Tuesday's meeting of the Jamestown Public Schools Board of Education marked the end of one board member's era and the affirmed continuation of another district official's.
After Christine Schnars, outgoing board president, banged the gavel bringing her last meeting to a close, she shared a few thoughts on her 25-year career on the board, the future of education in the district and the renewal of Daniel Kathman as superintendent.
"The most wonderful part of being a school board member is standing on that stage and watching those faces and handing them their diplomas. I sat there thinking that those kids walking across the stage toward me weren't even thought of yet when I came on the board," Schnars said.
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Also at Tuesday's meeting, the board voted unanimously to approve the Superintendent Employment Agreement, granting Kathman, who is serving his fourth year as the district's head, the responsibility of upholding the position. He will serve another three-year term, commencing July 1 and ending on June 30, 2015.
"I take that as a vote of confidence. I'm humbled by it (and) appreciative for it," Kathman said.
Schnars commented on the way that Kathman has run the district over the last four years.
"Deke has done an excellent job, and his evaluations have been wonderful. We're very pleased with him and we are thrilled he is going to continue," Schnars said.
The board also unanimously approved the Jamestown Teachers Association Collective Bargaining Agreement, effective July 1 through June 30, 2014. No new money was added to the salary schedule, which will remain the same for the next two years.
"I am comfortable with that," Kathman said, "I think it's a fair agreement and I really do think it's appropriate for the times we are in."
When asked about her last acts on the board, Schnars stated that she was pleased to be able to vote on the issue.
"I am extremely proud of the teachers in this district and the way they approached this negotiation, understanding the economic times and the problems in the area," Schnars said. "They're a wonderful group of people."
However, Schnars expressed her regret at being unable to continue her service on the board during the difficult times ahead.
"I am sorry to be leaving at a time when economics have forced us into some problems in this district that we haven't had in the time that I have been here," Schnars said. "I will be watching closely as they resolve themselves over the next few years. And I am sure they are going to."