Olson filling positions as school time looms
Published on August 1st, 2007
STONEHAM, MA - Stoneham's new school superintendent, Dr. Les Olson, has hit the ground running since his arrival in town last month. On Thursday, he sailed through presentations of updates and news for the School Committee like an old pro.
Thirty-four positions have been filled to date by Olson, building principals and program supervisors, but their work is far from over. Twenty-two positions still remain open, 12 of which are in the special education department, three are administrative, and the balance in regular education.
The most recent resignation is that of Pupil Personnel Director Kathleen Curtis who has abandoned her post in Stoneham for one in Danvers.
Middle School Program Supervisor John Strangi has accepted the interim position of High School Assistant Principal, vacated by Ed Russo who is now acting principal at Stoneham High School, following the departure of long time SHS principal Dr. Tom Ryan. In addition, eighth grade Science teacher Sandra Fulmer has been promoted to Middle School Assistant Principal under that school's new principal, Christopher Banos. Banos recently took over the principalship following former Middle School Principal Christine McMenimen's move to the Wilmington school system.
"This is really an admirable job you and the administrative staff have done," School Committee chairwoman Maureen Soley said. "This is really an unusual amount of staff turnover...Most are resignations due to the fact that people can do a lot better financially in other places. It's unfortunate. We're lucky you filled as many of them as you have."
Olson presented some good news in terms of the school budget. On review of the state's foundation reserve grant, or pothole grant, it was determined that Stoneham qualifies under three categories this year. Town Administration David Ragucci and Olson have recently completed and submitted applications for the grant funds.
In addition, Olson reported that a special education grant that Stoneham typically qualifies for should save the town about $50,000 if the money awarded is used for special education programs or tuition rather than personnel. Olson advised that in past years, Stoneham and other towns have often allocated this particular grant money toward salaries, and in so doing, districts have been paying a surcharge on that money, about 9.5 percent, to the state's retirement board.
The school system's food service program in now under new management as Chartwells prepares to come on board in an effort to boost sales and save the system money.
This is a one year contract with the school dining service, and the program will be reviewed by the School Committee in late October or early November. Olson was preparing to meet with Chartwell's representatives this week where he will choose a manager for the Stoneham program from several resumes presented by a Chartwell's district manager. Olson said he hopes to have a manager on board within 10 days or so.
The School Committee adopted a revised Communications Policy last week on the heels of a presentation by the Stoneham Public Schools Foundation proposal of a banner sponsorship program.
The program, presented to the School Committee in July, looks to display banners of businesses and individuals which have signed on as sponsors for the high school athletic program.
Spring Street resident and SPSF member Ken Quigley, advised the School Committee that his group is working closely with the town's Building Department as well as within the parameters of the IRS interpretation of a sponsor, to bring the program to fruition. The two areas of greatest concern is the fire resistance of the material used and the structural safety of the banners.
"We intend to fully comply with the building code regardless of whether we need a permit or not."
Finally, a musical celebration in Stoneham next month is sure to get kids and parents on their feet. Radio Disney is coming to Stoneham Town Hall August 10, from 6:30 pm to 10 pm, for the premiere of Disney's High School Musical II. This free family event will feature the Radio Disney logo van, music, contests, trivia, and prizes. Committee member Cheryl Walsh thanked Recreation Department Director Christine Del Rossi, in addition to the Town Administration and Board of Selectmen for bringing this event to Stoneham Town Hall auditorium.
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