School Board plans administrative reorganization to cut costs

The Board of Education has endorsed an administrative and organizational reconfiguration that it says will save the district more than $100,00 annually, while accounting for additional costs with incremental teaching assignments.

Superintendent Brian Doelger, Ed.D., said Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Rylott will strategically adjust staff schedules where appropriate and reduce the need for non-instructional responsibilities such as lunch supervision.

At the same time, the changes will afford some staff members to advance their careers, taking on administrative responsibilities along with their teaching schedules.

The need for change arose with the resignation of Todd Gulluscio who accepted appointment as athletic director in the East Hampton School District.

Mr. Gulluscio functioned as athletic director, physical education, health, wellness and personnel. Rather than appoint a single person for all of those roles, Mr. Doelger constructed a plan, which reduces the number of full-time administrators, but provides some administrative responsibilities to some teachers who have demonstrated leadership abilities. They will still be teaching part time and will receive stipends and release time for their added responsibilities.

When Mr. Doelger became superintendent and principal in 2019, the district had four administrators. In 2020, the number dropped to three as Mr. Doelger became certified to handle the work of the district’s financial officer. Now, in the 2026-27 school year, there will be two administrators — Mr. Doelger and Ms.  Rylott.

In addition to his role as superintendent and principal, Mr. Doelger will continue to maintain oversight of overall responsibilities and business office operations; and add direct oversight of personnel and human resources, transportation and food service cafeteria operations.

As for Ms. Rylott, what many may not know is the amount of paperwork the New York State Education Department requires in reports that must be done using ever-changing formats. Much of that work falls to her along with coordination of special education services, coordination of student testing and many other responsibilities that require long hours of work and more paper reports the state requires. She also has to track changing curriculum changes the state requires be implemented.

The new plan Mr. Doelger is implementing the Board says  will:

• Improve the alignment and distribution of responsibilities

• Increase operational efficiency

• Generate cost savings while maintaining support for students and staff

“The district is committed to maximizing existing resources and exploring innovative ways to meet student and organizational needs, with a leaner administrative structure,” according to the plan.

It’s anticipated that as the new structure rolls out, there will be adjustments to achieve efficiency, and educational outcomes. If the model as envisioned doesn’t provide adequate support to students and staff, it will be reassessed and, if necessary, modified to meet needs.

To facilitate the changes, three staff members who have devoted full time to teaching will see their roles enhanced.

Social Studies teacher Sean Brennan has been appointed as a part-time assistant principal with new responsibilities for overseeing student discipline processes; monitoring student attendance, lateness and absenteeism; attending evening meetings as necessary; working one day per week during the summer; and performing additional duties assigned by Mr. Doelger or Ms. Rylott. He is to receive a $20,000 increase in pay for taking on the additional responsibilities.

Physical education teacher Kristin Sweeney becomes athletic director while continuing to teach physical education. Her new responsibilities include providing leadership and oversight for all athletic programs and developing and maintaining athletic department goals and expectation. She will be preparing budgets for athletics, allocating athletic program funding and monitoring expenditures and financial planning.

In her added role as athletic director, Ms. Sweeney will be scheduling athletic contests and events; coordinating transportation, travel and logistics; and supervising athletic facilities and equipment maintenance and earn an additional $15,000.

Elementary teacher Michele Yirce becomes elementary curriculum coordinator and lead teacher. Her new responsibilities include leading curriculum development initiatives; supporting the implementation of instructional programs and coordinating elementary academic initiatives. She will manage elementary school programs and monitor program effectiveness, recommending improvements. Her compensation will increase by $10,000.

The plan also provides for some non-administrative restructuring as Donna Clark, who has been an office assistant will assume more guidance secretarial responsibilities  as Meghan Lang retires as guidance secretary this summer. Ms. Clark will also provide support to the new athletic director and assist with other administrative duties.

With restoration of the Pre-K3 program the 3-year old students will be integrated with the Pre-K4 students during an instructional session, requiring a half-time classroom aide. The arrangement results in significant cost savings while remaining compliant with state class size and staffing requirements.

Mr. Doelger said enrollment numbers will continue to be monitored but the model may not work in future years, he said.