Rhinebeck board elevates Erica Wagner to president, swears new officers and accepts foundation grants

The Rhinebeck Board of Education moved to appoint Trustee Erica Wagner as board president and to appoint Trustee Jason Carmel as vice president for the remainder of the 2024–25 school year; the resolution passed by voice vote and the new officers completed the oath of office.

Outgoing President Jason Carmel announced the leadership change, citing a new professional role with added responsibilities that will limit his time for board service. "This new position with its added responsibilities means that I no longer have time to serve as board president," Carmel said, and he thanked colleagues as he introduced the resolution recommending Erica Wagner as president. "She has tremendous communication and mediation skills," he added in support of the appointment.

Erica Wagner recited the oath of office on the record: "I, Erica Wagner, do solemnly swear that I'll [support the duties of the Rhinebeck Board of Education] according to the best of my ability," and other procedural formalities followed. Board members indicated assent with voice votes recorded as "Aye."

The board also considered and approved grants from the Rhinebeck School Foundation on a motion to accept the foundation's awards, including a $2,200 grant to support HOSA scholarships for students attending an April leadership conference and a $150 student-submitted grant for the high-school programming club. The Rhinebeck School Foundation's president, Jen Sousa, described an upcoming March 1 polar-plunge fundraiser to support foundation programs.

Before adjourning to executive session, the board reviewed committee reports and scheduled further policy and budget hearings. A motion to move into executive session to discuss contract negotiations was made and approved by voice vote.