The Ballston Spa High School 2024 Envirothon team. Photo provided by Stuart Williams.
BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa High School Envirothon team finished second overall at this year’s environmentally-themed academic competition at Saratoga State Park. The team also took first place in three different categories: Aquatics, Forestry, and Current Issue.
The team, dubbed the “Enviodorks,” was made up of Asa Coleman, Jestin Ratti, Jesse Schallert, and Travis Valentin. Ballston Spa High School science instructor Mrs. Marcotullio was their coach.
The New York Envirothon is designed to test students’ knowledge and understanding of natural resource issues within the state.
Candidates for the Schuylerville Central School District Board of Education: Joanna Crowley, Jennifer Moreau, Robert Thivierge, and Jonathon Procter. Photos via the SCSD website.
SCHUYLERVILLE — Residents of the Schuylerville Central School District will have an opportunity to vote on the annual school budget, as well as select two members of the district’s Board of Education on May 21. The two seats up for grabs are currently held by Joanna Crowley (who is running for re-election) and Shaun Cumm. Once elected, the two board members will serve five-year terms beginning July 1.
The candidates below appear in the order in which their names will appear on the ballot.
Robert Thivierge served 28 years in the United States Air Force and retired in 2014. He is currently employed as a driver at Tymetal, delivering high security gate systems. A 1986 Schuylerville High School graduate, Thivierge has supported various programs and organizations as his own children advanced through the district. He volunteered with Old Saratoga Athletic Association (OSAA) youth sports, assisted with the Schuylerville Youth Lacrosse program, and helped the JV and varsity football teams, among other volunteer roles.
Thivierge previously served on the Schuylerville CSD Board of Education for ten years, 2013-2023, and served in the executive roles of president, vice-president, and legislative liaison. Thivierge’s wife, Ruth Anne, has worked as an elementary school teacher in the district since 1997. They live in Schuylerville. They have three children who are Schuylerville High School graduates and their eldest granddaughter will attend the UPK program at Schuylerville in the fall.
“I am running for the Board of Education to ensure integrity, transparency, and accountability,” Thivierge said in a statement. “I strive to advocate for quality education, to empower educators and all staff, and to shape a future where excellence, innovation, and opportunity are at the core of our educational system at Schuylerville School.”
Jonathon Procter is the Vice-President-Property & Casualty Consultant for USI Insurance Services, where he is a broker of commercial property and construction insurance. He graduated from Schuylerville High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in history from SUNY Brockport in 2012. He is currently a member of the Adirondack Chamber of Commerce, Eastern Contractors Association, and the North Country Chamber of Commerce, and an ambassador for Associated Builders and Contractors. Procter has four children and his family lives in Gansevoort.
“I am a graduate of the district who is raising my family in the district,” Procter said. “I have a lot of pride in our wonderful community and would be honored to be part of voicing the opinions and concerns of the people that the Board of Education serves.”
Joanna Crowley is the current vice-president of the Schuylerville CSD Board of Education and has served on the Board since 2019. She is a stay-at-home mom who has lived in the district for 16 years. Crowley graduated from Saratoga Springs High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Syracuse University, and a master’s degree in accounting from the University at Albany. Crowley is a former accountant for AngioDynamics, as well as a former auditor with PwC, PricewaterhouseCoopers.
During her time on the Board, Crowley served as Audit Committee Chair and Legislative Liaison. She also served on several other committees, including COVID-19 re-opening, Code of Conduct, and STA negotiations. She previously served as treasurer and secretary of the Wellspring Board and was a softball and soccer coach for Old Saratoga Athletic Association. Crowley and her husband have two daughters and reside in Saratoga Springs.
“Effective school board members balance the needs of a variety of different stakeholders to reach decisions that are in the best interest of the district as a whole, and most importantly our students,” Crowley said. “With two daughters in the district, I have a pulse on the students’ needs, activities taking place on campus, and an availability to parents, students, teachers and staff. The upcoming challenges that we face require experience, knowledge of the issues, and a real commitment to finding solutions. I am proud of the work that I’ve put in over the past five years and hope to have the opportunity to continue that work. I look forward to serving another 5 years as a member of the Board of Education.”
Jennifer Moreau is a retired Schuylerville Elementary School teacher. In 20 years at Schuylerville, she taught first, third, and fourth grades, as well as 4th grade ELA and social studies in a team-teaching model. She is currently a supervisor for SUNY Cortland student-teachers who have placements in the Capital Region and was previously a cooperating classroom teacher for student teachers from SUNY Oneonta, the College of Saint Rose, Skidmore College, SUNY Plattsburgh, and SUNY New Paltz. Moreau graduated from Linton High School in Schenectady and earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood development from the University of Maine at Orono, followed by a master’s degree in reading education from the University at Albany. Moreau began her teaching career at Scotia-Glenville, where she taught for 15 years.
During her time at Schuylerville, Moreau was a mentor-teacher for first-year teachers and a faculty co-advisor for Varsity Club, where she helped facilitate the transition to a new concession stand and helped coaches and athletes fundraise for their teams. Moreau was a committee member for the elementary building team and Schuylerville Dollars for Scholars, and an elementary representative for the COVID-19 reopening committee, as well as principal selection committee. She also served three two-year terms on the executive committee for the Schuylerville Teachers’ Association as an elementary building representative and was a member of two negotiation teams. Within the community, Moreau was a member of the Friends of Schuyler Park Committee during the park’s early years and worked to coordinate fundraising efforts for the playground. She has two daughters who are Schuylerville High School graduates. Moreau lives in Saratoga Springs.
“Almost 30 years ago, my husband and I intentionally built a house in this community so that our future children would benefit from an education in the Schuylerville Central School District,” Moreau said. “Now, as parents of two SCS graduates, we are so grateful for that decision.I am proud to say that I was a teacher in Schuylerville, but even more proud to say that both of our daughters are SCS graduates. Their positive experiences in the classroom, in extracurricular activities, and as student athletes prepared them well for college and helped shape who they are today as individuals. Schuylerville has amazing students, families, teachers, administrators and support staff. I look forward to working with the other members of the Board of Education in supporting the hard work of our faculty, staff and students, while maintaining a positive and engaging relationship with the community.”
BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Central School District’s Board of Education approved a proposed 2024-2025 budget of $107,179,996 last week.
There are three Community Budget Presentations being offered for district residents to learn more about the proposed budget. The presentations are scheduled for Monday, May 13 at the Ballston Town Hall; Tuesday, May 14 at the Malta Community Center; and Wednesday, May 15 at the Milton Community Center. All of the presentations will begin at 6:30 p.m.
District residents can vote on the budget on May 21 from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. Residents of Malta can vote at the Malta Town Hall, while residents of Ballston, Milton and Charlton will vote at the Ballston Spa High School.
Voters will also choose two Board of Education members from three candidates: Jason Fernau, Fabrizia Rodriguez, and Tim Turbiak.
Jason Fernau was elected to the Board of Education in May 2018 to a three-year term and re-elected in May 2021. He was selected as the President in July 2021, 2022, and again in July 2023, after previously serving as the Vice President of the Board. He also currently serves on the WSWHE BOCES Board of Education. He is a Ballston Spa High School (BSHS) graduate and has been a resident in the district for over 45 years. He is the parent of two BSHS graduates, a son and a daughter. In his position statement, Fernau wrote that he was “committed to setting expectations for instructional excellence, safe and welcoming school environments, positive partnerships with our local Town and Village governments, fiscal responsibility to our taxpayers, and making sure that every student is engaged and challenged in their educational journey.”
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Fabrizia Rodriguez has more than 13 years experience advocating and representing families as an attorney with a focus on Child Welfare Laws and Immigration Law. Additionally, Rodriguez has experience in grant writing for Capital District BOCES and Centro Civico Inc. She served as a Parent Liaison for the Amsterdam School District and supported initiatives to enhance communication and involvement between school and family. Rodriguez has been residing in the Town of Ballston since 2018, and is the proud mother of two sons, a fifth grader and a third grader at Gordon Creek. She is the current Vice President of Ballston Spa Community Youth Football Inc. In her position statement, Rodriguez wrote that if elected, she would “advocate for modernized resources and tools to best support our staff in developing outstanding Ballston Spa citizens.”
Tim Turbiak was elected to the Board in May 2021 and began his three-year term in July 2021. During his time on the Board, he has served on the Policy Committee for the last two years, and as the liaison to the PTAs over the last 3 years. Tim moved to the area in 2019 from Brooklyn. Over the years he has helped organize a number of fundraisers, helping organizations such as Toys for Tots, Meals On Wheels, the Wounded Warrior Project, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. He currently resides in Ballston Spa with his wife Eliana and their two children. In his position statement, Turbiak wrote that if re-elected, he intends “to help build on that progress as well as address the new challenges we face. I will advocate for policies and practices which promote inclusion, limit – if not remove – obstacles which may affect learning, and encourage our students to come to school and want to learn. I will support the district in providing the resources needed so each student has their individual needs met, and accomplish the ultimate goal to obtain a meaningful diploma.”
In addition to the budget vote and education board member elections, there will be three additional propositions on the ballot. Proposition 2 is for School Vehicle Replacement in the amount of up to $1,075,000 to purchase and replace school buses and vehicles. Proposition 3 allows the district to spend up to $595,000 to replace two bus lifts in the district’s Transportation Facility. Proposition 4 is for the Ballston Spa Public Library in the amount of $63,344 towards the expense of operating the public library.
Lira Bonitatibus and Louie Longobardo pose with their awards at a ceremony in Albany last month. Photo provided by Lexie Bonitatibus.
ALBANY — Two Saratoga Springs High School seniors were awarded the Capital Zone High School Student Leadership Awards in Physical Education at the Italian American Community Center in Albany last month.
Lira Bonitatibus and Louie Longobardo were recognized for their “high level of physical performance, scholastic achievement, exceptional leadership qualities, and outstanding service to the school or town/city community,” according to the Capital Zone. The students were nominated by Saratoga Springs High School physical education teacher Kelsey Allen.
Bonitatibus will attend Clemson University in the fall to study health sciences in the field of health promotion. Longobardo will attend SUNY Brockport to study physical education.
More than 100 students performed at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s (SPAC) Spa Little Theater on Wednesday, May 1 as part of SPAC’s “Access the Arts” education program. Photo by Rebecca Loomis.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — More than 100 students of all ages and abilities from AIM Services and several local chapters of The Arc New York performed at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s (SPAC) Spa Little Theater last Wednesday morning as part of SPAC’s “Access the Arts” education program.
The students danced, sang, and did improvisational comedy in front of a packed and lively crowd. The final performance share was the culmination of 10 weeks of music, dance, and improv theater classes that were curated for the students at the SPAC School of the Arts.
“The success of the Access the Arts program is significant because it epitomizes our mission as an organization,” said Jess Bien, Director of SPAC School of the Arts, in a statement. “Our program welcomes the diverse talents and unique perspectives of adults with disabilities, proving that when barriers dissolve, creativity thrives. Through the transformative power of the arts, we get to see a world of inclusion, access, and shared joy. Together, we’re not just creating art—we’re shaping a more inclusive, vibrant community where everyone’s voice is heard and celebrated.”
Launched in 2023, SPAC’s “Access the Arts” initiative is part of its mission to provide free access to the arts and inclusive programs for people of all ages and abilities.
Empire State University held its 2024 commencement last week in Albany. Photo provided by Cherie Haughney.
ALBANY — Empire State University held its 2024 commencement on Friday, May 3 at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany.
Members of the class of 2024 collectively live in 57 different New York State counties, 22 U.S. states and territories, and 67 countries around the world. They ranged from age 18 to 77. 67 of the graduates were military-affiliated students, including active-duty Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, Reserve, veterans, spouses, and other dependents.
The ceremony featured student speaker Em Wasserman, who received a bachelor’s degree in social science with a concentration in human rights advocacy. Wasserman is the university’s Student Government Association president and recipient of the 2024 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Academic Excellence.
“I feel incredibly privileged to be here with you to celebrate and honor our hard work and dedication as students, often with so many compounding responsibilities,” Wasserman said. “We stand on the brink of a new chapter ready to embark on journeys that will continue to shape our futures and our narratives. Each of us has a story to tell, and my story of perseverance is only one of the many powerful stories in this room.”
A group of Lake Ave Elementary staff and students pose on the school’s steps alongside a representative from Congressman Paul Tonko’s office, Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, Senator James Tedisco, Saratoga Springs Mayor John Safford, and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Patton. Photo by Jonathon Norcross.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — When the Palladian-style Lake Avenue school building opened in 1924, no students crossing its entrance knew about the Great Depression or World War II or Beatlemania. 100 years later, the Saratoga Springs City School District is celebrating the history of Lake Ave Elementary with a bevy of proclamations and celebrations.
On April 30, Lake Avenue School Day was officially declared by a representative from Congressman Paul Tonko’s office, State Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, State Senator James Tedisco, and Mayor John Safford. The group gathered outside at the corner of Lake Ave. and Regent St. to issue their decrees.
“The history of this school is so long and so great,” said Mayor Safford. “It kind of reflects this wonderful little city that we call our own.”
After the city’s former high school burned down, the Lake Ave building replaced it. The first graduating class was in 1924, and the building remained the city’s high school until 1965. It was briefly transformed into a junior high until 1972, when it then became the elementary school that it remains today.
In celebration of 100 years, an open-house style community event will be held at the school on Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Attendees can peruse a historical exhibition, take a guided tour of the building, play two-square games, listen to live music, enjoy some Ben & Jerry’s ice cream or Nally coffee, and shop for limited edition centennial merchandise. The event will also feature food trucks, face painting, and a book fair.
For more information about the festivities, visit www.lakeavepta.com/events/centennial.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — At an April 25 2024-2025 budget adoption meeting, the Saratoga Springs Board of Education discussed proposed cuts to the district’s transportation department.
During the first public comment period, Dean Musgrove, a bus dispatcher, spoke in opposition to the cuts. “It’s really going to do a lot of damage to our department and I don’t think you realize the extent of it,” Musgrove said.
Bob Cohan, a substitute bus driver, echoed Musgrove’s sentiments. “It’s one of the lowest paying school jobs for people, and why you go after us is beyond me,” he said.
A prior budget presentation on March 28 suggested that two full-time transportation department positions could be eliminated: a bus mechanic and a bus dispatcher. The district is not planning on cutting any driver positions.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Patton said there had been “significant sacrifices” this year in order to achieve a balanced budget. “We truly appreciate the feedback that we do receive from transportation,” he said. “Mr. Musgrove and I had several conversations.”
Dr. Patton said he would meet with transportation staff next Tuesday and had regularly been in touch with the department’s director. Dr. Patton also said that other similarly-sized school districts had fewer dispatchers and routing specialists than Saratoga Springs.
During the second public comment period, Musgrove said that on the morning of April 25, two dispatchers and three mechanics had to drive school buses to cover for five drivers. In the afternoon, Musgrove said that two bus runs needed to be canceled despite three dispatchers, three mechanics, and the transportation department’s assistant director all pitching in to cover for bus drivers.
“I have a hard time understanding why $180,000 can’t be located to cover these two positions that you’re talking about cutting,” Musgrove said. “Even though they’re not technically driver positions, they are actually drivers.”
Education Board member Amanda Ellithorpe said she felt for the transportation department.
“I’ve been there,” she said. “I get it. I didn’t like having to make the decision tonight.”
Now that the board has adopted the 2024-2025 budget, a budget hearing will take place on May 9, followed by a budget vote on May 21.
NEW YORK CITY — Saratoga Springs High School Choraliers and Bel Canto Choir students performed at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City last month. They were led by Choral Director Karen Houlahan. While in the city, the students took in performances of “Aladdin” and “Hamilton.” They also attended a vocal workshop with “Hamilton” cast member Thayne Jasperson.
Photo of Anders Rasmussen provided by Stuart Williams.
BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Board of Education is scheduled to appoint Mr. Anders Rasmussen as the new Middle School Principal on May 8.
Rasmussen, who has been with the district since 2012, has served as Principal of Wood Road Elementary School since 2018. Prior to his service in Ballston Spa schools, he held administrative positions at the Greenville School District, and he was an English teacher and coach at Ichabod Crane Middle School.
“I am very excited to continue my career at Ballston Spa in this new role,” Rasmussen said in a statement. “I am grateful to the district and community for entrusting me with this responsibility.I look forward to meeting the middle school students, families and staff.I can’t wait to learn about the great work that is underway and maintaining the strong tradition of excellence at Ballston Spa Middle School.”
Rasmussen’s appointment as Principal will begin on July 1.
