Category: Archive
Computer Services Coordinator-School District
Vacancy: Computer Services Coordinator-School District
(This position is a competitive civil service title and will be subject to future examination)
This is a responsible technical position and involves responsibility for coordinating the installation, maintenance and upgrading of computer hardware, developing specialized software packages, providing training and resolving problems on data processing equipment usage, and related work as required.
Minimum Qualifications:
A. Associate’s Degree in computer science or closely related field plus six (6) months microcomputer support experience; or
B. Completion of one (1) year of study in computer science or closely related field (15+ credit hours) plus 18 months microcomputer support experience; or
C. Two and one-half (2 ½) years’ experience as a Microcomputer support of Help Desk Technician. Additional formal or specialized training (A+, Microsoft certificates, etc.) in microcomputer systems, applications, and networking will be considered; or
D. An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of A, B, and C
To apply: Send letter of interest, application and three letters of recommendation to:
Fort Plain Central School District Office
Superintendent of Schools
25 High St.
Fort Plain, NY 13339
Application deadline: Friday, March 10, 2023
Full job description from Montgomery County
COMPUTER SERVICES COORDINATOR – SCHOOL DISTRICT
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This is a responsible technical position and involves responsibility for coordinating the installation and maintenance and upgrading of computer hardware, developing specialized software packages, and providing training and resolving problems on data processing equipment usage. The work is performed under the general supervision of the Superintendent of the School District with leeway allowed for the use of independent judgment in carrying out details of the work. The incumbent does related work as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative only)
- Monitor and respond to Help Desk Service requests; update Help Desk information and report as required;
- Troubleshoot, triage, and resolve reported computer hardware and software, printer, and network issues;
- Troubleshoot, triage, and resolve reported audio-visual equipment issues related to computers, Network, computer or network interfaces, or computer or network fed display/presentation devices;
- Performs new installs, reconfigurations, and overall maintenance of assigned computer resources;
- Provides user account and permissions support and maintenance including Citrix client Installation and configuration;
- Initiate the ordering, monitor delivery, and perform installation, as required, of printer, copier, and FAX supplies;
- As directed, assist in the maintenance of all school district hardware and software inventories;
- Oversees student aides, as needed;
- Troubleshoot, triage, and initiate requests for vendor support of reported cell phone, desk phone, and pager issues;
- Provide E-Mail User accounts and permissions support and maintenance;
- Perform website maintenance and updates;
- Provide back-up assistance for the person managing the Network and Server Systems;
- Follow, document, and assist in the development of departmental policies and procedures;
- Maintain a level of technical knowledge required to perform job responsibilities;
- Work on special projects and other tasks as assigned by the Superintendent of Schools
The above examples of duties are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND PERSONAL
CHARACTERISTICS: Good knowledge of the operation of microcomputer and network hardware and peripheral equipment; good knowledge of microcomputer and network hardware and software products; good knowledge of security methods and procedures used in a computer system; ability to train user personnel in hardware use and procedures; ability to prepare training and instruction manuals on microcomputer and related network hardware operation; ability to identify and resolve hardware problems and deficiencies; ability to develop computer programs; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ability to understand and follow oral and written directions; ability to establish good working relationships with others; attention to detail; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A. Associate’s Degree in computer science or closely related field plus six (6) months microcomputer support experience; or
B. Completion of one (1) year of study in computer science or closely related field (15+ credit hours) plus 18 months microcomputer support experience; or
C. Two and one-half (2 1⁄2) years’ experience as a Microcomputer support of Help Desk Technician. Additional formal or specialized training (A+, Microsoft certificates, etc.) in microcomputer systems, applications, and networking will be considered; or
D. An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined above.
Fort Plain mourns the passing of Michael Lee Gifford
Fort Plain Central School mourns the passing of Michael Lee Gifford, who taught elementary physical education from 1969-1996, when he retired from the district.
Many in the Fort Plain School community enjoyed having Mr. G as a gym teacher when they were children. He also coached several sports.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
For the full obituary, including details of Mr. Gifford’s many interests and life experiences, visit:
https://www.kilmerfuneralhome.com/memorials/michael-gifford/5150282/index.php
Leadership skill-building is on the agenda for FPHS student-athletes at Cooperstown conference
Six Fort Plain High School students will be participating in “Positive Leadership is Powerful Leadership: Diversity & Inclusion,” the 2023 Student-Athlete Leadership Conference, at the Clark Sports Center and the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown on Friday, March 3.
FPHS juniors Brady Keane, Jasmine Fonda, Courtney Euler, Marissa Wilder, Kaeden David, Monika Kulczynski, and Coach John Fureno, accompanied by Director of Student Engagement & Athletics David Bertram, will be among 300 student-athletes and their athletic directors who will spend the day learning, exploring and building leadership skills.
Conference participants will represent nearly 50 school districts from throughout central New York.
According to Monica Wolfe, Cooperstown CSD leadership training for athletes advisor, “The leadership conference exists to foster a positive atmosphere and serve as a platform for student-athletes to recognize how leadership application in athletics affects their daily lives. In turn, that creates a ripple effect to be applied through the student-athlete’s life and shared with their teams/teammates, their schools and their community.”
The conference will feature several workshops as well as speakers, including keynote speaker SUNY Poly Chief Diversity Officer and Title IX Coordinator Dr. Mark Montgomery, Hall of Fame President Josh Rawitch, and Hall of Fame Director of Education Stephanie Hazzard.
Conference sponsors include the Center State Conference, Section III Athletics, NYSPHSAA, NYS AHPERD, Nimey’s New Generation, Advantage Sport and Fitness, Community Bank, American Dairy Association, Gates Cole Insurance, USA Racing, NYPC/Upstate/Bocca, NYCM, Leatherstocking Region FCU, Chobani, Stewart’s Shops, the Clark Sports Center and the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
3 Board of Education seats up for election in May; those interested in running should contact the Board Clerk
Three seats on the Fort Plain Board of Education will be up for election this May to fill vacancies for terms expiring on June 30, 2023. The new terms will run from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2026.
Regular elections for Board of Education seats are held each year on the third Tuesday in May, the same date residents vote on the coming year’s school budget. This year’s vote date is May 16. Petitions to run for the Board must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 17, 2023.
For information on how to be placed on the ballot, contact Becky Smith, District Clerk, at becky.smith@fortplain.org or (518) 993-4000, ext. 1000.
Any U.S. citizen who is a resident of Fort Plain Central School District for 30 days prior to the vote may run for a seat on the Board.
What does a Board of Education (school board) member do? Why volunteer to serve on the Board? Here’s some helpful information from the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA).
Responsibilities of a Board Member
With school children always their ultimate focus, school board members act officially at the board table, working with other board members to serve students and accomplish the following:
- Create a shared vision for the future of education
- Set the direction of the school district to achieve the highest student performance
- Provide rigorous accountability for student achievement results
- Develop a budget and present it to the community, aligning district resources to improve achievement
- Support a healthy school district culture for work and learning
- Create strategic partnerships with the community stakeholders
- Build the district’s progress through continuous improvement
- Adopt and maintain current policies
- Hire and evaluate the superintendent
- Ratify collective bargaining agreements
- Maintain strong ethical standards
Characteristics of a Board Member
Below are attributes that all effective board members should possess.
- Effective Communicator: Can describe what he or she wants and describe what others want; a good listener
- Consensus Builder: Capable of working toward decisions that all can support and willing to compromise to achieve goals
- Community Participant: Enjoys meeting a variety of people, can identify the community’s key communicators and reaches out to the community
- Decision Maker: Is comfortable making decisions and can support group decision-making
- Information Processor: Can organize priorities and schedules to handle large amounts of verbal and written information
- Leader: Willing to take risks, be supportive of board colleagues, district staff and community
- Team Player: Helps promote the board’s vision and goals
Thank you, Mr. Van Avery!
When you think about Paul Van Avery, it’s hard to determine whether the Fort Plain Central School District is at the center of his heart, or whether he is the heart of the district. Paul has been part of the school community from kindergarten through his entire career, beginning as a cleaner and advancing to Director of Facilities III, a position from which he will soon retire.
Humble, hardworking and dedicated, Paul will be dearly missed, and often thought of, as he embarks upon his life’s next chapter.
At their Feb. 15 meeting, the Fort Plain Board of Education accepted Paul’s request to retire on April 28. “Mr. Van Avery has proudly served our district for 46 years,” the Board noted. “His wealth of knowledge of all things buildings and grounds, as well as the history of our district, will be greatly missed.”
“I have been a member of the Fort Plain Central School from kindergarten through graduation in 1976, with a short stint as a farmhand (that is where you learn about work), and then started my career in January 1977 as a cleaner, in the custodial family, under my second father, Harry Hoag,” Paul wrote in his retirement letter.
“[Harry Hoag] took me under his wing and taught me much about the job and the district and our fierce loyalty, ‘Do or die for Fort Plain High’,” Paul said. He subbed for Harry when Harry was ill and he credited past superintendent John Matello and business official Carl Rockefeller – his “third father” – as well as the district’s veteran staff, for supporting, training and preparing him early on for success. “I have been on deck since then trying to maintain the long tradition of excellence established by Harry and his father, with the help of all,” Paul said.
He noted that he has “served with many superintendents, board members, principals, faculty, staff, taxpayers and mostly the students, with duty and honor which I was taught by all of my fathers, especially my number one father, Alfred Van Avery, Jr., and mother, Virginia Van Avery, who are also my heroes, with an assist from my role model John Wayne.
“My loyalty and life belong to the Fort Plain Central School District, we are one,” Paul said. “I have enjoyed and relished my time with the Fort Plain Central School District and wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. Time to do my John Wayne Cavalry routine and ride off into the sunset. Thank you all for the opportunity to serve.”
Thank you, Mr. Van Avery!
100th day is a great time to count on math
The 100th day of school was a great time for Harry Hoag students to celebrate what they’ve learned so far this year and to focus on numbers, counting and math skills.
Some of our kindergartners made special hats that demonstrated 10-groups. They also explored building with 100 objects such as cups, Legos, marshmallows, pattern blocks and cubes.
Book Speed Dating event fosters a love of literature
Students in Mrs. Bartholomew’s 6th Grade English Language Arts classes had an opportunity to fall in love with new books during a Book Speed Dating event on Valentine’s Day.
“Students walked into a magically transformed room on Valentine’s Day,” Bartholomew said. “They each had chosen their favorite book that they’ve read this year and spent the class convincing classmates why they should read that book, too!”
The students were paired up for four minutes at a time, asking questions such as, “Tell me about yourself. What are your character’s character traits? What is one thing that really makes you stand out from all the other books on the shelf?”
“Students rotated through the room, meeting many new books,” Bartholomew said. “At the end, they voted on the book they were most interested in reading next for independent reading, and the winners won a prize!
“All of the conversations between students were filled with incredibly rich literary analysis. It was a great day filled with fun and learning. Great job 6th grade ELA!”
A note to the community from Mrs. Crisman
February 17, 2023
Greetings Fort Plain School Community Members,
Over the past several months, the school team has worked tirelessly to support social, emotional and academic development of our students. We have seen the students thrive in many ways both in, and outside, of the classroom as observed by their academic achievements and participation in extracurricular and athletic programming.
As we prepare the budget for the 2023 – 2024 school year, we are focused on the future. The board developed five enduring goals that will guide our planning and preparation.
The goals:
- Improve safety in our schools.
- Improve student learning outcomes.
- Build and maintain trusting relationships with students and their families.
- Support social and emotional wellness for all school community members.
- Ensure responsible and strategic use of fiscal and human resources to best support the needs of our students.
The District’s budget planning and development procedures are outlined in Board Policy No. 5010. As indicated in the policy, several stakeholder groups will be consulted regarding their recommendations for how we can best support, improve or expand upon our current academic programs, student support systems and student experiences.
Please watch this website for further information regarding budget development for the 2023-2024 school year.
Wishing you each a wonderful February vacation!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Crisman
Superintendent
Winter teams achieve Scholar-Athlete status
Congratulations to Fort Plain’s boys and girls basketball, girls bowling, and cheerleading teams for being honored as NYSPHSAA Scholar Athlete Teams. Each team needs to have 75% of its team’s roster receive a total GPA of 90 or above. A total of 32 FPHS students achieved a 90 or better GPA during winter sports. #TopperPride!
Honoring a teacher superhero
“As I walk into school, I can see it through the doors, and it’s a great way to remember Kevin.” What Fort Plain High School Principal Dr. Deborah Larrabee sees is a large banner hanging in the school lobby memorializing beloved teacher Kevin Bogus, who passed away in May 2022.
Designed by high school teacher Linda Cole, the banner features an image of an original painting created in Kevin’s memory by fellow teacher, ninja athlete, and trainer, and close friend Geoff Snyder, who unveiled the banner at a Feb. 2 ceremony. The painting depicts Kevin during ninja training, gripping strongly with both hands while the rest of his body is airborne, wearing a shirt that says, “Get A Grip.”
“I’m an artist and an art teacher and wanted to remember Kevin through the painting,” Snyder said. “It’s hanging in our Albany Ninja Lab, where Kevin was beloved by everybody.” Snyder, who is a co-owner of the gym, competed on season 9 of American Ninja Warrior in Cleveland, Ohio, in 2017, and became discouraged after applying repeatedly to compete again.
“I was bummed and was going to give up,” he said. “Kevin talked me into applying again last year. ‘You can’t quit,’ he told me. ‘You gotta keep trying; you’re not a quitter’. So, I tried again, making Kevin’s story part of my application video. I was accepted to compete this spring in Los Angeles. I had a less than one percent chance of being picked, so being picked twice is like a dream come true.”
The Kevin Bogus memorial banner also features a quote by Thor, “A victory has more meaning when it is not won by the force of your own arms, yet the ingenuity of your own brain!”
“The quote was part of Kevin’s email signature at school,” said Dr. Larrabee. “He loved Marvel Entertainment. The painting, quote and the banner are a great way to honor him. We think Kevin was watching the unveiling from above and approved.”
