“A participatory democracy requires the engagement of its public.”—Mark Villanti

Board of Education Trustee Joe Curto has suggested that educating the public about the 2011–12 Budget should begin the day after the 2010–11 Budget vote. 

That day is today.

The PCN&R has raised questions in the minds of many about the fundamentals of education and staff salaries. There are also concerns about runaway real estate taxes and the importance of tenure. And the biggest fears may be: Can we sustain this school in this town? At what price? Or how much must we sacrifice our community’s educational goals?

This is a worthwhile conversation that needs to take place if we are to move forward. We are all part of this solution, and we all belong in the dialogue.

Comments are invited here. Let’s start talking.

Election Results

From the Haldane School website:

Proposition I: School Budget ($21,462,350) PASSED
692 Yes Votes
510 No Votes
Trustee: (Two positions)
Michael Junjulas 784 Votes
Mark Mormar 396 Votes
Gillian Thorpe 896 Votes

Thanks to all who voted!
posted at 9:28 pm, May 18, 2010

VOTE TODAY!

Haldane Budget and Trustee vote is TODAY, May 18 in Room 105 of the Middle School. Polls are open from 7 AM to 9 PM.
Please note that the ballot is two-sided—vote both sides!

Tuesday, May 18 Budget/Trustee Vote and District Meeting

The Annual District Meeting will take place on Election Day, Tuesday, May 18, 2010. Meeting starts at 7:00 pm in the Music Room. Polls close at 9:00 pm, and Budget Vote and Election results should be available soon thereafter.
To see the draft agenda, click here.
Please vote! Polls are open from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm in the Middle School, room 105.

May 17 Special PTA Meeting

Haldane School District Staff, Parents, Residents & Taxpayers
Special Meeting for voters to get clear answers about the Budget and learn the possible implications of a Contingency Budget. We hope to hear from anyone in our community with concerns.
Please bring us your questions.
Monday, May 17th, 7:00 PM at the Mabel Merritt Building Board Room.

Does the School Board REALLY Matter?

“School boards connect the will of the community to the school system,” says Timothy Kremer, Executive Director of the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA). He adds, “Through their actions, school boards largely determine whether the district they govern will be high performing, or one that achieves below par.” 

Most of us only think of the School Board at Budget time, or when the topic returns to the boilers or other issues relating to the facilities, but School Boards make important decisions about curriculum and staff as well. Haldane is the largest employer in Cold Spring and controls an over $20 million budget. The Board of Education oversees all of it. 

Read Timothy Kremer’s entire post about the importance and role of the School Board here.

Reminder: Voter Registration May 11

Voter Registration in Haldane Middle School, Room 105, from 4–8 PM.
IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Your identity must be verified prior to election day, so that you will not have to provide identification when you vote. Your identity can be verified through your DMV number (driver’s license number or non-driver ID number), or the last four digits of your social security number.
If your identity is not verified before election day, you will be asked to provide identification when you vote for the first time. Samples of the identification you may provide include a valid photo ID, a current utility bill, bank statement, government check or some other government document that shows your name and address.

School Report Card and Accountability

2008–09 Report Cards

From the New York State Department of Education (these reports are also available on the school website):
New York State District Report Card

Elementary School Accountability and Overview Report

High School Accountability and Overview Report

2010–11 School Calendar Adopted

At the 5/4/10 BOE meeting, the Board adopted the following calendar for the next school year. Adding a vacation day to the Memorial Day weekend will build in an additional potential snow day, in the event that we exceed three snow days. Also note that the Superintendent’s Conference Day on May 18 is subject to change, pending SED scoring requirements.
Half days for parent conferences will be on December 2, 2010, and March 24–25, 2011.


Click on calendar to enlarge.

May 4: Public Budget Hearing

Public Hearing on the 2010–11 Budget at 7:00 pm in the Music Room. See agenda.

2010 BOE Trustee Candidates

Candidates for Board of Education Trustee have released their position platforms. Trustees will serve three year terms. 
Vote for two on May 18, 2010:
Michael Junjulas (see platform)
Mark Mormar (see platform)
Gillian Thorpe (see platform)


(left to right: Michael Junjulas, Mark Mormar, Gillian Thorpe)