Fort Plain BOE reinstates music position

   At its regular August meeting, the Fort Plain Central School District Board of Education reinstated a full-time music position that was originally cut in the 2011-12 school budget. The move was made possible when a Spanish teacher resigned.

Vocal/general music teacher Juliana Sincavage, who begins her fifth year in Fort Plain, will split her time teaching between the Jr./Sr. High School and Harry Hoag Elementary school.

The loss of the Spanish teacher means the district will now start teaching Spanish in sixth grade opposed to second. Superintendent Douglas C. Burton said it is important for the district to maintain its strong music program, especially in the face of cuts to education funding.

“The shift was made because the music position would actually service more grade levels. The core subjects are important to us, but it’s also important that students have a well-rounded education,” Mr. Burton said.

“Mrs. Sincavage is well-like by the students, parents, colleagues, and staff and we’re happy to have her back.”

The board also reinstated a part-time guidance counselor position at the elementary school which will be filled by Stephanie Macherone. She will serve as a liaison for children in need of remediation, and coordinate the school’s Response to Intervention program.

Her salary will be funded by Title 1 funding. Title 1 funds will be also utilized to fund part of the salary of a current guidance counselor, three full-time remedial teachers (and their benefits), and portions of other teachers who provide academic intervention services to elementary children.

Title 1 is a United States Department of Education program to distribute funding to school districts with a high percentage of students from low-income families. According to the USDE, the funding helps ensure that all children meet challenging state academic standards. Each year, Fort Plain qualifies for the funding, but must still apply for it.

“The Title 1 funds have been a viable vehicle in offsetting cuts to school funding,” said Superintendent Douglas C. Burton. ‘We’re able to fund the salary of some of our staff through those grants, and that lets up keep class sizes low.”