Roohan Realty Welcomes Nick Gilman
Scotties Crowned Holiday Classic Champs
The Ballston Spa girls varsity basketball team poses with their trophy after winning the Cortland Holiday Classic Championship. Photo via the BSPA DAWGS Facebook page.
CORTLAND — They got that dawg in them.
The Ballston Spa girls’ varsity basketball team tore apart the Cortland Purple Tigers like a starving beast devouring Christmas leftovers, capturing the Cortland Holiday Classic Championship last weekend with a 43 to 28 victory.
Cortland kept the game competitive up until the third quarter, when the Scotties hit four three-pointers, outscoring the Tigers 17 to 5.
To reach the championship game against Cortland, B’Spa beat Lafayette 69 to 41 earlier in the weekend.
Aubrey Kramer was named Tournament MVP, averaging 16 points per game. Mallory Sprissler earned All-Tournament honors, averaging more than 10 points per game.
With the win against Cortland, the Scotties improved to 7-1 on the season. They’ll next face Shaker in North Colonie on Tuesday, January 7 at 7 p.m.
Plans Unveiled for Schuylerville Schools Capital Project
A rendering of the proposed updates and enhancements for the Schuylerville
High School main lobby entrance. Images via the district’s capital project PowerPoint presentation.
A rendering of the proposed updates and enhancements for the Schuylerville
Elementary School main lobby entrance.
SCHUYLERVILLE — At the December 16 Board of Education meeting, Bill McMordie from Saratoga Project Management delivered a presentation outlining the scope and vision of the Schuylerville School District’s next capital project proposal.
“The proposed project is designed to tackle items that were left out of previous initiatives and address new priorities that have emerged,” said Superintendent Dr. Ryan Sherman at the meeting. “Since the district’s last major project concluded in 2019, several areas have been identified as needing attention.”
The proposed scope of work includes improvements to site infrastructure. The phasing of work will span from the summer of 2027, through the 2027-28 school year, and into the summer of 2028.
Main Parking Lot
Reconstruct the existing parking lot with an asphalt and stone subbase.
Study circulation patterns for safety and efficiency.
Separate bus and car traffic.
Shift student parking spaces to the north parking lot.
Widen the access road to the rear of the middle school.
Elementary School
Elementary classroom cabinet doors & countertops will be replaced.
Construct a concrete walk from the building door to the playscape.
Paint, update, and enhance the main lobby entrance.
Replace classroom cabinet doors & countertops.
Replace lockers for grades 4 & 5.
Add LED lighting into several classrooms.
Add new gym wall pads, main court and side court basketball backboards/rims, and paint the gym
High School
Paint, update, and enhance the main lobby entrance.
Renovate chemistry and physics rooms.
Replace lockers.
General Work
Asbestos abatement
According to the district, one of the key features of the project is its financial approach. The district is planning the timeline of the proposed capital project to align with the expiration of existing bonds. This strategy is designed to ensure that the proposed improvements can be funded with minimal or no additional tax burden on the community. Definitive cost estimates, along with the final scope and schedule of the project, will be presented at a Board of Education meeting on January 13.
A Springs Challenge for the New Saratoga Year
SARATOGA SPRINGS — New year, new challenge.
Lifelong Saratoga resident Joe Bokan has always had a hankering for the local springs.
“The springs have always been important to my family, with many of us routinely taking mineral baths at the Roosevelt bath house. I grew up drinking the springs and so have my kids,” says Bokan, a long-time promoter of the springs, and who in his decades-long role as owner and innkeeper at Anne’s Washington Inn has encouraged inn guests to try the springs by giving out maps of the park, as well as sharing his personal recommendations.
His favorite? Coesa, he says – which like most of the springs is located in the Saratoga Spa Park. A handful of others flow through the Congress Park and High Rock Park areas downtown, each with their own varying levels of sodium, potassium, lithium and other minerals.
New this year – Anne’s Washington Inn, which is located at 111 South Broadway, has organized a Saratoga’s Springs Challenge. “I thought, like the high peaks challenge, we could do something similar for our springs,” says Bokan, adding that there is no deadline regarding the challenge, and can be done whenever time permits.
It was a tour of the springs with dowser and spring water expert Trent Millet, that first inspired Bokan to action.
“I was so surprised how few Saratogians and visitors knew anything at all about our springs,” Bokan says. “It had had me thinking: how can we as a community better promote something so important to our health and history?”
Last summer, he came up with the idea of a bucket-list type of challenge that involved friends and guest at the inn with the springs, and coincided with the 80th year that the inn has been in the Bokan family.
The Inn’s main Victorian-style building was originally built for John B. Thompson, a wealthy New York City businessman who bought and developed 11 lots in the area. Constructed in 1885, the grounds sited a hospital in the early 20th century before becoming an inn operated under the direction of the Bokan family in the 1940s.
As for the springs, it is the Mohawk tribes generally credited for heralding the waters as having special healing powers after discovering the mineral waters bubbling through the earth’s cracks. During the centuries that followed the springs were later used by private industries before Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s guidance ushered in the development of an architectural spread to mimic the great spas of Europe.
For more information, including a checklist of springs, individual videos, and a submission page for the Saratoga Springs Challenge, go to: https://www.anneswi.com/springs-challenge. The site also features special edition shirts for sale, with all proceeds donated to benefit the springs’ volunteer and preservation groups.
Saratoga Transportation Woes Continue: District Considers Changing School Start Times
SARATOGA SPRINGS — A six-month study of the Saratoga Springs transportation department suggested that district schools should change their schedules to help ease problems caused by the ongoing bus driver shortage. The altered start and end times would be the result of transitioning the district from a two-tier busing system to a three-tiered one.
In a presentation delivered at the December 12 Board of Education meeting, proposed schedule changes included:
High School students arriving 15 minutes earlier and departing 20 minutes earlier, with a start time of 7:30 a.m.
Maple Avenue Middle School students arriving 45 minutes later and departing 40 minutes later, with a start time of 8:30 a.m.
Caroline Street and Division Street Elementary students arriving 20 minutes earlier and departing 20 minutes earlier, with a start time of 8:50 a.m.
Dorothy Nolan, Lake Avenue, Geyser Road, and Greenfield Elementary students arriving 40 minutes later and departing 40 minutes later, with a start time of 9:50 a.m.
“This is the best scenario that we’ve found thus far,” said Paul Overbaugh, who helped conduct the study and is the former state director of pupil transportation for the New York State Education Department. In addition to reducing the amount of time students spend on buses, Overbaugh also said the proposed changes could attract more drivers, in part because they would have more control in choosing the age groups of students they transport.
Transitioning the district to a three-tiered busing system could prevent cancellations such as the ones that occurred on November 6, when the district alerted parents that “due to the school bus driver shortage and employee illness,” buses 461 and 466 had both been canceled, along with all after-school late buses.
“There is a growing frustration amongst our community that when we’re cancelling bus routes regularly now and we’re not meeting the needs of our program…it’s our responsibility to consider change,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Patton.
None of the proposed schedule changes are imminent. If the changes were to go into effect, it would happen around September 2025. Patton called the study a “starting point” for conversations with the community. “This is one solution,” Patton said. “There may be other solutions out there that we haven’t even explored yet.”
A number of education board members pushed back strongly against the proposed changes.
“I’m concerned about the later start for those three elementary schools,” said Trustee Beth Braxton. “It can be really challenging as a working parent to figure that out, early childcare.”
Trustee Dr. Connie Woytowich agreed. “It’s very hard to be a working family with that kind of schedule,” she said.
“Families, including mine, are struggling with the 9:10 start time already,” said Trustee Natalya Lakhtakia. “I’m curious about how families are going to manage with a 9:50 start time. How will a person be able to have a job?…The idea of moving the elementary school [start time] later, it makes me concerned that we as a board are going to come across as not really caring whether adults in the home can work or not.”
Board Vice President Tony Krackeler was also concerned about the earlier start time for high school students. “Studies have shown that we’re already taxing kids too much in that area…in terms of getting them to school that early,” he said.
The district has been contending with logistical challenges in its transportation department for several years. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the district had 85 drivers. It now has 69 drivers who are tasked with covering 71 routes across 112 square miles. The district has been engaged in driver recruitment efforts, and offers to pay trainees $20 an hour to become certified drivers. But “even with those efforts in place, driver shortages continue to be a problem,” Patton said.
Despite the ongoing issues, the district cut two full-time transportation department positions earlier this year as part of its 2024-2025 budget. The positions included a dispatcher and mechanic, both of whom sometimes served as substitute bus drivers when necessary.
At an April 25 budget adoption meeting, bus dispatcher Dean Musgrove expressed his 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 warned.
Bus driver shortages have been an issue both locally and across the country. Data from the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) indicates that from September 2019 to September 2023, there was a 15.1% decrease in the total number of K-12 bus drivers nationwide. Several factors have contributed to the shortage, including low wages. According to the EPI, school bus driver wages are significantly lower than most other workers. Drivers earned an average of $20 per hour in 2022, which is nearly 17% less than the median wage for all workers. Drivers only work an average of around 32 hours per week, which means their weekly wages are also below average. Many drivers also don’t work during summers, which further decreases their yearly income.
According to an active job posting, the Saratoga Springs school district is offering prospective bus drivers $22.15 per hour, which is below the median wage for all workers in the economy ($24.04), according to data from 2022. The district also has a School Bus Assistant position open that pays $17.09 per hour.
At the board meeting, Overbaugh pushed back against the idea that higher wages would solve the problem. “If someone was going to be motivated by a salary increase, it’s only going to be temporary,” he said. “I mean, it helps, don’t get me wrong…but it’s not going to be the end all, be all. Really there needs to be a paradigm shift in our communities to want to do something for the good of our district.”
Krackeler said he respectfully disagreed with Overbaugh. “If we’re not paying enough, we ought to pay more. More money will work better than platitudes about getting butts in the seat, I think.”
Congress Approves Historic Park’s Renaming as “Saratoga National Battlefield Park”
“Saratoga Surrender Site” just off Route 4 in the town of Saratoga on Dec. 18, 2024 – one of the sites comprising Saratoga National Historical/ Battlefield Park. Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos.
SARATOGA — With Paris Hilton present in the House Chamber gallery supporting an unrelated cause, the House of Representatives on Dec. 17 approved an original Saratoga County Board of Supervisors request to rename the Saratoga National Historical Park as the Saratoga National Battlefield Park.
“That was the original park’s name and a unique identifier,” Board of Supervisors Chairman Phil Barrett said during the board’s approval of the resolution during its meeting in June, requesting the U.S. Congress and the National Park Service consider the name change as the park commemorates the Battles of Saratoga.
“The term ‘Battlefield’ more accurately reflects the historical significance of the site, emphasizing the crucial military engagements that took place (and) will enhance public understanding and appreciation of its historical importance,” stated the measure.
The site was originally named the Saratoga Battlefield Park, but “battlefield” was left off when it became a national park in the late 1930s.
“We believe that is a prudent step to provide tourists and visitors with something more obvious to review and know relating to the description of the park itself,” said Barrett, after the Supervisors’ 20-0 vote was approved to send the request off to Congress.
“I am proud to see my legislation renaming this historic site ‘Saratoga National Battlefield Park’ pass the House today with bipartisan support,” Congresswoman Elise Stefanik said, speaking on the House Floor Dec. 17 while advocating for the Strengthening America’s Turning Point Act bill to rename Saratoga National Historical Park to Saratoga National Battlefield Park. “This change will more accurately reflect the historical significance of the site as the turning point in the Revolutionary War and one of the most decisive American battles of the American Revolution.”
Stefanik introduced the bill to The House in July on behalf of herself and Congressman Paul Tonko.
Currently, Stefanik currently represents New York’s 21st Congressional District, which this most recent election cycle – slated to go into effect Jan. 20, 2025 – included the town of Saratoga in the 21st district. The town of Saratoga is where the majority of the handful of Saratoga National Historical Park sites are located – Victory Woods, Saratoga Monument, Surrender Site, and Schuyler House, among them.
Tonko represents New York’s 20th Congressional District – which includes the battlefield location in Stillwater
The bill, H.R. 8931, anticipates the renaming to be inclusive of those handful of Saratoga National Historical Park sites, not just the battlefield.
History tells us American troops engaged in combat with the British army at Freeman’s Farm in September 1777, and at Bemis Heights a few weeks later. Overall, approximately 22,000 forces engaged in the battles with nearly 1,500 estimated casualties, according to the American Battlefield Trust. The American victory persuaded France to sign a treaty with the United States against Britain.
The year 2027 will mark the 250th anniversary of the battles at Saratoga, two battles which historians have called the turning point of the American Revolution.
The Board of Supervisors resolution specified no budget impact would be felt at the county level related to the renaming. It is not known what costs may be incurred overall related to potential new signage, letterhead or other necessary material changes, or who will pay for them. An inquiry was sent to the National Park Service requesting information related to those potential costs.
Newly Renovated State Seal Spring Re-Opens in Saratoga Spa State Park
The newly renovated State Seal Spring reopened in Saratoga Spa State Park on Dec. 4, 2024.
Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos.
by Thomas Dimopoulos
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Showcasing enhanced accessibility, structural improvements, and a restored pavilion, the State Seal Spring was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting reopening ceremony attended by local and regional officials and representatives last week.
Located in the Saratoga Spa State Park and accessible via Geyser Loop Road, the newly restored three-spigot spring adjacent to the Creekside Classroom marks one of two State Seal Spring locations; the other being across from the Automobile Museum and near SPAC just off Route 50, and among the more than a dozen other differing springs in the park.
The restoration marks the successful completion of the Saratoga Capital Region State Park Commission’s Access for All Campaign, which raised over $100,000 to fund accessibility improvements across regional State Parks and Historic Sites. The specific cost of the spring renovation was about $62,000, and marks a public-private partnership with the Saratoga Lions Club, Saratoga/Capital Region State Park Commission and the Friends of Spa Park, among others.
Key improvements include the rehabilitation of the original stone fountain and plumbing, ADA-compliant parking and sidewalk access, and enhanced drainage. Additional amenities include new benches and a restored park pavilion.
The State Seal water runs 40 to 60 feet deep through a layer of sand near the earth’s surface. Comparatively, the Island Spouter Spring mineral spring nearby drops through sand, shale, and limestone 300 to 400 feet thick and is indicated by a different taste.
“Our objective is not just for able-bodied people to be able to come to the spring and enjoy the park, but we wanted to make it accessible to the handicapped and the visually impaired,” Phil Klein, representing the Saratoga Springs Lion’s Club, told those in attendance at the spring re-opening ceremony. The Lion’s Club is currently looking at putting together a voice-activated system that explains details about the springs for those hearing and visually impaired, Klein added.
The State Seal Spring is the second spring renovated this year. The Coesa Spring project was completed in July.
History in the Making: Schuylerville Brings Home First State Championship
A crowd of spectators gather outside Schuylerville High School on Saturday night to welcome home the title-winning football team.
The Schuylerville High School varsity football team celebrates at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse on Saturday after winning their first-ever state championship. Photos via the Schuylerville Central School District.
SYRACUSE — History has been made once again in Schuylerville, the village where British General John Burgoyne surrendered to revolutionary troops hundreds of years ago.
The Black Horses varsity football team beat the previously unbeaten Salamanca Warriors 26 to 20 on Saturday afternoon at Syracuse University’s JMA Wireless Dome, capturing their first-ever New York State Class C championship.
The victory was ensured in the closing seconds of the game, when Schuylerville senior Luke Griffen sacked Warriors quarterback Maddox Isaac. The nail in the coffin followed a tense, roller coaster of a contest. At one point in the third quarter, the Horses trailed 20 to 7. But they answered back with 19 points in the second half. Landen Cumm had three touchdowns for Schuylerville, while Ollie Bolduc tossed for two TD’s and rushed for 100 yards.
“This incredible victory is a testament to the hard work, perseverance, and unwavering dedication of our players, coaches, support staff, families, and community,” said Schuylerville High School Principal James Ducharme. “From the first day of workouts, to the final play at the JMA Wireless Dome, our team has shown what it means to be true champions.”
Schuylerville previously appeared in the 2015, 2019 and 2021 state title games but lost all three times, including a 21-0 shutout three years ago. Upon arriving home late Saturday night, the Horses were treated like returning heroes as their bus was met with a crowd of jubilant spectators outside the high school.
The championship also cemented the already sterling legacy of Head Coach John Bowen, who led the Horses to all three previous state title appearances. During his tenure, Schuylerville has won more than 100 games and captured five sectional championships, including three in a row from 2019 to 2021.
“As the athletic director, it is my hope that our ability to finally turn this corner will instill a belief across our athletic landscape that this is possible and achievable for any of our teams,” Bowen said. “I am unbelievably proud of our players and our coaches and am thankful for the amazing support from the community.”
With the title victory, Schuylerville’s record for the season stands at 13-1. The squad’s only defeat was on September 20, when they fell to Warrensburg/Lake George/Bolton by only two points. The team began their playoff run with a dominant 45 to 6 win over Gouverneur on November 22 for the Class C regional title, then bested Valhalla in the state semifinals 24 to 7 on November 30. Prior to that, they won the Class C Super Bowl 35 to 21 over Cobleskill-Richmondville.
In January, the championship team will be invited to the Capitol in Albany to be honored by State Senator Jim Tedisco with a resolution.