New Paltz School Board members are already deep into the process to replace Maria Rice as superintendent, with an eye on having a new person at the helm this summer. A considerable amount of time at the January 8 board meeting was devoted to striking the best balance between efficiency and transparency during this closely-watched process. A dedicated page on the district web site is being used to compile publicly available information about the search, and applications to participate in one of the focus groups were due the same day as this meeting.

After 14 years on the job and two years after her official retirement, Maria Rice finished her career as superintendent of the New Paltz Central School District just before Christmas.

The New Paltz High School’s wellness center was formally opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony during the Board of Education meeting on December 9. Gleeful physical education teachers gushed over the transformation of the former weight room into a space that’s intended to finally recognize that mind and body are part of the same person.

It’s apparently not okay to forbid phones on the premises, but trustee Diana Armstead suggested the board consider using Yondr locking phone pouches, which have become common sights recently at concerts, comedy shows, and other events whose organizers would like to avoid recordings being shared on the web.

Trustees reaffirmed their support for young people working to combat climate change, but their decision hinged largely on the fact that this event appeared to have been entirely orchestrated by adults.