Julia Parker, former Chestnut Ridge Middle School band director, is well aware of the phrase “The show must go on.” However, she addressed the board of education during the June 17 work session to discuss her replacement as her retirement was made official this month.
“When I submitted my letter of retirement in February, I did so earlier than required to allow ample time to secure a qualified replacement that will be able to take the program forward in years to come and also allow me time at the end of the year to meet with him or help to help facilitate a smooth transition,” she said.
Through the rumor mill and later verified through board minutes, Parker found her role would be filled by a teacher who intended to retire in June 2020. She was contacted by the teacher, who confirmed he will be at Chestnut Ridge Middle School in 2019-2020 and retiring at the end of the school year. The name of the teacher was not disclosed at the meeting.
“I’m not here to speak about the person who’s been assigned, that’s not my place,” Parker said. “I have been informed, however, that it is within my rights and I feel it is my duty to my students to protest the fact that someone is being placed in my position for just one year.”
She continued, noting it’s important for the band and the director to form chemistry with each other, to learn the subtle nuances and small visual cues of the director.
“It takes time to develop that communication between the students and the director,” she added.
If the new band director does retire in 2020, Parker said the students who just completed sixth grade will have had three different directors in three years.
“I respectfully submit that this is not in their best interest and will not allow for the development of the important relationships I just mentioned,” she said.
Parker closed her statement by saying there are other music positions posted for next year where the impact of a retiring teacher will not be as impactful.
“We have a relatively new supervisor for visual and performing arts and a new high school band director who have a great vision for the future of our department,” she said. “We need someone placed in the band director position at CRMS long-term beginning in September of 2019. Someone who will share that vision and have a passion for the program and its continued success. This is what would be in the best interest of the students.”
Board of education President Julie Kozempel responded, thanking Parker for everything she’s done over her career.
“I promise you we will take this under advisement and look into it for you,” Kozempel said.
In other news:
- Board member Danielle Halpin said the rubberized floor replacement is on schedule. Bells, Birches and Whitman elementary schools’ equipment has been cleaned and placed in a trailer or discarded and wrapped in plastic. She added a certified industrial hygienist gave direction on what stays and what goes.
- Board member Dr. Karen Garrison pitched an idea for next school year, something similar to the honor awards banquet but for the general population of students. Bollendorf responded by saying the school does a “VIP Awards” that is similar to what Garrison described but said he would look into it further. In the same vein, board member Ginny Murphy said the district could look into an “unsung heroes banquet,” in addition to a signing day for students who are joining the military or work force akin to signing day for athletes.
- The next meeting is scheduled for June 25 at 7 p.m. The next work session is scheduled for July 15 at 7 p.m. with a general meeting scheduled for July 23 at 7 p.m.. All meetings will take place at the Eileen Abbott Central Administration Building and are open to the public.
