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In a unanimous decision, the board of education, after lengthy discussion, approved the implementation of the recommendations of the Elementary Facilities Utilization Committee, creating an early childhood center at Cold Spring Elementary School and an intermediate childhood center at Seymour Smith Elementary School effective with the 2009-2010 school year. I will summarize the discussion concerning this decision elsewhere in these reflections.
During the first public comment period, a parent expressed concern with holding athletic practices on snow days, holidays and weekends, asking whether these are permissible under the contingent budget. The parent also inquired about the reasons for the breakdown of one high school bus during the very cold weather last week. The diesel fuel used in the bus during very cold weather did not contain an additive to prevent crystallization. As soon as the problem was discovered, it was immediately rectified and we are well prepared to deal with any sub-zero weather conditions going forward this year. The athletic practice schedule is available in the athletic office and approved by the athletic department to avoid unauthorized "practices."
A parent of a prospective kindergarten student living on Spruce Lane asked a number of questions about the proposed K-2, 3-5 reorganization plan for the elementary school. He had a number of questions concerning transportation and was referred to the district office so that he might have an individual opportunity to review the Elementary Facilities Utilization Committee report.
As noted above, the entire Superintendent's Report was devoted to a board discussion on the elementary program planning options. After outlining the original purpose of the Elementary Facilities Utilization Committee and the reasons for the commissioning of the school closing report, board members expressed their views.
Here is a summary of the points made by the board members:
o Some board members did not have enough data to consider closing the Cold Spring Elementary School based on the report commissioned.
o In contrast, the Elementary Facilities Utilization Committee prepared a detailed report over a period of almost three years.
o Some board members felt it unnecessary to study further details of a Cold Spring building closure unless the entire board wished to consider this option.
o Board members requested lists of actual pick-up and drop-off points in the transportation plan for the Elementary Facilities Utilization Committee model.
o There will no doubt be some parent complaints regardless of which model is chosen.
o It is essential for a quick decision to prevent rumors and consternation over the decision.
o Doing nothing is an easy solution but insufficient because of the class size imbalance now affecting both buildings that cannot be solved by other means.
o One parent and ex-board member eloquently expressed his views at the public forum regarding the question by pointing out that everyone, regardless of where they live in the district, cares about their children. Discussions about closing a building are pitting one school against the other in a way that is not productive for unity. We are far better prepared as a community and as one unified school district to plan for the future.
o The K-2, 3-5 realignment improves our educational system, saves taxpayer funds, unifies us as a district and is the result of two years of research.
o We should carefully monitor the cost of implementation of this program and pay close attention to the transportation issues and routes.
o Adopting the Elementary Facilities Utilization Committee recommendations will increase the quality of instruction, increase opportunities for activities and programmatic possibilities in both buildings.
o In two or three years, the district will be in a much better position to determine future population trends.
o Board members expressed confidence in the Elementary Facilities Utilization Committee and its work. One board member suggested that the Elementary Facilities Utilization Committee should continue to monitor the implementation of the program and to give feedback to the board of education on any issues involved in the transition.
o The Elementary Facilities Utilization Committee was not commissioned by the board of education to look at cost savings but to improve the program; we are fortunate that cost savings result from the reconfiguration.
o It is a mistake to close the Cold Spring building because this option of K-2, 3-5 allows us to balance school district population and better utilize both buildings.
o Filling Seymour Smith to 91% of capacity is not wise and choosing the Elementary Facilities Utilization Committee option will coordinate with future Seymour Smith masonry repair work.
As highlights of the business portion of the meeting, the district will again participate in cooperative bidding, where beneficial, with the Dover Union Free School District. Steven DeLuca was again appointed director of physical education and school health coordinator for second semester. Janine Babcock, reading teacher, was granted tenure in the reading tenure area effective Feb. 1 and assistant superintendent for business and finance Michael Goldbeck was granted tenure in the school business administrator tenure area, effective Feb. 5. Congratulations to Janine and Michael for this important accomplishment in their careers in education and school finance.
During the second public comment period, two parents urged board members to watch class sizes carefully under the Elementary Facilities Utilization Committee recommendation and to also watch transportation patterns.
The first budget workshop will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 27, at 7 p.m. in the library of the Stissing Mountain Middle/High School. We will review revenue projections and our protocols for budget development.
Any interested citizen who wants information about how the school budget will be developed should attend this meeting. Our Web site, www.ppcsd.org, will have regular budget updates.
