Kreider announces retirement from school Sept. 1
Giving a solid seven months’ notice, Stan Kreider submitted his resignation from the Holyoke School District maintenance director position, effective Sept. 1. The Re-1J Board of Education accepted the resignation at its Feb. 7 meeting.
Acknowledging the vast knowledge that Kreider possesses with regard, in particular, to the heating, venting and air conditioning system, the board is appreciative of the lengthy notice. It is hoped that someone can be hired to train with Kreider before his resignation is effective.
Kreider has been working in the industry for 42 years and with the local school district for the past 14 years.
New website in place
A new school website — www.hcosd.org — successfully launched Thursday afternoon, Feb. 2, announced Superintendent John McCleary at the board meeting.
While the new website and mobile app went live Feb. 2, the content on the old SchoolFusion website will continue to be available until the end of the school year, according to webmaster Stefan Betley.
The mobile app can be obtained from the App Store or Google Play, both of which can be accessed at the bottom of the home page of the new website.
Salary schedules, hiring policies reviewed
McCleary related information on potential changes for consideration on both the certified staff and classified staff salary schedules.
He pointed out that one of the focal points for this next year’s upcoming budget is to make some adjustments to pick up the classified salary schedule since it wasn’t changed when the district did the major work on the certified staff salary schedule nearly two years ago.
Last year, there was a modest increase to the certified staff salary schedule, and McCleary said they will continue to use that as a goal.
Additionally, McCleary referenced two district policies on recruiting/hiring for professional staff and also for support staff.
Other business
In other business at the Feb. 7 meeting, the Re-1J board:
—held a one-hour-and-43-minute executive session with McCleary to discuss principals’ evaluations and the superintendent’s contract.
—agreed to add the Pledge of Allegiance to the beginning of each regular meeting board agenda.
—approved first reading of a policy and its exhibit on the administration of medical marijuana to qualified students.
—received from board member Pat Wiebers updated information to review on the superintendent evaluation tool.
—noted that the letter for nominations for the Emerald Awards program will be distributed to staff Feb. 15 and due back March 1. The program is scheduled for Thursday, April 27.