Winter officially came to the area a day early on December 20th with frigid temperatures and a blanket of snow. Due to a staff error, people who visited the school district’s Web site that morning mistakenly learned that school had been closed.

“It was a mistake,” said Superintendent Dr. Stephen Leitman at the Board of Education meeting held that evening. “It happened and hopefully it won’t happen again.” Dr. Leitman said administrators actually felt relieved to learn that it was a staff error and not a hacker who broke into the computer system. A staff member had anticipated a school closing and typed in the message, not knowing that it would appear on the site without being officially accepted into the system. “We have a new procedure in place: don’t anticipate. Wait until the superintendent calls you,” Dr. Leitman jokingly said.

High School Principal Hank Hardy honored three students—Terence Hartigan, Corene Norniella and James Nugent--who are stellar examples of students who provide service to the school and community. Hardy said Hartigan, a football player who has won several awards, is a “tremendous young man to know.” He said Norniella demonstrates an altruistic spirit by always helping others. “I’ve never seen her without a smile,” said Hardy. Nugent was a recent News Channel 12 Scholar Athlete Award winner and someone who is a “leader by example.”

Dr. Leitman welcomed Dr. Mark Rosenbaum in his new position as interim Assistant to the Superintendent for the remainder of the school year. Rosenbaum was superintendent in the Lawrence School District.

School Board President Kenneth Monaghan announced that the district will offer a varsity boys volleyball team in the spring. At the November 15th meeting, high school junior Scott Volpe asked the board to consider instituting the team. According to Volpe, the total cost, including coach, uniforms, officials and miscellaneous expenses such as equipment and league fees, will be approximately $10,000.

The Board approved five policy changes concerning the internal claims auditor, independent auditor, credit cards, staff use of cell phones and meals and refreshments. Monaghan said the policy was changed to make it consistent with state standards. The district owns 33 cell phones. Over the past three years, three phones have been replaced. Each building has a cell phone in case the electricity goes out. The meeting ended on a pleasant note, with the superintendent and Board wishing everyone a happy holiday.