Working Hard During The Break
By Irene MacCollar
During this vacation week while students are enjoying a week off, the Berlin Central schools buildings and grounds are anything but silent.
At the April 16 regular School Board Meeting, Superintendent of Buildings Cyril Grant, reported to the Board on the status of current and future improvements at both schools. During Spring Recess, Middle/High School projects include a new air conditioning system for the computer room and technology office and a 5-year pressure and corrosion test on the underground bulk fuel storage tank. This test is to be sure the tank is compliant with NYS DEC regulations.
At the Elementary School this week is the total replacement of the stage floor. Additional stage work, expected to take three weeks and minimal inconvenience to students and staff to complete, will be subject to voter approval in the May budget election. Improvements would consist of new main and side curtains including rigging, replacement of the support structure and open/closed storage cabinets.
The Board discussed other projects including repair of both parking lots, each of which it was agreed have serious condition problems. The board, specifically Dr. Stephen Young, found the budget funds to complete these repairs without changing the tax levy.
Board Member Kellie Kaschak brought up the idea of installing a trail of small, motion-sensored, solar powered lights to illuminate the path from the sports field to the parking lot and/or school building. She pointed out the safety benefits to which Board President Frank Zwack agreed, saying some sporting events continue into dusk.
Some end of year fun was announced, including field trips. Grades 9 thru 11 will travel to Albany to attend a professional performance of “Shakespeare in Love,” and 5th graders can look forward to a visit to the Bronx Zoo. Scheduled for Thursday, May 6 at 6 pm is the popular, much anticipated annual Lip Sync Competition.
President Frank Zwack recognized and honored the achievements of the Class of 2019 Valedictorian Greta Herman, and Salutatorian Hayden Crandall. The Board offered an enthusiastic, proud congratulations to the two students.
In other business, the proposed 2019/2020 school budget, as outlined by Dr. Young at the April 9 public round table discussion, gained the Board’s approval. Public vote on the budget will be held Tuesday, May 21 at the Elementary School. A public hearing on the matter will precede the vote on Thursday, May 9, at the Middle/High School. In addition to the budget, voters will elect three board members. Jeffery Paine, Sherry Bowman-Kluck, and Rachel Finney currently hold those seats, and all three are unopposed in their efforts to seek re-election.
The Board is awaiting responses to a survey mailed to district families earlier this Spring seeking input and review of a school improvement plan. The survey, titled the US Department School Climate Survey for Parents and Families, can also be found on the school website. There is limited time to respond to it.
The next regular meeting of the Board is scheduled for Wednesday, May 22 at 7:15 pm. It will be held at the Middle/High School.