Ballston Spa Schools Honor Former BOE President

BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Central School District Board of Education and Administration recently held a dedication ceremony in honor of former Board of Education President Kathleen Jarvis. The service was held in front of the Malta Avenue School building where a bench and tree were installed in recognition of the 19 years of service that she gave to the district. Jarvis was the first woman in the history of the school district to serve as Board of Education President. She led the school district in that capacity for seven consecutive terms. Jarvis’ commitment to Ballston Spa children’s education was demonstrated by her focus on providing them with the best learning opportunities that the local community could afford. Those programs included guidelines for smaller class sizes, the International Baccalaureate Program, Sponsor-A-Scholar, the Early College High School at TEC- SMART, an enhanced art curriculum and numerous facilities improvements. During her tenure, the Ballston Spa Central School District improved steadily in ranking among the other school districts in the Capital Region. The district is now recognized nationally for having one of the more challenging academic programs in the nation and more educational opportunities for students than most districts. Jarvis was an enthusiastic leader who championed the community as a founding member of the Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association as well as serving on the local BOCES board. She was also a member of the board of directors for the Northeast March of Dimes Organization and was instrumental in the establishment of the Ballston Spa Educational Foundation in 1996. Speaking to friends and family at the dedication ceremony were former Board of Education members Keith Stewart, Doug Young, Pat Leanza and Frank Townley, as well as administrators Dr. Raymond Colucciello and current Superintendent Joseph P. Dragone, Ph.D. The tree and bench located in front of the school will be enjoyed by students and families and serve as a permanent reminder of Kathleen Jarvis’ dedication and service to the district.