Two BOE Trustee Seats Open; Energy Performance Contract's Early Endorsement

At Haldane's Board of Education meeting on March 5, 2013, the school board heard a presentation by Facilities Director Mike Twardy. After evaluating energy use for 2011-2012 and a comparing to-date usage for 2012-2013, Twardy gave the Board the single piece of good budget news of the evening: that fuel oil and electricity consumption were down, and that he would be asking the Board for no increase in these budget items in the 2013-2014 spending plan. Credit for the decreases in consumption, according to Twardy, goes to the successful upgrades as per the Energy Performance Contract.

On a related topic, the Board has invited Monolith Solar to present a proposal for a solar panel project installation at Haldane. Board President Mike Junjulas and Trustee Pete Henderson have described this project as one that would create no additional cost for the district, and would offer a unique learning opportunity for students as well. Monolith Solar will present its proposal at the March 19 Board meeting.

Board Vice President Gillian Thorpe announced that it was her intention not to seek re-election to the Board for another term. Her term ends this year. President Mike Junjulas has already stated that he plans to step down at the end of this school year. Thus, at least two candidates are sought for the two Board trustee seats that are up this year. Those interested in serving on the school board should contact Board Clerk Kathy Marino (KMarino@haldane.lhric.org) or call the district office at 845-265-9254, ext 115. 

Back to the budget: the Board hopes to present its recommendations for spending cuts in specific budget items at the next meeting on March 19. The Board also intends to adopt a spending plan for 2013-2014 at a specially-scheduled meeting on April 3. After that, no changes can be made to the budget proposal and it will be subject to voter approval on May 21. It is in the best interests of the district and the school community to craft a spending plan that voters will approve, but to do so the public must weigh in on what we think we can  live with--or live without. A list of proposed cuts will be discussed on March 19. The Board has repeatedly stated its desire to hear from the public, and parents and members of the school community are strongly encouraged to attend this meeting and join the conversation.