Board accepts retirements and staffing moves; public asks about new Civil Service title

The Mechanicville City School District board approved a consent agenda that included retirements and personnel actions and heard a visitor's question about a proposed Civil Service title for the business office.

The board accepted the retirement of longtime transportation supervisor Mike Pratt, effective June 30, 2026; the superintendent had earlier noted his 40 years of service. The board also approved resignations for Sandy Pratt (bus driver) and Colleen Brunick (bus attendant), accepted several CSEA resignations and approved routine personnel actions including a change of employment status for cleaners (Rhett Mercier and Patrick Weiss) and probationary appointments for teacher aides (Jennifer Salerno, Amanda Clermont and Maya Thacko). The board also approved coaching appointments for unified basketball and junior varsity softball.

During visitor comment, a taxpayer asked whether the proposed Civil Service title "executive secretary to the business manager" is included in the budget, whether it replaces the current 0.6 FTE administrative secretary position or is an additional position, what the salary range will be and when the appointment could be effective. Administration confirmed the position is included in the budget but said the Civil Service review must conclude before a salary range can be finalized; if Civil Service approves the classification in May, the district said it would appoint provisionally and begin as soon as possible pending required approvals.

The board carried the personnel motions by voice vote under the consent agenda.