"What we like to see is what you guys are doing"

…according to Scott Preusser, Haldane School District's external auditor at the Board of Education meeting on October 16, 2012. Mr. Preusser evaluated the district accounts for fiscal fitness and gave the district an "A" grade for its healthy fund balance, rainy-day planning with reserve funds, and for refinancing debt at a lower interest rate to save money. The full external audit report will be posted to Haldane's website following its adoption by the Board of Education.

External Audit Report at Monthly Workshop Meeting

On October 16, 2012 at 7:00pm in the Mabel Merritt Building, Haldane's Board of Education will convene for its monthly workshop meeting. In addition to the special reports by administrators, the Board will hear the External Auditor's report for the year ending June 30, 2012. The draft agenda is available on Haldane's website at haldaneschool.org.

BOCES reduces Capital Project by $2 million

At Haldane's Board of Education Workshop meeting on Tuesday, September 18, the Board heard a presentation by BOCES administration about repairs and needed improvements to its campus. This presentation represents a revision and reduction of about 11%--approximately $2 million--from last year's defeated proposal. BOCES requires support of all 18 participating school districts in order to move forward with the project. Haldane's burden in the project would be approximately $85K per year for three years, but any unspent funds would be returned to the districts. Participating school boards will vote on the project on October 9. 

In Haldane's own capital project for the field/auditorium and locker room improvements, the Board voted its approval to determine the district as lead agency in the project, SEQR compliance, and for the special election on November 13 to seek voter approval in the sale of land which would help fund the project. The sale of the land parcel known as the James Pond property is a crucial component in funding the budget-neutral fields project, and without voter approval the project will not likely succeed. 

Public Hearing: possible land sale for Fields Project

Join Haldane's Board of Education at 6:00 pm in the Mabel Merritt Building on Tuesday, September 11, 2012 to join the discussion about the possible sale of the land adjacent to the school, also known as the James Pond property. Proceeds for the sale of the property would finance the Fields Project. All are welcome, and the meeting will last until at least 7:15 pm.

Board of Education regular business meeting on September 4, 2012 at 7:00 pm in the Mabel Merritt Building. Highlights include:

Presentation on the Game Field by Curt Coronado

Information reports by Superintendent Villanti include:

• John McCarthy, Assistant Superintendent, P/NW BOCES and Cathy Balestrieri, Director of Career & Technical Education will be attending the Haldane Board Workshop on Tuesday, September 18 to discuss (1) the BOCES Capital Project Vote & Presentations/Tours and, (2) Technical Education
• Special Meeting - Tuesday, October 9, 2012 @ 5PM for the BOCES Capital Project Vote
• SEQRA Comment
• Murray Prescott, Haldane Mechanic – 95.1% Pass Rate on NYSDOT Semi-Annual Bus Safety Inspections for 2011-12

Looking ahead: special public hearing about the fields project and the possible sale of the land adjacent to the school on Tuesday, September 11th at 6:00 pm in the Mabel Merritt Building. All are welcome.