In 1946 during the study phase it was contemplated that there would be a K-6 school in Athens and a K-12 school in Coxsackie. Also at that time New Baltimore was part of proposed school name.

The district vote to centralize was on June 30th, 1947. The vote brought together 16 separate districts. The vote was 458 in favor, 203 opposed. The first board of education, elected that night in an open meeting were Judson Wright, Robert Moore, Casper J. Van Loan, Rodney Miller, William White, Russell Sutton, John Satterlee, James Warren, and Edward E. Brady

Salaries

• Principals were paid $5,000 and $3,200

• Teachers made between $1900-$2500

• Elementary teachers made less

General Facts

• There were about 1070 pupils enrolled.

• They put off building a new centralized school due to high post-war costs.

• There were 9 bus routes covering 310 miles and 343 passengers

• Budget for first year was $255,525!

A vote for a new school was divided into 3 propositions.  State law then required a large super majority vote

1. Build a new school - 1357 yes, 844 no (rejected)

2. Build that school in Coxsackie - 1278 yes, 863 no (rejected)

3. Build at an area near Four mile point - 494 yes, 1537 no (rejected)

4. There was also a fourth proposition for renovations to one of the Athens schools - 790 yes, 1408 no (rejected)

A new vote was taken

1. Build new school in Coxsackie - 1346 yes, 914 no (rejected)

2. Put an addition on Athens school - 1206 yes, 1000 no (rejected)

A cooling off period was suggested

• A third vote was taken

  • 760 yes, 861 no (rejected)

At this time lawsuits and letters to the editor denouncing the BOE became a monthly occurrence on BOE minutes. The lawsuits lasted until late 1951. A community committee was formed to advise the BOE on a new school building. Franklin Clark led the committee.  

A recommendation was made to build a Jr/Sr high school on the "Klima property" in Coxsackie with an additional wing of 9 rooms for grades 4-6.  Also to add a gymnasium and auditorium in the Athens School which would house grades K-6.  The Coxsackie school would house grades K-3. 

Voters passed a resolution to build a new Jr/Sr High School 1203 yes to 580 no votes on June 6th, 1951.  The cost of construction, and renovations not to exceed $1,770,000. 

The new school had not yet been occupied as bids came in high, workers went out on strike and heating and sewer connections were delayed.   

to be continued....