Fundraising for JV sports

Question: At the time of this question, we are quickly approaching the Aug. 1 deadline for raising funds to reinstate our fall JV sports program. I've heard we're short of our goal and are frantically trying to organize last-minute fundraisers. Community members, athletes and parents have all been asked for their contributions and support in the effort. Have the faculty, staff, administration, BPTA, etc., been approached or through their own initiative made any contributions to the efforts? If not, is there a legal reason why? Also, if the efforts are unsuccessful, what happens to the funds that have been raised?

Answer: Thankfully, our booster club was successful in raising the money needed to fund fall JV sports, and we're well on our way to funding winter and spring JV sports. Many of our coaches--at all levels, modified, JV and varsity--have been closely involved in the fundraising efforts.

Although our faculty, staff and administration have not been directly approached about contributing to the fundraising effort, many of them have anyway. A majority of B-P employees live in the community, and our faculty and staff regularly donate to community causes--from holiday gift drives to emergency relief efforts to fundraisers for various charitable causes.

- answered by Stephen Tomlinson, Superintendent of Schools

Social workers

Question: I was told there is a chance that Mr. Gottung may not be with us next year. Is this true? Mr. Gottung and Mrs. DuFresne are a necessary part of the school staff. Many students benefit greatly from the services they offer. They are always very busy and stretched thin, but they still do an awesome job. I fear what would happen if only one of them were available next year. Please consider keeping Mr. Gottung AND Mrs. DuFresne if at all possible. Please consider the great things these two people do for our students and the great stress it would put on the students if one of them was not here next year.

Answer: First, thank you for all the kind words you wrote about Mr. Gottung and Mrs. DuFresne. I agree -- the services our social workers provide to our students are extremely valuable. So I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that not only are Mr. Gottung and Mrs. DuFresne staying for the 2012-13 school year, but we're also increasing our social worker staff to four full-time people (up from 3.5 FTE, or full-time equivalent). Each school building will have a dedicated social worker. We were able to make this happen as a direct result of the savings the district will realize from the new Broadalbin-Perth Teachers' Association (BPTA) contract.
- answered by Stephen Tomlinson, Superintendent of Schools

Teaching assistant openings

Question: Just curious, but what are the anticipated teaching assistant openings? They are not posted on the website -- only a definite position is listed. Or is it the same thing, just listed as anticipated in the newspaper?
Answer: We recently had two teaching assistants at the elementary level resign. The openings you're referring to are to fill those vacancies.
- answered by Stephen Tomlinson, District Superintendent