Sparta BOE welcomes new members

BY MEGHAN BYERS
SPARTA — The Sparta Board of Education had its reorganization meeting this Wednesday, January 4 at 7 p.m., with election winners Dr. May Abdo-Matkiwsky, Kimberly Bragg, Kelly Anne McEvoy and Michael McGovern beginning their new terms.
Abdo-Matkiwsky ran uncontested, winning voter approval to complete the remaining year of the seat she was appointed to fill last year. Besides holding a leadership role in her cancer treatment practice, she is also a parent of three children currently in the Sparta school system.
Abdo-Matkiwsky cited harassment and bullying as one of the pressing issues facing the district, noting the recent incidents of Nazi symbols scrawled on walls at the middle and high schools.
"We have to address that right when we hear about it, so that no kid feels like they don't belong," she said.
Abdo-Matkiwsky went on to say that there have been meetings "at all levels" in regards to the incidents, and that she believes methods to increase awareness – such as school assemblies and messages home – are valuable tools in combating issues of discrimination.
"I think we all have a zero tolerance policy for that," she said.
She also expressed a desire to help students better prepare for school transitions, and praised Sparta's use of technology. "We're doing a spectacular job with it," she said. "We're moving forward quite well."
"I think we have an awesome school system," said Abdo-Matkiwsky, "but there's always room to make things better. Our focus should be to work for the students, first and foremost."
Bragg was appointed to fill a vacant seat for the remainder of the year in June, and proceeded to win a three-year term in November. A former director of marketing, Bragg has been a long-time volunteer in the Sparta community, as well as a parent of children attending Sparta schools.
"It is imperative for Sparta to prepare all its students for a twenty-first century world," said Bragg. "Every student should be afforded the opportunity to meet his or her potential."
Bragg also noted the appointment of Dr. Michael Rossi as superintendent, a position he began on December 1.
"Dr. Rossi has a transition plan in place that will expose him to all areas of our district," she said. "I am very excited about Sparta’s future with Dr. Rossi at the helm."
In response to the recent anti-Semitic graffiti, Bragg stated that "all acts of intolerance must be handled swiftly."
"All of the character traits taught in our schools from Alpine on up are very important," Bragg said. "I would say that two - respect and kindness – are more important than ever."
McEvoy, current vice president of the board, has won a second three-year term. With twenty years of teaching experience behind her, McEvoy is passionate about education and hopes to provide a fair point of view on local issues. She has four children, three of whom are currently in the Sparta school system.
"I try very hard to keep my own personal feelings and biases out of the picture," said McEvoy. "I represent all of Sparta."
McEvoy stated that she is "satisfied that the administration is putting in preventative measures" in response to the Nazi symbol graffiti. "I don't feel that those incidents represent all of our children," she said, "and I feel the administration has dealt with it adequately and sufficiently."
While she recognized the need for appropriate technology in the classroom, McEvoy emphasized that it should be used only as a tool to enhance education. "We have to make sure we are utilizing all the resources we already have to the fullest capacity," she said.
However, she added that Sparta schools should still be aiming for further improvements. "When we have a really great district, how can we still improve?" she said. "What can Sparta do to push itself further up the ladder?"
"I'm genuinely excited to serve again," added McEvoy. "There's a lot to look forward to in 2017."
McGovern, who campaigned on the promise of providing a fresh perspective and emphasizing fiscal responsibility, won a three-year term. This will be McGovern's first time serving on the Sparta Board of Education. He could not be reached for comment.