From left, Jamestown Jamestown Public Schools Board of Education President Paul Abbott holds a New York State School Boards Association Award given to him by current JPS Board Member and NYSSBA President Christine Schnars. P-J photo by Michael Zabrodsky

He was humbled when he heard the news.

At Wednesday’s Jamestown Public Schools Board of Education meeting, President Paul Abbott learned he received a prestigious New York State School Boards Association Award – a Board Lifetime Achievement status.

According to Christine Schnars, JPS board member, and current NYSSBA president, the association offers a board excellence recognition program.

“This is for all board members, and whenever you go to a training or an event, you’re given points for that attendance,” Schnars said.

There are four NYSSBA levels, Schnars noted.

“We are fortunate enough to have a marvelous board member who has made it to level four and is being recognized for that,” Schnars said.

Abbott earned more than 500 points during his time on the board.

“It took a long time to earn those for your ongoing association professional development, and or accepting additional leadership roles. Congratulations,” Schnars said.

“It’s an honor to serve on this board, and the time certainly does fly, and it’s in large part because the people here really, it makes it easy to keep doing it. So, thank you,” Abbott said.

Every board member puts in hours of work, and the training sessions Abbott attends are informative and well done, and he said, he is glad that he was able to attend them.

“I guess the fact that I’ve been here long enough to accumulate enough points is it’s more of an award of endurance than anything remarkable that I’ve done,” Abbott said. “I am mildly embarrassed, and certainly humbled.”

District voters Tuesday, also re-elected Abbott and Schnars to another three-year term beginning July 1, and ending June 30, 2029.

In a related matter Superintendent Dr. Kevin Whitaker recognized district clerk Rhonda Frank.

Whitaker said when the budget is being prepared, Frank goes above and beyond her duties to make sure all of the parts are kept in working order.

“She puts in a lot of extra time, and a lot of nights, and a lot of compliance-related paperwork, and training from the election board, and much of the reporting and documentation that is required behind the scenes for a school board vote on a budget,” Whitaker said. “So I wanted to say, ‘thank you, Rhonda,’ for all of that work that you put in.”

In other business, the board heard from some district residents concerning alleged incidents at Washington Middle School. Dawn Jones said more needs to be done by administration. She said her son was assaulted at Washington, and there wasn’t any kind of communication or resolution to the matter.

Jeff Butera said there is vaping happening at Washington and nothing is being done about it.

Aaron Hendrickson also said there are alleged bullying situations happening at Washington.

Abbott reminded Butera, Hendrickson, and Jones that in open session, board members do not answer questions or address individuals.

“We listen to what you have to say, and, of course, Dr. Whitaker does as well. But for the efficiency of the meetings, we don’t engage. It is the citizens’ time to speak, and we let them,” Abbott said.

A communication guide can be found at jpsny.org/guide.

“We know that when questions or concerns arise, it’s important to connect with someone who can provide accurate information and timely support,” the site said. “That’s why we’ve created the communication guide: a clear guide to help families, staff, and community members know who to contact, and in what order. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you help ensure that your concern reaches the right person as quickly and effectively as possible. This approach supports a collaborative process and helps us work together in service of our students.”

There is a link to download and print the guide as well as drop-down menus which provide links for contact information.