KINDERHOOK–The Ichabod Crane Board of Education met one last time June 18 before the end of the school year in a special session requested by schools Superintendent George Zini to discuss some lingering issues, including the district’s $7 million capital improvement project.

The meeting was the last one with board members Regina Rose and John Antelak. Ms. Rose lost her seat in the May school board elections and Mr. Antalek decided to run for his. The next board meeting is the July 9 annual organization meeting and will include new members Tricia Gerkman and Kyle Aschenbrenner.

Mr. Zini told the board last Tuesday that the part of the capital improvement project dealing with upgrades to technology had been fast tracked for approval through state Education Department (SED) but the district is awaiting approval for the track resurfacing and roofing work that is also part of the project.

“We are at [their] mercy,” Mr. Zini said of the Education Department, adding that at this point the project may not go out to bid until later this summer.

Mr. Zini also talked about the trailers the district plans to use for extra classroom space at the primary school, which were included in the 2013-14 budget. He said the board may want to look into adding permanent classrooms to the buildings, because the trailers would not be available until February 2014. Mr. Zini said the district will receive no state aid for the trailers but could receive reimbursement from the state for up to 74% of a construction project.

The superintendent also reported that the central office is moving to high school this summer from the middle school, freeing up classroom space in the building that also houses the elementary school. Board meetings will be moved to the high school once the offices have moved.

As part of the consent agenda, the board appointed Michael Gleason as Network Systems Engineer at an annual salary of $45,000.

Ms. Rose, who sat on the board for 6 years, did not attend last week’s meeting but emailed a statement wishing the board luck in the coming years.

“Public Education is the cornerstone of democracy,” Ms. Rose, a retired district special education teacher, wrote. “Without a literate citizenry, society cannot flourish. It has been an honor to be a part of the institution of education, a joy to work with so many children over the years, and a blessing to have spent so many years here at Ichabod Crane.”

Board president Anthony Welcome called her the most prepared member of the board at meetings and someone who stood by her beliefs.

“She should be recognized for the amount of time she gave to the board,” said board member Cheryl Trefzger. Mr. Antalek said that Ms. Rose asked questions and attended many board seminars and state wide meetings. “Someone has to step up,” he said of Ms. Rose’s place.

As for his own four years on the board, Mr. Antalek said, “My goal was to give back to the community.”

His follow board members mentioned the work Mr. Antalek had done on the Audit and Finance committee. “He served the district well,” said Mr. Welcome.

The Tuesday, July 9 organization meeting will start at 7 p.m. in the middle school library.

To contact reporter Emilia Teasdale email .