HFCS Board Meeting

by Alex Brooks
The Hoosick Falls School Board meeting began with presentations from the Athletic Booster Club, the Performing Arts Booster Club and the PTA. Superintendent Ken Facin said it was “great to hear about all of the activities supported by these dedicated volunteer groups and the many ways they enrich the lives of our students.”
Business Matters
Business Manager Pamela Hatfield brought to the Board an agreement with the NYS Dept. of Transportation for flashing beacon lights on Route 22 at the entrance to the school telling drivers to slow down. These lights are to be supplied and installed by the State Transportation Dept., but the school must pay an annual fee of $1,200 to maintain them. Hatfield said they may be able to power them with solar electricity, but if not, the school would also pay for the electricity they use.
Hatfield also presented an agreement with Benetech, Inc to manage the District’s 403(b) plans for $1,500 annually. This is $2,200 per year less than the previous provider charged, said Hatfield.
Hatfield also announced that cafeteria prices will not be increased for the upcoming school year.
Questionnaires
John Helft said a questionnaire has been given to this year’s seniors asking them about their experience at the school, and this year’s seniors helped set up facebook contact with last year’s seniors to ask them to fill out a similar questionnaire. The idea is to find out if the students’ HFCS experience prepared them well for college and other post-graduation challenges. Helft said he will bring back results to the Board when they have been tabulated.
Plans Approved
The Board approved the School Calendar for the upcoming school year, and a Professional Development Plan for the next two years, a Technology Plan for three years and a Safety Plan and Wellness Plan for the upcoming school year.
The Board approved a bid from Casella Waste Management for waste removal for $692.66 per month.
PTA Officers
Current PTA President Margaret Stevens announced the PTA officers for next year. They are Heather St. Hilaire, President, Tracy Niles, VP, and Laurie Gormley, Treasurer.
The Board accepted, “with deep regret” the resignation for retirement purposes of Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds, John Nealon. Nealon has worked for the District since 1986, and he was given a round of applause for his long service.
The Board went into Executive Session at the end of the meeting to discuss HFTA negotiations and the Superintendent’s annual evaluation.
The next meeting of the Board will be the Organizational meeting on July 15 at 7 pm in the High School cafeteria.