7 meeting, the Horseheads Central School District Board of Education approved an HR package that named Damien Sachs permanent director of athletics and physical education and appointed Jamie Hart as interim athletic director.

The action, taken by voice vote, also accepted Sachs' resignation from his current science-teaching position so the district can post and recruit for that classroom vacancy. Board members voted 'Aye' when the presiding official called for approval; the transcript does not record individual vote counts or the names of the motion mover and seconder.

Why it matters: The appointments affect the district's athletics leadership and its staffing in a core classroom subject. According to the board's announcement, Sachs will remain in the science classroom temporarily while the district conducts a search for a replacement; Jamie Hart will serve as interim athletics director for the duration of that hiring process.

Board comments and process: An unidentified presider outlined the three HR actions at the start of the special meeting and asked for a motion to approve the HR agenda. A second was indicated and the board approved the package by voice vote. The presider thanked an individual identified as Mr. Cotton for 'stepping in to help us out during this time period.' The transcript contains inconsistent spellings for the interim appointee (appearing also as 'Barter' and 'Harter'); the board's announcement used 'Jamie Hart.'

Next steps: The district will post the science teacher vacancy and conduct interviews; the transcript does not provide a timeline for posting or hiring. The interim appointment will remain in place until the district completes the science teacher search.

The special meeting then adjourned on a voice vote.