KINDERHOOK — The Ichabod Central School District is closing two of its school buildings at the end of this month, the Martin H. Glynn Elementary School (MHG) in the village of Valatie and the Martin Van Buren Elementary School (MVB) in the village of Kinderhook.
The two brick, multi-story buildings, both built in the late 1920s, currently house grades 3 through 5. There are events planned to mark the closings at the schools next week. In September, 3rd graders will move to the Primary School on State Farm Road, and 4th through 5th grades will be in the Middle School on Route 9 in the town of Kinderhook, bring all students to the same campus.
“I’m proud of the fact that I’m the last principal of the schools,” said Elementary School Principal John Stickles. He is retiring this year after 12 years in the district and 5 years as elementary school principal.
Mr. Stickles compiled a history of the elementary school buildings for the district calendar this year. In a phone interview Tuesday he said the buildings “are so much a part of the history of the town.”
The Ichabod Crane School District was created from several smaller school districts that consolidated in 1954, according to Mr. Stickles’ research. Both elementary school buildings once had 1st thru 12th grades. And they are both named for famous residents of the villages they are in. Martin Van Buren, who was born and raised in Kinderhook, was the 8th President of the United States; Martin H. Glynn, from Valatie, was governor of New York State in 1913.
A dedication ceremony was held at the “Martin Van Buren High School” September 12, 1930. The program for the event lists Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt as the speaker.
On Thursday, June 23 at MHG, also from 6 to 8 p.m., there will be an open mic, and Valatie Mayor, Gary Strevell will address the gathering. Light refreshments will be served at both and commemorative coffee mugs will be available.
To contact reporter Emilia Teasdale email eteasdale@columbiapaper.com.
