New Lebanon School Board To Hold Meeting With Berlin School Board

by Phillip M. Zema
The New Lebanon and Berlin School Boards have decided to hold a joint Board meeting. The object of the meeting is to discuss ways the school districts could share resources. The discussion topics include New Lebanon’s desire to absorb Berlin students who live in Stephentown, the possibility of sharing AP courses with students traveling to the other school as need be to take advanced courses, a grant application that would allow the districts to share transportation services and the possibility of more athletic teams merging. Some New Lebanon teams, such as girls volleyball and basketball, are barely fielding enough players. The Board would like to make a decision about these issues before the budget is finalized.
Union School Decision Delayed
The New Lebanon School Board will wait six months before deciding on whether to demolish the Union Free School building. Accordingly, the Lebanon Valley Historical Society has until June 2 to develop a restoration plan. The Board, however, decided to include demolition costs, approximately $35k, into this year’s budget. This action does not imply that the Historical Society must have a solution. Even if they fail to develop a feasible plan, the Union School will not necessarily be destroyed. The Board will simply wait until June 2 before making any decision. Nevertheless, by June, the Board would like to see the issue permanently resolved.
Softball Field Approved
New Lebanon’s softball teams will no longer have to hike two miles to play. Amidst student and parent complaints, the Board approved the construction of a new softball field. The new field will stand adjacent to Route 22 and face the current soccer field. Due to a number of safety and convenience issues, the field will be a welcome addition to the program. To date, softball players were forced to play at Shatford Park, where playing conditions were sub-par. Often, the field was poorly maintained and covered in garbage and animal feces. Also, the path to the field ran next to Route 22, putting the student athletes at risk. The one problem with the new field, however, is its proximity to the road. A foul ball might hit a passing car. In response to this concern, Board Member Sowalski asked the administration to investigate any insurance issues that might accompany the new field.
Valedictorian And Salutatorian Named
Principal Leslie Whitcomb announced that Geneva Furlano is the class of 2010’s Valedictorian. Margaret Springer was named the Salutatorian. Furlano was also awarded the CVHL Student Athlete Award. The award is accompanied with a scholarship, and it marks the third consecutive year a New Lebanon student was so honored.
Walter B. Howard Principal Daniel Packard announced that Maddie Teachout, a fifth-grader, won the elementary school spelling bee.
Two Teaching Positions Eliminated
To avoid tax increases, the District is striving to save wherever possible. While Superintendent McGraw and Principal Whitcomb have no desire to compromise student learning, they found it necessary to eliminate two faculty positions. Since the current business teacher does not have a full instructional schedule and since business courses have little enrollment, the administration decided to eliminate the position. The educational void will, it is hoped, be filled by other courses. For example, instead of having business law, a history teacher will present a constitutional law course. Furthermore, the District decided that it only needs two high school literacy teachers. Formerly, three were employed, but the school discovered it could fulfill its needs with less so one position is being eliminated. Ultimately, due to salary and other instruction-related cuts, the District will save $75,717.
Research On Saving Transportation Costs
Ed Davis, Head of the Transportation Department, announced that bus drivers have started taking attendance. By doing so, the District is seeing whether it can run its bus routes more efficiently. The information is necessary if the school hopes to change to a one-bell bus system. Such a move would help the District save on transportation costs. A one-bell system would decrease fuel consumption, minimize mileage and reduce maintenance costs.