Master Teacher Awards given at Starpoint

By Jennifer Peters

The Starpoint Board of Education held its regular meeting on Monday, April 20.

During the meeting, the presentation of Master Teacher Awards were given to Kristina Tomei and Melissa Hugar. David Wilson, an associate professor at SUNY Buffalo State in the mathematics department and co-chair of the Master Teachers Program, discussed the program and the importance it has for the students.

"It's not necessarily a new program, it's just new to the state," Wilson explained. "It's actually been in place about 10 years in New York state."

He further discussed how it is designed to give students more culture and experience.

With the unique and interesting classes that are offered in the Master Teachers Program, Wilson explained they look for passionate teachers who love what they do and have the enthusiasm to grow with other teachers and students. He said both Tomei and Hugar demonstrated teacher excellence and the work and dedication they showed is greatly appreciated and acknowledged.

There was also the review of the 2015-16 course guide, discussed by Michael Moran, the high school assistant principal. Some, but not all, of the courses that will be added to the 2015-16 year are computer science, AP physics, public speaking, ceramics and digital photography. Moran explained that while it is not possible to acquire all the electives each student desires, they are trying to accommodate as many students as possible by providing electives that will give students the most variety.

Jonathan R. Andrews then discussed the State Budget for 2015-2016. The Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA) for the Starpoint Central School District was restored at 63 percent. Some additions to the budget have been the replacement of a special education teacher and an art teacher, as well as music instrument replacements.

The budget vote will be held from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. May 19 at Starpoint High School. More discussion will take place on the state budget and electives added to the 2015-16 school year in the upcoming meetings.