CAZENOVIA — During the Dec. 20 Cazenovia Central School District Board of Education (BOE) meeting, Superintendent Chris DiFulvio introduced the board to Joe Stala, Burton Street Elementary School’s new Special Patrol Officer (SPO).
Hired through the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Stala is responsible for maintaining order and providing security in the school.
Prior to inviting Stala up to say a few words himself, DiFulvio stated that by helping students to feel safe at school, Stala is furthering the district’s efforts to support the mental health of its student body.
Stala started working at the Madison County Sheriff’s Office after retiring as a sergeant from the Solvay Police Department, where he served for 25 years.
“When [Madison County Sheriff Todd] Hood gave me the opportunity to come here and interview for this job, I couldn’t turn it down,” Stala said. “I haven’t had a chance to work with children in this capacity before. [In the past], it was always something crime-related. . . So being there for the safety of the staff and the children is fantastic. I’ve gone from being yelled at and sworn at and everything else to now getting hugs and smiles and high fives every day. Just the couple of weeks that I have been there have been some of the most rewarding I’ve had in terms of actually feeling like [I’ve] made a difference.”
According to the Madison County website, an SPO has all the powers of a peace officer, as set forth in section 2.20 of Criminal Procedure Law, when performing the duties of protecting property or persons on school premises. The work of an SPO is performed under the general supervision of the sheriff.
Later in the meeting, Burton Street Elementary School Principal Kara May commended “Officer Joe” for his work in the school so far.
“[He] has been an amazing addition for the kids and the staff,” May said. “[We’ve been] receiving a great deal of positive feedback. . . The kids really enjoy his company.”
In other news
The board approved a capital improvement project referendum vote, which is scheduled for Feb. 8 in the Middle School cafeteria.
BOE President Dave Mehlbaum explained that the proposed project involves athletic field upgrades at the Emory Ave. Complex.
“This is a conversation that has been going on since as far back as 2017 when we asked community members, coaches, and students to participate and give us feedback,” Mehlbaum said. “That helped us along to where we are today. I’m excited; I think it’s a pivotal moment for our students, student-athletes, and this community.”
The board also approved two new high school course offerings — “data science” in the mathematics department and “strength and conditioning” in the health and physical education department.
“We have the staff to have [these courses], and I think [they] will have strong student interest,” said Cazenovia High School Principal Molly Hagan.
Cazenovia Central School District BOE meetings are usually held at 6:30 p.m. on the third Monday of each month. Meeting dates are listed on the district website and the school calendar. For more information, visit cazenoviacsd.com/board-of-education.
