October 5th, 2022 Oneonta District UMC News for you
* Please share this newsletter with your friends and congregation members.
District E-newsletters
To subscribe to the Oneonta district E-newsletter, send us your email address.
To submit news for this publication, send it no later than Wed. by 4 PM for Thursday publication, to: [email protected]
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2022 UNY Annual Conference News |
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The 2022 Upper New York Annual Conference session, scheduled to be held virtually Tomorrow through Sat, October 6-8th.
To those that have not registered... and would like to view the live streaming you can view it on the following link tomorrow: https://www.unyumc.org
If you have any questions, call (315) 898-2000
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When mailing items to the office PLEASE use the information listed below.
Oneonta District Office UMC
C/O Teresa Wood
28 Orchard St.
Oneonta, NY 13820
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The District Office is open by appointment only.
Please Call ahead to make an appointment.
Office hours vary Mon. – Thurs..
the office is CLOSED Friday Thru Sunday
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IMPORTANT Reminder:
Pastors / Churches - is your church information correct?
· Is the service time correct?
· Is the address and phone number correct?
· Is the contact information correct?
· Has the chair of your committees changed since CC?
Please let the district office know of any updates you would like made to this listing.
Click on the link below to see the information the conference has on your church.
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2022-2023 Church/Charge Conference and Annual Forms are now available
IMPORTANT UPDATE -9/22/22
2022-2023 Pastor Compensation forms now available
The 2022-2023 Pastor Compensation forms are now available. Information can be found by clicking here. On this page, you can read a letter from Susan Latessa, Director of HR/Benefits, view the Pastor’s Compensation Guide, and more.
The Church/Charge Conference website can be found by clicking here and has a section devoted to Clergy Compensation that gives you access to important spreadsheets, including the Clergy Housing Exclusion Resolution.
Any questions should be directed to your District Superintendent or the Benefits Office of the Upper New York Conference at (315) 898-2000.
*NOTE: - IMPORTANT – NEW this year, there are 2 different Compensation forms. Please be sure to use the correct form or it will be sent back to you.
Form 5. 2023 Clergy Compensation Form (requires Microsoft Excel 2003 or later)- This form is to be used for all Licensed Pastors and appointed Elders
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DS. Rev. Bob Kolvik-Campbell sent out a letter regarding Forms and Church conference preparation on Wednesday Aug. 24th.
Click here to read & download the letter in PDF form.
Click here to download the 2022-23 Annual Report Form Checklist.
If you need help getting forms please contact Teresa at the district office.
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Dates for Oneonta district Annual Church Conferences announced:
We hope to see you there!
Churches are asked to meet with the Superintendent annually to celebrate and take stock of ministry, as well as conduct necessary business of the church--the Annual Church Conference. These in-person meetings will take place in Fall 2022 at central locations around the district.
All who have membership in the local church are welcome to vote.
The Theme this year is: “Keeping the Mission the Mission”.
Much of the required business we will do will have been considered by the appropriate teams in the congregation before we gather for formal approval at the Church Conference.
The schedule has already been shared with your pastor or other leader of your congregation. I hope as many as possible will be able to attend.
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How You Can Help Those Affected by Hurricane Ian
United Methodists plan to lead the way to recovery after Hurricane Ian unleashed substantial damage in Florida and South Carolina. At this time, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) has asked for prayers, monetary donations to UMCOR, and for congregations to continue assembling supply kits.
There are so many ways to help!
Click here for monetary donations to go directly to UMCOR.
Click here to access kit supply lists and instructions.
You can also bring the kits and/or appropriate supplies directly to the Upper New York (UNY) Mission Central HUB in Liverpool—contact the UNY Director of Missional Engagement, Kristina Clark ([email protected]), to coordinate a drop-off date and time.
Congregations can also buy supplies for the kits off the UNY Mission Central HUB Amazon wish lists and have them shipped directly to the HUB. If purchasing from another website, congregations or groups can ship the supplies directly to the HUB by setting the mailing address to Mission Central HUB 7481 Henry Clay Blvd, Liverpool NY 13088.
Click here for the UNY HUB hygiene kit Amazon wish list.
Click here for the UNY HUB menstrual hygiene Amazon wish list.
Click here for the UNY HUB cleaning bucket Amazon wish list.
Monetary donations to the UNY Mission Central HUB can be given by clicking here.
Please continue to pray for those affected by Hurricane Ian.
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Rev. Robert Kolvik-Campbell officially begins his joyful journey as District Superintendent
Appointed on July 1, 2022, as District Superintendent (DS) of the Binghamton and Oneonta Districts, the Rev. Robert (Bob) Kolvik-Campbell’s installation service was held on Sept. 25 at Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center. Over 100 guests enjoyed this uplifting service.
The anthem of this service, “Ten Thousand Reasons,” was sung by the choir of Christ Church: Sherrill, the church that Rev. Kolvik-Campbell last served.
Many clergy and lay persons participated in the presentation of signs of District Superintendency.
Rev. Kolvik-Campbell’s uplifting sermon was entitled “Joy in the Journey.”
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Upcoming communication schedule
Please note that the Upper New York (UNY) Conference communication schedule for the month of October will have the following changes due to Annual Conference:
There will be no Weekly Digest the week of Oct. 2-8 and the week of Oct. 9-15.
· There will only be one publication of the Bridge and that will be published the week prior to the third Sunday of October.
· There will be up-to-date news coverage of the Oct. 6-8 virtual UNY Annual Conference on the Conference website.
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UMC Bishops seek donations for Puerto Rico in wake of hurricane
The Council of Bishops (COB) of The United Methodist Church is appealing for donations to assist the recovery efforts in Puerto Rico following the devastation left on the island by Hurricane Fiona last week.
The Methodist Church of Puerto Rico sent a letter to the COB asking for help and donations. In the letter of appeal, Bishop Lizzette Gabriel Montalvo, said: “our beloved brothers and sisters from different locations, we kindly ask for support on this journey in which once again we humbly give what we have received by grace. Your act of love by sending monetary donations for us to continue purchasing first aid supplies to thousands of families around the Island will make the difference in the lives of many people experiencing difficulties in their recovery process.”
In response, COB President Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton urged all Methodists to support the recovery effort which is being done in conjunction with the UMCOR.
Click here to read Bishop Montalvo’s full letter and to learn how you can help Puerto Rico’s recovery efforts.
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Native American land acknowledgement
One way to seek justice and healing of Native Americans is through education and action.
The Upper New York Conference Commission on Native American Ministries (CONAM) members encourage everyone to learn the true history of the lands on which their church is located and work to create a land acknowledgement for use at church services and gatherings.
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Gary Bergh scholarship and justice awareness trips to the Holy Land
Since 2009, the Gary Bergh Scholarship has been offered by the Conference Task Force on Peace w/Justice in Palestine/Israel to enable persons interested in justice and human rights to travel to Palestine/Israel on “justice awareness” trips.
Here is a list of recently announced trips this fall:
CPT - (Community Peacemaker Teams) - Nov. 3-14
FOSNA - (Friends of Sabeel, North America) - Nov. 26-Dec. 6, 2022
The deadlines for some of these trips have already happened. But you can check these groups on their websites or contact them directly to learn about upcoming delegations, especially Eyewitness Palestine.
For Gary Bergh Scholarship applications, contact Karen Peterson (607-739-3143). You are requested to be available for UNY presentations or reports upon return. Clergy may be eligible for clergy credit.
Contact any of the following members of the UNY Taskforce on Palestine/Israel leadership team for more information.
Linda Bergh, 315-492-8507
Karen Peterson, 607-739-3141
Gary Doupe, 607-743-5062
Merle Showers, 716-862-4235
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Apply by Nov. 15 for GCORR grants
The General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) is proud to announce a new cycle of the CORR Action Fund (CAF) grant program that will support creative initiatives that will transform the United Methodist Church (UMC) and the world.
The 2022-2023 grant program will provide up to $10,000 to fund projects that increase intercultural competency and support vital conversations about race, cultural diversity, and systemic equity leading to action.
UMC churches and other UMC entities are invited to apply for funding by submitting a proposal that:
· demonstrates bold and innovative thinking,
· reaches more people, younger people, and more diverse people,
· results in long-term change that could be replicated in other local churches, Districts, Conferences, or other entities within the UMC, and
· utilizes existing GCORR resources.
Applications are now open. This grant application cycle closes Nov. 15, 2022.
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Save the date: Bishop Webb’s farewell gathering
You are invited to Upper New York (UNY) Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb’s farewell/retirement gathering on Saturday Nov. 19 from 1-4 p.m. at the Upper New York Conference Center, 7481 Henry Clay Blvd. in Liverpool. Join others throughout the Conference to celebrate Bishop Webb’s 10 years of ministry as Bishop of the UNY Conference. More details will be released once they become available.
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A Day of Truth and Repentance of our Children
Long before and since the release of the Department of Interior’s initial report on boarding schools, there has been much focus on the devastating impacts of the Indian boarding school policies that tore away generations of Native American children from their families and communities. A National Day of Remembrance is celebrated on Sept. 30.
The Upper New York Committee on Native American Ministries has chosen to support the Native American International Caucus of the United Methodist Church to recognize Oct. 6, or the nearest Sunday, as a day of “Truth and Repentance for Our Children.” This is the same day churches are asked to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day.
Click here to read more about A Day of Truth and Repentance of our Children and to find links to helpful resources.
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Virtual Wisdom-Seeking Women retreat slotted for Oct. 21-22
The Upper New York Conference Commission on the Role and Status of Women (COSROW) has spent the last year planning a wonderful retreat.
It's for any woman, clergy, or lay. It’s open to all women regardless of Conference or District. The retreat is called “Wisdom-Seeking Women,” which is a title they came up with based on conversations had with the keynote speaker, Bishop Susan Hassinger, about the two messages she will deliver. Nancy Dibelius will be leading spiritual/creative activities. And of course, it's all over Zoom. It's two nights, Oct. 21, and Oct. 22. from 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. each night. The goal is to give women a chance to "Catch Your Breath.”
People can get .5 cpu for attending the whole event. It’s important for people to attend both nights because the activities and lessons on Oct. 22 follow what was discussed and learned on Oct. 21. It’s not conducive to “dropping in.” COSROW will be mailing out boxes of materials to participants if they register by Oct. 14. It's $25 and a portion of the cost will go to End the Backlog, which is an organization that advocates for transparency and reform in the backlog of rape kits nationwide. If the cost is unaffordable to you, COSROW will take care of it.
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Opportunities to disaffiliate from the Upper New York Conference
During the upcoming session of the Upper New York Annual Conference (October 6-8), the Conference will receive its first requests from local churches to disaffiliate from the Conference under ¶2553 of the Book of Discipline. To be eligible to disaffiliate, a church must deposit with the Conference treasurer, all fees stipulated in the disaffiliation agreement at least one week prior to the start of Annual Conference. A complete listing of churches who have met this requirement will be posted on the Conference website on Oct 3.
During Annual Conference, members will be asked to ratify each disaffiliation request by a simple majority of members present and voting. This will be a simple up or down vote with no provision for amendment (see Judicial Council Decision 1379 and ¶ 2529.1_b_ (3)).
In addition to this year’s Annual Conference, there will be three other opportunities for local churches to request disaffiliation. These include next year’s regularly scheduled Annual Conference session in June as well as two special sessions – March 25, 2023, and Oct. 14, 2023.
Click here to learn more and to find needed forms for disaffiliation.
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Equitable Compensation Application for Jan.-June 2023 available
The Commission on Equitable Compensation has issued guidelines and application forms for salary grants to local churches for the period Jan. to June 2023. Salary grants are available only to churches with a pastor under full-time appointment.
To apply for salary assistance from the Equitable Compensation Fund, applicants should review the policies and procedures in the application document for guidance, and then complete the application according to the directions provided. Completed applications should be submitted to your District Superintendent by the Oct. 14, 2022 deadline.
Click here for more information and the application.
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NOTE: Unadilla UMC will be a drop-off site in our Oneonta district. -
The Unadilla UMC is open the 1st and 3rd Saturdays from 9 -11 for drop-off.
Please contact Barb Rothenberg at
email:[email protected] , (H) 607-988-0192 or (C) 607-267-3015 to make other arrangements to drop off items.
The trip is planned for Nov. 28 with the packing of the trucks on Saturday, Nov. 26.
The need for shoe-boxes filled with personal hygiene supplies, backpacks, new blankets and sheet sets, and diapers are in great need this year. The need for used clothing is not a critical need at this time as their warehouse is full. The planning team will still take new clothes as they can be used at the Community Outreach Center for distribution.
Your help in this project is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions, David Alexander can be reached by email, or you can call 607-743-8955.
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Local District News & Happenings |
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Drop Bible study weekly every Wednesday
Richmondville UMC at 10am
Worcester UMC at 6pm
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UMY Mission Central Hub News |
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NOTICE: Please direct all questions regarding the Mission Central HUB to:
Kristina Clark
Director of Missional Engagement
Upper New York Conference of the United Methodist Church
7481 Henry Clay Blvd.
Liverpool, NY 13088
Direct Line: 315.898.2066
Cell: 570.267.5711
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UNY Menstrual Hygiene Kit drive
The Upper New York’s Mission Central HUB is partnering with Pastor Theresa Eggleston to advocate and care for women’s health needs. Theresa is a commissioned Deacon and as part of her ordination process, she will be collecting Menstrual Hygiene Kits to distribute to local organizations working with refugees. Menstrual Hygiene Kits were recently introduced by UMCOR as part of the kit ministries. Read more about the kits here and review the supply list here.
According to the Alliance for Period Supplies, over one-third of low-income women report missing work, school, or similar events due to lack of access to period supplies. A quarter of all minority women strongly agree that they’ve struggled to afford period products in the past year. Our prayer is this supply drive will not only help local women, but also raise awareness of this public health crisis.
The kit drive will take place from Sept. 25 – Oct. 16 and we invite individuals and congregations across the Conference to participate by either collecting supplies in person or purchasing items from our Amazon Wishlist that will then be delivered directly to the HUB. You can review and purchase from the wishlist here.
If you or your church is interested in participating in the drive or have questions, please contact Theresa Eggleston at [email protected] or Director of Missional Engagement, Kristina Clark, at [email protected].
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Training & Education Opportunities |
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Safe Sanctuaries 3.5 hour basic training
(this training is for all Clergy, and anyone working with children, youth or vulnerable adults)
Saturday, November 5, 2022
9:00 am - 12:30pm
Registration Opens October 5, 2022 @ Midnight
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Safe Sanctuaries Training of Trainers -TOT
(this training is for anyone who would like to become a church or district Safe Sanctuaries trainer
in the Upper New York Conference.
Must have completed 3.5 hour basic Training prior to taking the TOT Training.)
Saturday, October 22, 2022
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Registration Opens September 22, 2022 @ Midnight
For more information regarding Safe Sanctuaries please visit our website:
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Lay Servant Ministry
Register Now- Oneonta District Lay Servant Courses Planned
We have dates and courses scheduled for the Fall.
Save the dates: Sat. Oct. 15th & 22nd at Elm Park UMC in Oneonta.
The courses offered will be:
(These are abbreviated titles)
Join us for some fellowship and training. It's been a long time since we've been together and we look forward to seeing you all! And please let others know about Lay Servant training opportunities.
Cathy Honrath (Oneonta District Lay Servant Ministry Chair)
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Attention Clergy -Register now for pre-retirement workshop this fall
All clergy looking to retire in the next year are encouraged to attend a pre-retirement workshop. The next workshop is scheduled to be held in-person on Friday, Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. -3 p.m. at the United Methodist Center in Liverpool, NY. It may be moved to a virtual format if there is a rise in COVID positivity rates.
Join Upper New York Benefits Administrator Julie Valeski and Wespath representatives Robert Christophel and Todd Creviston for this workshop that highlights and explains the benefits available through The United Methodist Church to retiring clergy. They’ll discuss the current pension plan, health insurance options, Social Security, and any moving assistance available.
Registration is open through Oct. 28, 2022. If you are seeking to have a private consultation with a benefits educator, you can indicate that on the registration page.
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Course of Study Information
If you are registering for a COS class at GBHEM – you will need to list the name and email of your COS registrar.
That information is as follows:
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UMC Clergy Education Offering Courses for Credit
ClergyEducation.com is a resource for clergy and church leaders, offering CEUs accepted by most United Methodist annual conferences.
Click here for a complete catalogue of recorded courses.
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Camp and Retreat Ministry (CRM) NEWS |
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Fall Retreats at Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center
Autumn is the perfect time to retreat to the woods.
Reserve your spot today!
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Soul Escape: Oct. 14th-16th
Come away from all your obligations and embrace nature’s pace. We’ll offer a few optional activities with spaces for solitude and connection. More info & to register: https://churchinthewild.org/oct22/
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The following job openings are posted on the Upper New York website...
1) Reservations Specialist for Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center
2) Seasonal Camp Staff
If you are interested in applying, please apply online through our website. Please contact Tracy Rickett with any questions. Thank you.
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Bishop Webb announces clergy appointments
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference announce interim appointments and four retirements pending approval of clergy session. View the full list of changes here.
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Disaffiliation Information-From Wespath
Understanding Pension Liabilities-For Local Churches Considering Disaffiliation
Watch this video for easy-to-understand answers to complex questions related to pension plan funding and the withdrawal liability payment required for local churches that disaffiliate from the UMC.
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Disaffiliating from the UNY Conference and the UMC
During the Upper New York (UNY) Annual Conference held virtually in June of 2021, the body passed Resolution UNYAC2021.7 which created a Study Commission to examine the readiness in the UNYUMC for the Implementation of the Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace through Separation.
Last fall, the UNY Study Commission issued surveys to clergy and congregations in the UNY Conference about the Protocol. Despite there only being a 30 percent response rate, some congregations and clergy did report that if the Protocol passes, they will leave the United Methodist Church. Click here to read the survey report.
Earlier this month, the Global Methodist Church announced that it will launch on May 1, 2022. Click here to read the announcement.
Given these changes, the Conference Board of Trustees anticipated there would be congregations who might now desire to explore disaffiliation.
Click here to read an article that outlines the disaffiliation process.
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Reminder: Sexual Harassment training mandatory
New York State required sexual harassment annual training prevention reminder
New York State Law requires that employers who have at least one or more employees must conduct sexual harassment prevention training for all employees on a yearly basis. The timing of when to hold the yearly training is up to the employer as long as it is completed annually. A notice of the employer’s sexual harassment policy must be provided to all employees during this time and the employer should maintain records of the training for audit purposes.
Safe Sanctuaries training does not exempt churches from the New York State sexual harassment prevention training requirements.
Click here to learn more about what’s required in the training, how to create a sexual harassment policy if you haven’t already, and free training opportunities offered by New York City that satisfy the state’s requirements.
If you have questions, you can contact Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist in the Conference Office at (315) 898-2017 or via email at [email protected]
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Don't Wait, Get Your Federal Tax Exemption Letter!
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On the Conference calendar
Sept. 15 - Oct. 15: National Hispanic Heritage Month
Oct. 6-8: Virtual Annual Conference - DETAILS
Oct. 12: Indigenous People’s Day
Oct. 14: Equitable Compensation Application Deadline - DETAILS
Oct. 16: Laity Sunday
Nov. 11: Pre-retirement Workshop 10-3 p.m. - DETAILS
Nov. 19: Bishop Webb Farewell Gathering 1- 4p.m.
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Oneonta District Office
66 Chestnut Street Oneonta NY 13820 - Physical Address (Second Floor)
Mailing Address
C/O Teresa Wood
28 Orchard St. Oneonta, NY 13820
Upper New York Annual Conference
7481 Henry Clay Blvd,
Liverpool, NY 13088
Phone: (315) 898-2000 Fax: (315) 898-2027
Bishop's Office
7481 Henry Clay Blvd,
Liverpool, NY 13088
Phone: (315) 898-2020 Fax: (315) 898-2150
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Your Partners in Ministry at the Oneonta District Office |
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"Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by... living the gospel of Jesus Christ and to be God's love with our neighbors in all places."
Rev. Bob Kolvik-Campbell- District Superintendent
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