Correction: Updated to reflect that Marijke Lee's letter of retirement was accepted at the Dec. 19, 2016 Board of Education (BOE) meeting, not the Feb. 13 BOE meeting. Also, to make clear that Linda Nelson is a teaching assistant who works with special education students, not a special education teacher. NorthCountryNow.com regrets the errors.

By MATT LINDSEY

PARISHVILLE – New Parishville-Hopkinton Central School interim Superintendent Wayne Walbridge spent his first day on the job closing school due to a snowstorm.

Even though school was closed, Walbridge had a lot to catch up on having never been a part of PHCS processes.

Having no students in school gave him time to get acquainted with the building, teachers and classrooms.

“It was a long day,” he said.

Walbridge spent his first night on the job at a Board of Education (BOE) meeting Monday night.

Walbridge was impressed with the turnout at the meeting given the storm that cancelled school.

Two five-year seats on the Board of Education will be filled during a vote this spring.

Board president Ward Remington was leaning toward returning while Robert White was not sure about his plans, but was inclined not to seek his seat for the May 16 vote, Walbridge said.

The deadline to nominate a candidate is April 17. Petition forms are available in the superintendent’s office. Each application needs to include at least 25 eligible voters signatures to be official.

At the Dec. 19 meeting the BOE approved the retirement of Spanish teacher Marijke Lee. The Board took action to replace Lee, by hiring former Spanish teacher Jennifer Blanchard. She will start this fall.

“She was here before – she lost her job during cutbacks about six years ago – she did a nice job from what I am told and staff are excited to have her back,” he said.

Longtime teacher aide Linda Nelson will retire this June. She worked with special education students and spent 30 years teaching in the district.

Walbridge believes their Smart Schools Bond Act application will soon be reviewed by a panel – and he is hopeful for the approval of $275,000 in funding to provide Chromebooks for students.

If approved, Walbridge hopes for the program to roll out this fall or sooner.

“It’s exciting for students to have this opportunity,” he said.

The funds would also provide other technical infrastructure upgrades at the school.

Walbridge said Darin Saiff, the outgoing superintendent, did a “nice job” preparing him and exposing him to district issues.

“This is a great school – the kids perform well and the staff takes pride in their jobs,” he said.