CRCS Seniors Prepare One Last Trip

COBLESKILL - During the Board of Education’s latest regular meeting on Monday, members heard a brief presentation by the Class of 2025 about their last in-state field trip.

The students explained that on June 23rd, the seniors are planning to leave the high school at 10 AM for the Skye Farm Camp and Retreat Center in Warren County, as well as a small side trip to Adirondack Extreme.

They plan to arrive at the retreat at noon, where they will have lunch before students that want to go to Adirondack Extreme leave shortly after. For those that remain, they can enjoy beach relaxation, kayaking, hiking, and further outdoor activities.

For those going to Adirondack Extreme, they can look forward to three hours of high ropes courses, intense activity, and scenic ziplines through the mountain range.

All of the seniors will convene back at the retreat for dinner and a bonfire, then they’ll set out at 8 PM and be back at the school at 10 PM.

The class said that the standard trip to go to the Skye Farm camp will be $15 per student, while those that want to go to Adirondack Extreme will pay an extra $25.

“We just wanted a nice, relaxing trip as a last celebration for our seniors,” the students said.

In response, the Board wished them well and they passed a motion to acknowledge the trip, with Board President Bruce Tryon exclaiming “Congratulations and have fun!”

In other news, Board member Susan Strasser has been recognized by the state with the Board Mastery award, the third level in the Board Excellence Recognition Program.

Superintendent Matthew Sickles, who bestowed the award upon Mrs. Strasser, explained that the award was for earning 250 points in the state’s system and comes with complimentary training.

“Thank you so much,” Mrs. Strasser replied as she accepted the award. “I’m excited for free training!”

Before the meeting concluded, there was a parent who took issue with the pending resignation of Paul Hallock, the individual formally charged by the New York State Police for five counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

Taking to the public comment period, the parent said “Allowing him to resign instead of taking the step to terminate his employment is troubling. It allows him to leave while saving face.”

“This sends a clear message to all of our students that their wellbeing isn’t being taken seriously,” she continued. “These are serious allegations, and I’m saddened and disappointed that he’s just allowed to move on.”

Once the parent was finished, Superintendent Sickles later responded by saying “The investigation really goes beyond our expertise and our authority, but I remain in contact pretty much twice a week with the New York State Police on this topic.”

He also took the time to speak more broadly, noting “When there are certain alleged behaviors, I as the superintendent am required to report them immediately to the State Education department. I take that very seriously, and I report all actions and allegations so they know what’s going on and they can take follow-up action.”

Superintendent Sickles finished by saying that he had no further developments or updates from either the pending investigation or court proceedings surrounding the individual in question.