GRANVILLE – The Granville School Board has accepted the contract concerning crossing guards that was hammered out with the village. It calls for the placement of two guards along Quaker Street (NYS Route 149) and the deployment of a police officer at the crosswalk between the elementary and high school buildings. This deployment is subject to emergency calls. If that happens, one of the crossing guards will move up to that position.
Speeding and simply failing to obey the guard were an issue last school year, and both entities hope the return of law enforcement will help elevate the problem. The village agreed to the contract at their August meeting, pending the correction of minor typographical errors, which has since been completed.
The village is actively seeking crossing guard applications.
Why are so many people leaving the district’s employment?
Board members have expressed their concern over the rate of attrition in all levels, administrative, instructional and non-instructional inclusive. On the agenda for the Aug. 26 meeting there were nine resignations or retirements.
The district offers exit interviews to those departing and has found from those that availed themselves of the opportunity, there were several reasons. Board President Edward Vladyka stated at an earlier meeting, higher pay and jobs closer to home were a primary reason for the departures. The interviews have also brought out two more concerns, a feeling of a lack of support and poor morale. Board member Mario Torres expressed his dismay over this and says the board and administration need to identify the root causes and address them in a prompt manner. The board also asked School Superintendent Tom McGurl if the district is understaffed heading into the new school year. McGurl replied there were a few openings yet to be filled but that he was confident adjustments could be made.
Setting goals
Each year the board adopts a set of goals and at this meeting gave its approval to a preliminary document, which incorporates goals set forth by the administration and other staffing entities in the district. The board is looking to hold a workshop to finalize the document.
