Aug 23, 2002 By Josh Krysak 4 min read

After taking a year’s sabbatical due to health reasons, Dr. Denise Martin apparently will not return as the Albert Gallatin Area School District’s top administrator. The school board Wednesday announced Martin’s resignation as superintendent of schools but appointed her to the position of central office administrator.

Martin said in a written statement that she had done her best to perform her duties with diligence and integrity and that she would continue to serve the school district. “It is my intention to continue to serve the Albert Gallatin Area School District in another administrative position where my experience, my knowledge and my abilities can be most helpful to the children of our area,” Martin said.

According to school board President Janet Swaney, Martin will work full time at her new position and help out where she is needed throughout the district, help that Swaney sees as invaluable.

“She is like no other. What she did for Albert Gallatin is why we are where we are today,” Swaney said.

She declined comment when asked about the specifics of Martin’s new position; however, the school board agenda noted that Martin would be paid at a salary and benefit equal to those paid for administrative assistants.

and that the board was “authorized to execute a five-year employment contract, as prepared by the solicitor.”

Martin’s resignation becomes effective Sept. 4, the same day as Walter Vicinelly’s appointment as acting superintendent goes into effect.

Walter Vicinelly, who has served in Martin’s absence and who will continue to serve as acting superintendent through the 2002-2003 school year, said he also appreciated Martin’s efforts.

“I want to extend appreciation on behalf of the students, parents, board members and staff for everything Dr. Martin did for us,” he said.

In other business, Smithfield resident Linda Baumiller addressed the board with concerns about the district’s homebound program.

Her son Adam had to withdraw from classes for the 2000-2001 school year due to health problems and was to be taught by a homebound educator. Baumiller alleged that the teacher showed up only once a week for about 15 minutes, gave out grades for classes he never even taught and gave very little instruction or aid to her son. Baumiller said the teacher still received full compensation for the school year, something she doesn’t think is fair.

“He just basically came to the house, told Adam what to do and that was it. Adam was on his own. Spanish was to be taught, but the teacher taught him no Spanish at all, but gave him A’s and B’s for all four semesters,” said Baumiller.

She also noted that an apparent lack of cooperation from the board to help her resolve this issue may force her to go to court.

Solicitor Lee Price said the board was unable to comment on the issue until an investigation into the matter is concluded.

“The school district has turned this over to the state auditors to review the issue, and we are awaiting the results of their investigation,” Price said.

Vicinelly said the board is creating a new homebound policy.

In other matters, the board hired the following full-time instructors for the new school year: Tom Corazzi, Hilary Hudock, Justin Malik, Sherry French, Scott Venick and Shawn Clemmer. The board also hired as long-term substitutes Nathan Hines, Regina Shaffer, Jackie Davis and Lori Mondock for the 2002-2003 school year.

Educators Irene Dickerson, Mary Jo Bahnsen and Sylvia Vignali announced their retirements, and speech instructor Nicole Szerensci and special education instructor Breanna Barchesi announced their resignations.

Vicinelly also reminded parents that on three nights the first week of September they will have the opportunity to come in and view their children’s curriculum and talk with educators.

Curriculum nights are Tuesday, Sept. 3, for the high school, Wednesday, Sept. 4, for the middle schools and Thursday, Sept. 5, for the elementary schools. Each evening, the schools will be open from 6 to 8 p.m.