Tuesday’s Board of Education Meeting largely laid the beginning groundwork for operations in the 2014-2015 school year.

The new Superintendent of Schools, William Ward, as well as the unanimously re-elected President of the School Board, Colleen Snow, were officially sworn in and took the oath of office. Christine Walters was unanimously elected Vice-President of the board in absentia, and will be sworn in at the district office.

The Board gave hearty congratulations to high school principal Helen Callen for the excellent job she did with this year’s high school graduation, and the amount of funding the school was able to secure for scholarships.

Member Edward Lynn was appointed to be the Dutchess County School Board Association Liaison, and President Colleen Snow was elected the New York State School Board Association Liaison. Member Marilyn Beck was elected the Chair of the Auditing Committee, and Vice-President Christine Walters was elected the Chair of the Policy Committee.

Two major decisions regarding policy were made: $7,500 will be allocated per occurrence for emergency situations, and there will be a vote sometime before Christmas on the Alternative Veterans’ Exception.

Surveys will be mailed to the homes of people residing in the school district’s boundaries, and all recipients are encouraged to fill them out and send them back so that the Board can make an informed decision based on public opinion.

-Joseph Phillips is a PPR intern, SUNY Purchase student, and proud member of local rock band Axis.