Penn Yan will review plans

    PENN YAN—Penn Yan Central School District
Superintendent of Schools David Hamilton introduced a printed report during the meeting of the board of education on Wednesday, Sept 14. Hamilton said the report is being done in an effort of keeping the meeting moving along. The report included two updates.
    The kindergarten to 12 Configuration Advisory Committee on long term planning will begin study of long range plans on Tuesday, Sept. 27. Included in the study are plans for district building use given reductions in enrollment, budget concerns and the need to provide a high-quality education program for all students. Hamilton’s report stated the committee will generate and study several reorganization designs. They will also provide a list of the advantages and challenges for each option. Part of the process will include an online survey in October and a public forum. The forum is scheduled on Thursday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m.
    The construction project is scheduled to be completed Nov. 21. King & King Architects will give a brief presentation on the project at the board meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 5.
    In other business: Elementary school nurse Kristen Bray  spoke to the board about the health issue of head lice. Bray said she is trying to educate families. Currently, students must be sent home for the entire day. Bray said the issue has been around for years. It is not a disease, but a nuisance. Board member Anita Maroscher recommended that Hamilton get more information and advise the policy committee.
    • Elementary Principal Marcie Ware said students were welcomed on the first day of school with a red carpet, balloons and music. There are 33 new students. “The Leader in Me” program is being implemented.
    • Principal Rebecca Perrault reported there were 436 students in the middle school on the first day. The new theme is Making History. The building is adopting the Outlet Trail as a project this year.
• High school Principal David Pullen said there are approximately 560 to 565 students in the building. A “Student of the Month” program will be initiated this year. Students who display academic achievements, citizenship and community service will be considered for the honor.
    • Results of the summer school program and summer driver education were also presented to the board.
    • Assistant Superintendent for Business Douglas Tomandl outlined the two percent tax cap, enrollment projections and end of the year financial report. Tomandl said the district worked hard to reduce expenditures. The district did not receive all the state aid that was promised. Tomandl said tough times are ahead. More information on the expected impact of the tax cap will be presented later in the year.
    • Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Howard Dennis outlined current staff development issues.
    • An overview of the state-required Annual Performance Review laws and regulations was presented by Hamilton. Many pieces of the law must be re-negotiated. Teacher’s association co-president Tina Webber said the group is in full support of the project. Webber said the organization wants to be very thorough. She called it, “A very high stake process for our members.”
    • During a special meeting earlier in the month, the board voted to refinance an outstanding $750,000 of serial bonds from 1994 and $5,900,000 from 2004. The move will save the district a bit over $370,000 over 10 years.
    The next meeting of the Penn Yan Central School District board of education will be on Wednesday, Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. The meeting will be in the elementary school cafeteria.