Wednesday, January 2, 2013 Board of Education Meeting

Due to the New Year's Day holiday, Haldane's Board of Education will hold its monthly business meeting on Wednesday, January 3, 2013 at 7:00 pm (instead of its usual Tuesday meeting night). The draft agenda on the Haldane website lists business meeting items as well as follow-up discussion to the James Pond property, capital project updates, and an ongoing item which will remain on the agenda for the time being, the Blue Hill Bay, LLC Subdivision, formerly known as the Highland Valley project. 

Please Note: All members of the community are encouraged to attend the Board of Education workshop meeting scheduled for January 15, 2013. 

New York State Senator-elect Terry Gipson and Assemblywoman Sandy Galef have been invited to attend and contribute to the district budget discussions and hear public concerns about the Tax Cap and Gap Elimination Adjustment. A large public turnout for this meeting by the widest representation of the Haldane community--including all Philipstown residents--can make a significant impression upon legislators that the financial pressure the state has imposed upon school districts is unsustainable and consideration is due to schools struggling to make budgets. 

The location for this meeting is not yet set, but follow-up information will be available here and on Haldane's website. Please make plans to attend.

We DO Mind the Gap!

On Tuesday, December 18 at 7:00pm Superintendent Mark Villanti will explain the cumulative and projected impact of the loss of State Aid due to the Gap Elimination Adjustment. This is a critically important component of the District's budget discussions, as this year we face painful choices about cuts that must be made in order to meet our obligations and pay our bills. Please visit the Haldane District website for a draft agenda and to see Dr. Villanti's chart which shows how much State Aid Haldane has lost over the past few years, and the impact of these protracted losses.

Letter Campaign Asks for Restored State Aid

The Haldane PTA has undertaken an advocacy campaign to ask New York State lawmakers to restore the district's state aid that cut in their efforts to balance the state budget. 

You can help! Please read more about it on the PTA website, sign your letter and return it to the school before the end of December. With enough letters from the Haldane community, we just might make an impression on Albany that will keep our District from falling into insolvency. 

Special Early Start Time for BOE Business Meeting: 5:30pm on 12/4/12

NOTE TIME CHANGE: 
The presentation on college financial aid which was originally scheduled for November has been rescheduled for December 4, 2012 at 7:00 pm. As such the Haldane Board of Education moved its monthly business meeting start time to 5:30 pm on December 4. 

A draft agenda is now available on Haldane's website for Tuesday's Board of Education monthly business meeting.

Yes--already!! Introducing the 2013-14 Rollover Budget

Haldane's Board of Education November 20, 2012 meeting held a full agenda, with a special character education program presentation on Second Step by ES/MS Principal Brent Harrington and a fact-full presentation on college and career readiness by HS Principal Brian Alm. 
Following reports from High School representatives Steven Casement, Lindy Labriola and Mina Elwell and brief administrative reports, Business Manager Anne Dinio dug into the 2013-14 Rollover Budget presentation. The Rollover Budget is the traditional starting point in budget talks by the Board of Education, which are occurring nearly two months earlier than in years past. This Rollover Budget contains the best estimate by the business office of known cost increases, and usually leaves budget lines for expenses such as fuel and supplies flat with no year-to-year increase. Predicted cost increases for 2013-14 occur in salaries, ERS, TRS and health insurance and account for an estimated 4.93% increase over last year's spending.
Superintendent Mark Villanti warned the Board and the public last year about the "two-headed dragon" that the tax cap and reduction in state aid produces. For the past couple of years the district has weathered this half million dollar aid cut by using up savings and by reducing staff expenses through retirements and natural reductions. However, as district expenses increase each year, the cut in aid becomes more difficult to manage, and painful cuts are likely to occur.
The Board also adopted the Calendar for the 2013-14 Budget. It is safe to say that the Board will be discussing budget targets in every meeting until April 2, 2013 when they adopt the budget and proposition that voters will vote on May 21, 2013.
Looking ahead: the Board will host an important workshop meeting on January 15, 2013 with special invited guests Assemblywoman Sandy Galef and NYS Senator Steve Saland or Terry Gipson (pending the final outcome of the contested election). The public is encourage to attend this meeting.

Character Education, College and Career Readiness

The Haldane Central School District Board of Education will hold a meeting on Tuesday, November 20th at 7:00pm in the Board Room. This meeting is a workshop and will feature two presentations:

• College and Career Readiness and Pathways to Success
• 2nd Step Character Education

A draft agenda is available on the Haldane School website at haldaneschool.org.

Haldane Referendum Passed

Haldane's auditorium/locker room/fields referendum passed on November 13, 2012: 553-267 

"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.

Haldane School Board Sets Tax Rate

On August 14, 2012 the Haldane School Board will meet in the Merritt Building at 5:00 pm to set the tax rate for the 2012-2013 school year. 

The "Reorg" Meeting

A week or so into July the School Board convenes for its annual reorganization meeting, or "reorg." Haldane's Board of Education will meet on July 3 at 5:00 pm in the Mabel Merritt Building for this meeting, and elected and re-elected trustees will be sworn in to service for their stated terms. In addition, the Board elects its President and Vice President, appoints representatives to committees, and performs many other "housekeeping" duties, including adoption of the Code of Conduct.

The Code of Conduct Committee is a Board of Education Committee which meets periodically throughout the year to evaluate and rewrite the Code of Conduct to conform to new legislation and/or needs of the district. The Dignity for All Students Act, 2011 requires some updates to the Code of Conduct related to reporting, intervention and definitions with regard to bullying. To see the draft revisions of the new Code of Conduct, please visit the Haldane School website. High School principal Brian Alm chairs this committee and comments may be forwarded to him.

Uncommon Service and Success

The last formal meeting in the 2011-2012 school year for the Haldane Board of Education will be held on June 19, 2012 at 7pm. The Board will celebrate the Boys' Baseball State Semifinalists and the long record of exemplary service to Haldane by Board President Joe Curto. 

Retirees and Tenured Staff

The Board of Education will hold its monthly business meeting on June 5th at 7:00 pm in the Cafeteria. The meeting will include a celebration of retirees and newly tenured staff. Please visit the Haldane school website to see the Draft Agenda.

Budget/Trustee Vote Results

Haldane School Budget passed: 578 Yes / 227 No

Trustee candidates:
Jonathan Champlin 520 votes
Evan Schwartz 519 votes
Peter Henderson 515 votes
Evelyn Carr-White 508

Vote Tuesday May 15--Polls Open 7am to 9pm

Haldane's Annual District Meeting, also known as the budget vote, will take place Tuesday, May 15, 2012 from 7am to 9pm in Room 105 of the Middle School. Parking will be available in the upper (bell) parking lot. The workshop meeting will commence at about 8:15 pm in the Music Room, following an Executive Session, and will not conclude until the budget and trustee election votes are counted, some time shortly after 9:00 pm.

During the workshop portion of the meeting there will be a special Public Hearing and Policy Review - Children’s Internet Protection Act. Please see the draft agenda for more information, which is now available on the Haldane school website. 

Volunteers Needed for the Haldane Fields Committee!

Dan Hughes and Jon Champlin have been approved to co-chair a 60-day working committee with the task of reporting back to the Haldane Board of Education on how the community might be able to help make the rehabilitation of the Game Field and track a reality. One of the requirements of moving forward is that the project is budget neutral - meaning there is no increase in the tax levy on taxpayers. Another is that the project must include some work within the school (locker rooms and auditorium) in order to be eligible for state aid. Please find the committee charge on the Haldane web site --http://www.haldaneschool.org/download.axd?file=03e2acc7-b630-4a34-96a0-1c2cb5b1aab9&dnldType=Resource.

The committee's first meeting is scheduled for May 21st at 6:30pm in the Board Room (aka the fireplace room in the Mabel Merritt building). The meeting will start off with a presentation by Superintendent Villanti and Athletics Director Tom Cunningham who will give some history of the project, where we are with estimates that have been received, how much money is available from the school and what the amount of money is needed to close the gap.

In order to close the gap there are many possibilities that we can discuss/pursue -- getting additional proposals from other companies using the same specs as additional price points, securing in-kind donations from community businesses (ie. excavation, electrical, plumbing, etc. to be done under the guidance of an engineer), researching and applying for grants, securing corporate sponsorships, fundraising events, pushing out portions of the project to a "Phase 2". Another idea was having local "green" contractors construct the concession stand / storage building (again under supervision from an engineer) with solar power, no-flush toilets, etc. This would reduce the project cost for the school and allow the contractors to use this as a "showcase" project. And any other ideas you might have.

We need as much community help as possible so please join us that evening if you can -- and share this information with anyone else in the community who might be interested and willing to help out. We only have 60 days so we'll need to hit the ground running!

Register to Vote in School Elections

Voter registration for school elections will take place on May 8, 2012 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm in Haldane's Middle School lobby. Voters who will be out of the county on election day (May 15) may also apply for an absentee ballot. Absentee ballot applications are available on the Haldane School website: www.haldaneschool.org.

Come out on May 9 and Meet the Candidates

Join the PTA in meeting Board of Education trustee candidates on May 9, 2012 at 7:30 pm in the Music Room.

Your candidates (three open seats):

Evelyn Carr-White
Jon Champlin
Peter Henderson, incumbent

Evan Schwartz, incumbent

And please remember to vote on May 15 in the Budget Vote/Trustee Election. Polls will be open 7:00 am to 9:00 pm in Room 105. Parking will be available in the upper (bell) parking lot on voting day. 

BOCES Election and Budget Vote, Approval of HS Refinance

Tonight, April 24 at 7:00 pm the Board of Education will meet for its monthly workshop meeting. Some highlights include:

• Vote on BOCES budget and trustees;
• Approval of bond refinance for High School;
• Review calendar date changes;
• Reports from administration, student representatives, and community;
• Approval of board policy amendments; and
• Budget and Fields Project.

Please visit the Haldane School website to see the draft agenda.

Meet Your School Board Candidates!

L-R: Evelyn Carr-White, Jon Champlin, Peter Henderson, Evan Schwartz

Four candidates have submitted their names as candidates for Haldane School Board Trustee. Two are incumbents: Evan Schwartz and Pete Henderson (who was appointed by the Board to fill the seat vacated by Dave Merandy, former Board President and recently elected to Philipstown Town Council). Two new faces in this race are Evelyn Carr-White and Jon Champlin. The four candidates will vie for three open seats on May 15 when the public also votes on the school budget.
 
Please join the PTA in thanking all of these candidates for stepping up to volunteer for service. And get to know your candidates by viewing their platform statements:

Evelyn Carr-White statement
Jon Champlin statement
Peter Henderson statement and website
Evan Schwartz statement

Four Candidates Step Up as Candidates for Board of Education Trustee

According to Haldane School Board Clerk Kathy Marino, four candidates have submitted petitions for candidacy for the three open Board Trustee seats:


Evelyn Carr-White

Jon Champlin

Peter Henderson, incumbent

Evan Schwartz, incumbent


The PTA has tentative plans to offer a Meet the Candidates event. Details to follow.

Haldane School Board Adopts Budget for Public Vote on May 15

Last night Haldane's Board of Education formally adopted a spending plan which will be subject to public approval, along with the trustee election, on May 15, 2012. A Public Hearing is set for May 1, 2012. Please make sure you get out and vote, or if you cannot get to the polls on election day, visit the Haldane School website for information about applying for an absentee ballot!

Budget Adoption and Tenure Recommendations

The Haldane School Board will meet in a public session on April 10, 2012 at 7:00 pm, following Executive Session at 6:00 pm. The public meeting will be in the Mabel Merritt Building Board meeting room. Please see the Haldane School website for the draft agenda and proposed budget.

More About the Tax Cap

See what the New York State School Boards Association has to say about the tax cap:

http://www.nyssba.org/clientuploads/nyssba_pdf/NYSSBA-Tax-Cap-Q&A.pdf

The New Meaning of the Contingency Cap

March 20, 2012--Pre-Budget Hearing


Forget almost everything you once understood--or thought you understood--about contingency caps. The new New York State law about contingency caps for school budget votes that are twice declined by the voters means one simple thing: school districts cannot collect more in the tax levy than they did the previous year. This means a zero percent tax levy increase (which does not necessarily translate to a zero tax rate increase, a calculation dependent upon assessments and equalization rates). Regardless of necessary increases in spending due to salaries, benefits, fuel costs, interest rates, or the price of pencils, the tax levy cannot increase under a contingency cap. 


Is this a serious concern at Haldane? Absolutely. For the past few years Haldane's Board of Education has presented spending plans for voter approval which contain, according to Superintendent Mark Villanti, incremental reductions to staff and adjustments to benefits in order to cut costs and balance the budgets. This budget, which the school board is likely to adopt at the next Business Meeting on April 10, includes reducing the staff by one full time teacher and one part time driver, refinancing the debt on the high school building, realizing savings in breakage from teacher retirements, reducing some benefits costs, and utilizing some reserve funds and fund balance to meet reductions sought by the school board for a lowest-possible budget increase. (See Dr. Villanti's 3/20/12 presentation here) Budget-to-budget, the spending plan has become leaner, and the "low hanging fruit" has been picked clean. Future cuts will, of necessity, be painful.


Consider this: the budget-to-budget increase over 2010–11 is $297,463. A contingency cap will mean a budget cut of $415,629. To give readers an idea of what this number means for Haldane, the athletics portion of the budget (see Budget Proposal #3, and then go to page 13) which does not include the salary of the Athletics Director is $303,898. Cutting this entire portion of the budget would still require additional spending cuts elsewhere. (NOTE: The District has no plans to eliminate athletics, this is simply to illustrate the potentially devastating impact of a contingency budget.) 


Dr. Villanti has characterized this budget year as a two-headed dragon because the new mandate for a tax cap combined with the formula which was revised a few years ago for calculating state aid (the Gap Elimination) creates considerable economic pressure on the school to balance its budget. The tax cap effectively discourages the district from seeking an above-cap tax levy to pay for rising costs, and at the same time the district bears the burden of reduced state aid. To navigate the budget process in the years to come, without some concessions for state aid or other forms of revenue enhancement, will likely become increasingly difficult if the school hopes to maintain excellent programs. 


Other business at the 3/20/12 meeting included two special presentations, from Seamus Carroll, Chairman of the Fine Arts Committee, and HS Principal Brian Alm provided an update on the iPad Pilot program. Mr. Carroll offered a succinct, clearly defined abstract of a larger project proposal for refurbishment of the Haldane Auditorium, which included a timeline for each phase of the project. The Board voted to approve matching a Haldane School Foundation donation to fund Phase 1, the Projection Room conversion to a Control Room with new sound and lighting controls. This work should begin over the summer as it will involve some asbestos abatement in the demolition portion of Phase 1.


Mr. Alm's presentation on the iPad Pilot program focused on the enhanced learning opportunities a digital device can provide for students. "It's about digital collaboration," he said, offering examples of how students can use the iPads to practice and improve 21st century skills. Mr. Alm recommended that Haldane should look at the iPad initiative for another year and then possibly go forward to phase in the devices for one entire grade level to use.


The next school board meeting is scheduled for April 10, 2012 at 7:00 pm in the Mabel Merritt Building Fireplace Room (or Board Meeting Room). The Board will formally adopt the budget which will be presented to voters at this meeting. The Board will also hear and decide on tenure recommendations at this meeting. Please note the following changes to the district schedule due to snow make-up give-back days and State Education Department changes in test scoring dates:

1. May 25, 2012--give-back day NO SCHOOL
2. April 9, 2012--give-back day NO SCHOOL
3. April 27, 2012--scoring day change SCHOOL IN SESSION

Another schedule change:
Earth Day Family Night Rescheduled from April 27 to May 4, 2012. This year's theme is Student Advocacy for the Environment.

March 20 Haldane Pre-Budget Hearing

Voters will have an opportunity to hear and comment on Haldane's Budget (or Spending Plan) on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at 7:00pm in the Board Meeting Room. A recently-revised draft version of the budget is available on the Haldane School website. Public input is sought now, and especially in Tuesday's public meeting, before this budget is adopted by the Board and presented for voter approval. 

Changes and challenges to the budget process this year: 

Superintendent Mark Villanti has illustrated the mounting pressures to school funding, including the Tax Cap and state aid reductions through the Gap Elimination Adjustment. For Haldane, this adjustment accounts for a $500K cut in state aid each year over the past few years. Thus far, Haldane has been able to weather these cuts because of Federal ARRA money and by using savings from its own reserve funds. However, the ARRA money has run out, and district savings will as well. 

Dr. Villanti has suggested that the public may consider writing to New York State representatives in Albany to request reform to the Gap Elimination. Without some reform in Albany, school budgets face pressures which will continue to seriously undermine public school funding next year and for the foreseeable future, and risk decimating New York State public education.

Some definitions:

Annual Budget (or, more accurately, the Annual Spending Plan): the total amount of revenue the School Board determines will be needed to pay all of the district's bills for the entire year. The Spending Plan is what voters decide to approve on Budget/Trustee Vote Day, May 15. The Board of Education must try to craft a budget so that there are adequate funds to see the district through the entire school year. If a district overspends its budget, and if the money runs out before the end of the school year then bills will go unpaid (unless the district borrows additional money to pay for them). At the same time, a district is not allowed to hold more than 4% of the budget in its fund balance left over from the prior school year. The difficulty in budgeting is to balance having enough money—but not too much—in the district checking account, simultaneously bearing in mind the financial burden on taxpayers.

Revenue: income from property taxes, government aid, tuitions, and grants.

Tax Levy: the number of dollars collected through taxation. In the case of a school district's Tax Levy, this includes the portion of the dollars collected from property tax which are specifically allocated for the school district. In Philipstown the school tax bill is separate from the Town tax bill. A property owner's total property tax bill will include both municipal (i.e., town, village, fire department, etc) and school taxes. Haldane's Tax Levy for the 2011–12 fiscal year was $16,996,875. 

Tax Cap: a calculation defined by New York State which limits the Tax Levy Revenue to a maximum dollar amount. Budgets (or Spending Plans) whose Tax Levy Revenue falls under this Cap would need only simple majority approval by voters. A School Board may present a budget which is over the Cap, but a super majority of voters (60%) would be needed to pass an over-Cap budget. This year for Haldane, the Tax Cap is calculated at $17,586,003. It should be noted that this is not a "2% Cap," which is a misnomer. This Tax Cap for Haldane as calculated following New York State rules is actually 3.16% over the 2011-12 levy. However, the Haldane Board of Education is seeking to whittle the spending further to a levy of $17,462,504, which is below the Tax Cap.  

Tax Rate: a calculation defined by assessments and equalization rates which are set by the county New York State Office of Real Property Services. Voters often ask, 'How much are my taxes going to increase with this budget?' This is a difficult question to answer with precision. The tax rate is defined in August, after the budget (or spending plan) vote and therefore cannot be determined—only estimated—during budget season. With the anticipated cuts requested  by the Board, the projected tax rate for the 2012–13 budget year will be approximately 1.95%. Haldane makes every attempt to make a conservative estimate, and last year's tax rate was actually lower than what was estimated at budget time.

Absentee ballot applications and Haldane Board Trustee candidate petitions now available

• Petitions for nominating candidates for the office of Member of the Board of Education, Applications for absentee ballots for election of a Board Member and the Budget may be applied for at the office of the District Clerk. Such application must be received by the District Clerk at least seven days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter. 
• Petitions for nominating candidates for the office of Member of the Board of Education must be filed with the Clerk of the District no later than April 16, 2012 between the hours of 9:00am and 5:00pm. 

Special Budget Meeting 3/13/12 at 6:30 pm

The Haldane Central School District Board of Education will meet on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at 6:30 PM in the Board Room of the Merritt Building in order to continue their conversations related to the 2012-2013 School Budget. 

Also, nominating petitions are now available in the District Office and on the Haldane website for those interested in pursuing a candidacy for one of the available Board of Education Trustee seats. 

Testimony to the Joint Legislative Fiscal Committees on the 2012-2013 Executive Budget

Haldane's monthly Board of Education business meeting will be held Tuesday, March 6 at 7:00 pm in the Board meeting room. A draft agenda, a proposal for the 9D fields project and other meeting documents are now posted on the Haldane School website home page.  

We are now well into budget season and school districts and taxpayers are attempting to understand the intricacies of the tax cap and trying to find the money to pay for its programs. Following is testimony of the New York State School Boards Association to the Joint Legislative Fiscal Committees on the 2012-2013 Executive Budget. David Little, Director of Government Relations for the New York State School Boards Association, offers his analysis of Governor Cuomo's education budget and how school districts are coping, and he offers some advice for ways the state can help school districts survive as times get tougher. 

Three Program Presentations Plus Cap vs. Gap

On Tuesday, February 28, the Haldane Board of Education had a full agenda, which included three presentations about academic programs and one presentation about the budget cap and gap. To see the draft agenda, go to http://www.haldaneschool.org/www/haldaneschool/site/hosting/BOE/Agendas/11.12/2.28.12/Draft_Agenda_and_Reports_02.28.12.web.pdf

The three program presentations were encouraging, but the budget presentation provoked apprehension. Let us look at the good news first.

Superintendent Villanti offered an update to the foreign language program, citing a push from the 2008 strategic plan to reevaluate the program. At that time, Haldane was looking at low enrollment numbers in some French sections, and the District was considering its options and questioning the feasibility of keeping French as a second language option offering. Public support for a second foreign language was strong enough for the School Board to decide to wait and see if enrollments in French would might change, and the result is that the numbers of students taking French are up. Furthermore, offering French as a second language option has proven attractive to Garrison students who come to Haldane for high school having begun Spanish studies and hoping to learn French as their second foreign language. French 1 is offered at the High School for all students who wish to learn French, and is taught by the new foreign language teacher, dual-certified Mr. John Schepisi. In 2008, there was no French 1 class, and moving to include this section in the series has allowed the program to thrive. To see Dr. Villanti’s slide show presentation, visit: http://www.haldaneschool.org/www/haldaneschool/site/hosting/BOE/Agendas/11.12/2.28.12/Foreign_Language_02.28.12.pdf

High School Physics teacher, Dr. Bob Mack presented a proposal for a Science Research Program class. The class is an elective, designed for highly motivated students who wish to learn how to perform scientific research. Dr. Mack has received training to teach the class, and he hopes to teach the program beginning next year. View Dr. Mack’s course outline here: http://www.haldaneschool.org/www/haldaneschool/site/hosting/BOE/Agendas/11.12/2.28.12/Science Research Presentation.022812.pdf

Finally, ES/MS Principal Brent Harrington gave a presentation about math acceleration in the Middle School. Mr. Harrington described a plan, including redesigning the math curriculum, rethinking some of the teaching practices and techniques, and redefining the math learning goals in the middle school to focus on Algebra readiness. The research that bears out the importance of learning Algebra is overwhelming. (See the National Mathematics Panel Final Report at http://www2.ed.gov/about/bdscomm/list/mathpanel/report/final-report.pdf). Turning the question of acceleration upside down, raising the bar in expectations for learning, and eliminating the current practice of accelerating only a limited population of students who meet the previously prescribed requirements, Mr. Harrington’s vision for the future of ES and MS math instruction will strive to achieve Algebra readiness for all students. See Mr. Harrington’s slide show presentation here: http://www.haldaneschool.org/www/haldaneschool/site/hosting/BOE/Agendas/11.12/2.28.12/Acceleration_2.28.2012.pdf

Now to the not-so-good news: Dr. Villanti gave a sobering presentation on the budget, including an explanation of the tax cap and what he sees as the far more worrying aspect of public school funding, the gap elimination cut, which for Haldane amounts to over $500k reduction in state aid. Dr. Villanti has expressed deep concern for the future of public school funding as long as both the tax cap and especially the gap are part of the annual budget calculation. The tax cap means that the district can collect a maximum levy, or number of dollars, from its taxpayers, and the gap represents a cut in state aid. The cost of running a public school is always increasing, due to rising insurance, fuel, compensation and other costs. If available funding does not rise, and if state aid is decreasing, how will the district meet its financial obligations? For the present, Haldane will use some of its reserves and fund balance, in effect, its savings accounts. These savings will not last indefinitely, however, and public schools will all likely face a financial crisis in the coming years.

The Board is scheduled to meet Tuesday, March 6 at 7:00 pm in the Board meeting room. Look for the draft agenda on the Haldane School website: http://www.haldaneschool.org.

Three Open School Board Seats: Will You Run?

From New York State School Boards Association:

Your local school board makes the decisions that determine how your community’s children are educated and how your tax dollars are spent. Voting for school board members is a simple but powerful way to support student success and strengthen your community.

THE POWER TO PURSUE EXCELLENCE

The decisions made by the school board affect virtually every important aspect of local schools, from boundaries to bus schedules, curriculum to clubs, funding to field trips.

• The school board hires the superintendent, the “chief education officer” responsible for managing district staff and operations.
• The school board sets the priorities and adopts the budget that determine how millions in federal, state and local tax dollars are spent.
• The school board sets goals for student achievement and evaluates progress toward those goals.
• The school board decides how school boundaries are drawn and whether schools are constructed or closed.
• The school board sets the policies that determine which courses and programs are offered and what texts, tools and technology are purchased.
• The school board, as the community’s elected representatives and fiscal stewards, ensures the district education program is in compliance with New York State laws and regulations.

Voting in school board elections means your voice is represented in those choices.

YOU HAVE EVERYTHING TO GAIN — OR LOSE

Everyone — not just parents — has a stake in the success of public schools. When schools are strong and students succeed, everyone benefits.

• Good schools are good business – they attract employers, strengthen the local economy and enhance property values.
• Good schools ensure our students will be prepared to keep our nation competitive in a global economy.
• Good schools keep the American Dream alive with an opportunity for every child to receive a world-class education.
• Good schools keep the quality of life in a community high by producing citizens who pay taxes and obey the law.
• Good schools teach students from all backgrounds how to live and participate in our democracy.

Voting in a school board election is an investment in the future of kids, of our community and of the nation.

THE RIGHT PERSON MAKES A DIFFERENCE

What qualities, skills, and experience should you look for in a school board candidate? Here are some questions to consider.

• What are the candidate’s vision and goals for high academic achievement for all students?
• Does the candidate inspire parents and other stakeholders to have confidence in the local public schools?
• Does the candidate understand that the school board’s role is about the big picture – setting the direction for the district, and providing oversight and accountability – rather than day-today management?
• Does the candidate focus on one issue or discuss a broad range of school district concerns?
• Does the candidate’s approach make it likely that he or she will be able to work effectively with the rest of the board to get things done?
• Will the candidate enhance the mix of skills and backgrounds on the board and help represent the diversity of the community?
• Does the candidate have the commitment to do what is right for all children, even in the face of opposition?

Every child enrolled in your school district is a reason for you to vote in school board elections. The overall quality of your local schools, both now and in the future, rests with decisions made by the board of education. You want the best and the brightest of your fellow citizens in charge.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Local school board members in New York State are elected, except for those in New York City and Yonkers who are appointed. The method of election may vary from district to district. Check with your superintendent of schools or your district clerk to learn about the voting procedure in your district. (For Haldane voters, contact District Clerk Kathy Marino at kmarino@haldane.lhric.org)

With limited exceptions, school board members serve three-, four- or five-year terms. Terms are staggered so all board positions are never open at the same time. By state law, school board and budget elections, in all districts except Albany and the Big 5, must be held on the third Tuesday in May.

For more information and resources on school boards, school board candidates and excellent public education, visit the Center for Public Education’s website at www.centerforpubliceducation.org/allinfavor or the National School Boards Association’s website atwww.nsba.org.

New York State
School Boards Association
24 Century Hill Drive, Suite 200
Latham, NY 12110-2125
(518) 783-0200 • (800) 342-3360
www.nyssba.org • mailto:info@nyssba.org

Math Acceleration, Foreign Language & Science Research Program

Following an Executive Session scheduled for 6:30pm, the Haldane School Board will meet for its monthly workshop meeting on February 28, 2012 at 7:00 pm in the Board Meeting Room to hear special presentations about Math Acceleration, Foreign Language and a Science Research Program, as well as building administrator, student, PTA, HSF, and Booster Club reports.


The Draft Agenda and presentation materials are available now on the Haldane School website.

From Special Meeting 2/15/12: New APPR, Fields Update

Still a work in progress, the draft version of the new Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR) was presented to the Haldane School Board in a special meeting on February 15, 2012. The APPR Committee met over the past year or so to rewrite the existing document to conform to new evaluation and reporting requirements according to New York State education law. By most accounts, the prior APPR document was too broad and not sufficient for constructive evaluations.


It cannot be ignored that the new requirements constitute another unfunded mandate, as Board Vice President Mike Junjulas observed. The benefit, however, will be to refocus the purpose of teacher and principal evaluations to reflect dialogue about teaching, learning, and continued growth. 


The APPR Committee was unanimous in its enthusiasm for the process of drafting the new document and in its belief in the integrity of the goals and procedures of the new performance evaluation framework. Some parts of the APPR have not yet been determined, and some New York State requirements are, as yet, unclear to the Committee. The APPR Committee decided to move ahead in developing a plan for Haldane that made sense for the District, despite the unknowns from the the New York State Education Department. Furthermore, a portion of the APPR is not yet finalized, pending contract negotiations. In its first year, and as a work in progress, the evaluations will take place only for teachers in grades 4 through 8 teaching ELA and Math, and the Elementary Principal.


The Working Draft of the new APPR is available on the Haldane School website.


Following up on the recent public meeting on the Philipstown Fields, the Board reviewed an Updated Fields Study report and an animation showing proposed upgrades to the football field and 9D fields. Discussion focused on the 9D field and tennis courts, whose fencing and surfaces have been described as safety hazards. The New York State grant for $150K has an expiration date, and the Board deliberated and will soon decide about how to apply the grant to Haldane fields, keeping in mind the larger potential Town Fields project. 


The updated Field Study is available at the Haldane School website.

How Does this Tax Cap Work?

After introductory remarks by new Trustee Pete Henderson, the 2/7/12 Haldane School Board meeting's focus was about the new tax cap legislation and what it means for the District. The meeting agenda and supplemental materials, including the Business Manager's calculation of the maximum allowable levy with a simple majority voter approval, are on Haldane's website under the Board of Education section.


A useful explanation of the tax cap is offered by the New York State School Boards Association. 

Open School Board Seat Filled by Peter Henderson

The Haldane School Board appointed Haldane parent Peter Henderson to fill the seat recently vacated by Dave Merandy. Henderson will serve through this school year, but in order to keep his seat he must be reelected in the May budget/trustee election.

Four Candidates to Interview with School Board for Open Seat

Story in Philipstown.info

Prospective candidates will be interviewed by current board members in a public meeting on Thursday, Jan. 26 at 6 p.m. in the Merritt Building.

Haldane School Board Workshop Meeting

The January 17, 2012 Haldane School Board Workshop Meeting promises a full agenda. Workshop items include a discussion on the process for starting new athletic teams and clubs, approval of the budget calendar, administrative, student and community reports, and special recognition for Dave Merandy's service to the school board. The meeting will begin at 7:00 in the Mabel Merritt Fireplace Room (Board Room). Visit the Haldane School website to view the draft agenda.

Apply to become a School Board Trustee!

Public Meeting on Fields Study

Haldane Board of Education meeting highlights from January 3, 2012:

• Announcement of special public meeting on 1/30/12 at 7:00pm in the Haldane Auditorium to hear the findings and recommendations from Ward Assoc. on the town fields study;
• A new "Book Drop," suggested by Trustee Gillian Thorpe;
• Scheduling of Executive Session meeting on 1/10/12 to discuss tenure recommendations and approve the new APPR (not open to the public); and
• Discussion about Trustee seat recently vacated by Dave Merandy. More details to follow.

Upcoming at 1/17/12 Board Workshop: Athletics program, Recognition of Trustee Dave Merandy, and approval of Budget Calendar.