New Hires Welcomed at Orientation

The Skaneateles Central School District welcomed its newest staff members at New Hire Orientation on Tuesday, Aug. 22.

Each of the new hires in attendance were introduced press conference-style by Superintendent Eric Knuth and given a ball cap with “The Laker Way” stitched on it, symbolizing each staff members’ commitment to excellence.

“Here in Skaneateles, our biggest investment — the most important asset — is our staff,” said Greg Santoro, the district’s Director of Personnel and Operations. “Staff who are in front of our students. Staff who drive students. Staff who clean our buildings. Staff who teach, guide, coach, and lead. That’s the most important position and the most asset to our company in Skaneateles, and that’s our staff. We are so happy and excited to welcome you to our family.”

Members of the administrative team introduced themselves to the new hires and there were brief remarks from Santoro, Superintendent Eric Knuth, Board of Education President Danielle Fleckenstein, Skaneateles Education Foundation Executive Director Skip Lockwood, School Business Manager Connor Brown and Coordinator of Instructional Technology Heather Buff. 

The new hires rounded out the day by boarding a bus to tour the district, breaking bread with district officials at the Sherwood Inn, and then dispersing to their separate buildings for more individualized instruction before the school year begins.

The new staff members include:

Jonathan Austin II – Security Guard

Jenna Bawolak – Teacher Aide

Kelly Cargile – Special Education Teacher

Edwin Croucher – Security Guard

Julie D’Alessandro – 5th Grade Teacher

Amanda Franco – Orchestra Teacher

Lori Garner – Food Service Worker

Anne Navaroli – School Nurse

Peter Scala – Chemistry Teacher

Emma Solomon – Speech and Language Pathologist

Kelsey Youmell – Special Education Teacher

Christina Zoba – Teacher Aide

“On behalf of everybody at Skaneateles, you are here because you’re the best. We don’t settle,” Knuth said. “You are here because we chose you. You are here because you had that extra thing that you can’t quite put your finger on beyond the degree and the certification and the years experience doing something. 

“You have that extra piece that means you won’t give up on a child, and that is the magic of this place.”