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Haldane BOE Looks to Contain Transportation Costs
French program debate continues
by Mike Turton
Not surprisingly, the ongoing financial crisis that has rippled across the country and around the globe in recent weeks was the first item discussed at last week's Haldane Board of Education meeting. In his opening remarks, Superintendent Mark Villanti cited the Haldane School District's borrowing, State aid and investments as three areas that could be affected. President Dave Merandy added teacher retirement funds to the list. "They are guaranteed," Merandy said, referring to the fact that even though the District's financial position could be weakened by current events, the District will still be obligated to pay previously negotiated retirement benefits. Villanti agreed, stating that there was no doubt that districts could be hurt and that Haldane would have to anticipate and plan carefully. Merandy responded stating "I think a lot of plans are going out the window if people are going to lose half their savings."
The cost of transportation is also on the minds of trustees. The Transportation Committee has been laying the groundwork and gathering information regarding possible improvements to bus routes. Trustee Mike Junjulas said that he has fielded many questions from the public regarding possible changes to the routes but that the fact-finding is in its "infancy stage." He explained that while all stops are being mapped, no changes have been determined yet. Junjulas also said that there have been numerous complaints that there are too many stops and went on to say that "door to door service has become expected" but that that level of service was never intended. Junjulas has pointed out in the past that an excessive number of bus stops adds to fuel costs while and increases wear and tear on buses. Mark Villanti added that busing of sports teams is also an issue given the high cost of fuel. He said that schedules should not just take into account the size of schools that Haldane competes against but also the distances involved. "We should play schools our size but not as far away," he said. Makaria Gallagher suggested that GPS units be considered for buses to aid drivers in choosing routes to other schools that are most fuelefficient. Nancy Montgomery, a councilwoman for the Town of Philipstown was in the audience and suggested that perhaps the Philipstown Recreation Department and Haldane could cooperate on such issues as purchase and use of passenger vans to the benefit of both groups.
Mark Villanti reported that the Election Inspector has been contacted and voting machines arranged for the November 18 referendum on the proposed capital project to complete roof repairs ands asbestos abatement in the elementary and middle schools. He also told trustees that the $15,000 raised by local residents to fund the feasibility study to determine what heating system will replace the aging oil-fueled boilers is in a bank account established by the fund-raising group and that it will be forwarded to the District as soon as it is needed.
Villanti also reviewed the annual contract between Haldane and St. Basil Academy of Garrison. Some residents of St. Basil attend Haldane High School. Villanti indicated that the contract is similar to the one Haldane has with Garrison School District and that St Basil does not have a big impact. He indicated that approximately six students from St Basil are attending Haldane this year and that in previous years enrollment has been as low as one or two students.
The protracted debate over low enrollment in French programs and whether or not a sixth period class is justified continued at length at last week's meeting. When Superintendent Mark Villanti stated that the Board should discuss minimum class sizes required in order to offer courses President Dave Merandy responded emphatically stating, "I respectfully disagree. It may not be in writing but the number (of students required) is ten. We have discussed it."
Teachers are required by contract to teach five periods a day but when demand warrants a sixth period can be added. Teachers are paid almost six thousand dollars for the extra period. Currently some French classes have as few as five students. In the end Trustees voted 3- 2 to continue the sixth period French class for this year but all agreed that the Board needs to look at projected enrollment much earlier in the process next year. A resident in the audience expressed concern that Haldane could soon offer only one foreign language. President Merandy said that he didn't feel that would happen. Trustee Makaria Gallagher pointed out that "the real issue is the sixth period enrollment" and indicated that that no one was advocating canceling French entirely.
In information requested by the PCN&R, Mark Villanti indicated that there are 258 students currently enrolled in Spanish classes taught by three teachers. There are 48 students enrolled in French, with one teacher. Villanti cited a nationwide survey that shows French as the most popular language studied followed closely by Italian and Spanish.
Trustees accepted a Hudson Highland Land Trust Environmental Discovery Grant of forty-five thousand dollars over three years. The purpose of the grant is to encourage outdoor education.
The Albany law firm of Shaw, Perelson, May and Lambert was appointed to handle the District's contract negotiations.
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