Rome Sentinel

Utica school district’s board of education hosts student-athletes, discusses efforts to hire more teachers, s

BY MIKE JAQUAYS Staff writer

The Utica City School District Board of Education was visited by three of the district’s sports groups to start off the board’s regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 27.

Those guests included members of their Raiders varsity football team, girls varsity tennis team and cheerleading squad.

Board President Joseph Hobika, Jr. said they had invited the students to come in and say hello during the meeting to get more students out for a board meeting.

Hobika said he planned to continue that tradition at their upcoming meetings as well.

Staff shortages

Director of Human Resources Michele LaGase gave the board an update on their current personnel hiring situation within the district.

LaGase said the district is continuing to work on hiring new staff members with several new teachers and staff already there and interviews for several others already scheduled.

Hiring teaching assistants, especial in the special education area, is of priority concern, she added.

Board member Tennille Knoop asked if they would have to wait until their next board meeting to approve those hirings and Hobika said they will hold a special meeting on Thursday, Oct. 6, to approve the newly hired personnel.

School opening

Steven Falchi, administrative director of curriculum and instruction for grades K-12, said Sept. 6 marked the first “normal” school opening day in three years due to the pandemic.

In his visit on that first day he saw teaching and learning happening in every room, Falchi added.

Busing report

Representatives from Durham Bus Company reported a much better start than last year.

Transportation Supervisor Zachary Nicotera said they had hired 56 new employees since last year while only losing one to retirement.

They expect to hire up to 12 more drivers within the next month as well.

Hobika asked about calls not being answered by Durham’s call center, stressing they needed to make sure someone would answer those calls.

Outstanding athletes

Director of Athletics and Physical Education Vincent Perrotta said girls swimming and diving team member Deandre Frazier had recently broken a 23-year-old record with her score of 201.45 in competition.

Football team quarterback Todd Abraham recently led the team to a 62-60 win over Whitesboro with six touchdowns and 287 yards running and 159 yards passing.

And girls varsity tennis teammates Tha Kyet and Ebenzer Sha were leaders in first and second singles competition, Perrotta complimented.

Kudos

Board member Robert Cardillo lauded Utica MHA/People First representatives Kha’ Desia Ballard and Lahmila Adams for recently distributing donated socks and school supplies to the Utica Schools.

He said they spent the better part of the day driving from school to school introducing themselves and delivering much-welcomed and appreciated donations.

School security

Safety and Security Coordinator William Williams gave an overview of the current safety features in the district, including their new weapon detection system.

In response to an earlier request to hold a night football game, Hobika asked if Williams felt it was possible to do so safely.

Williams said he would do whatever they ask him to do and if they wanted a night game he would bring in extra personnel for heightened safety.

Next meeting

The board scheduled a special meeting at 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, at the district office, 929 York St.

Its next regular meeting follows on Tuesday, Oct. 25, with public commentary at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting at 7 p.m.

Around Utica

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2022-09-29T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-09-29T07:00:00.0000000Z

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