Economic Crisis May Affect The HFCS District Budget

by Alex Brooks
At the regular monthly School Board meeting, Hoosick Falls Schools Superintendent Ken Facin said, “The economic crisis in New York State is real,” and it may well put the squeeze on school finances over the next few years. The tentative budget for the 2011-2012 school year will be presented at next month’s meeting, and we will learn at that time more details on the budget outlook for the school.  Facin also said he feels there is a new willingness at the state level to consider “real mandate relief,” which could help to ease the budget pressure. Facin said he is seeking a meeting with State Assemblyman Tony Jordan to discuss mandate relief.
Unidentified Employee Fired
The Board passed a resolution terminating the employment of an unnamed employee of the District. The Superintendent of Schools “preferred charges” against this employee on March 12, 2010. A Section 75 hearing was held on June 18, 2010, led by hearing officer Paul Freeman Esq., who issued a decision detailing his findings dated January 7, 2011. After reviewing this decision in executive session, the board took this action, but did not reveal the name of the employee or what charges were brought against him or her. The motion was passed without comment.
Presentations
Faculty advisor Darlene Kehn and students from the Earth Club gave a presentation to the Board on the activities of the club, which consist primarily of projects and field trips. Their biggest project was recycling of Capri Sun containers and chip bags in partnership with a company called Terracycle which re-uses the materials collected. Terracycle pays the club 2 cents per bag collected, which made them $90 last year.
The club’s biggest trip last year was to a symposium on Buzzard’s Bay where they saw presentations on many topics in marine biology, including a shark talk and one on the effect of man-made noise on marine mammals.
Bill Brown and the HFCS Jazz Band gave a spectacular presentation to the Board, which consisted mostly of the whole band of almost a dozen saxophones, several trumpets and several trombones, piano and drums, playing songs for the Board. They started with the big band favorite “Tuxedo Junction,” made popular by Glenn Miller’s band. Then they did “Colors of the Wind” from the “Pocahontas” movie, and finished with a bravura version of Bill Haley’s 1954 hit “Rock Around the Clock.” The band has done eight concerts so far this year and has five more already scheduled. The members of the band are clearly dedicated and enthusiastic. Brown said the band is willing to do concerts in the local community. If anyone would like to arrange a performance, get in touch with Bill Brown at the school.
Senior Ball
The Board approved plans for the Senior Ball, which is to take place Saturday, March 12, at the Carousel Ballroom at Sterup Square in Pittstown. The dinner and dance will happen from 6 to 11 pm, after which they will take Hoosick Falls School buses to Adventure Family Fun Center in Lake George where the students will disport themselves from 12:30 until 4:30 am, then board the buses again and return to HFCS by 6 am. The proposed ticket price for the whole thing is $50, but that might possibly be reduced if some fund raising is done.
In other business, the Board:
• approved a policy to pay a stipend to certain key employees who have to use their personal cell phones for school business;
• accepted the donation of a Marimba from Michael Waitekus, estimated value $1,800.
Next month’s meeting of the Hoosick Falls School Board will be on February 17 at 7 pm in the high school library.