Consolidation talks continue at Watkins

WATKINS GLEN—The Watkins Glen school board approved Superintendent Tom Phillips to appoint an advisory committee, Monday, Oct. 3.
The group would look at consolidation of the district into one building.  Phillips explained he would ask the board for approval of all committee members.  He said he is looking at a group between six and ten members.  Phillips and Building and Grounds Supervisor Mike DeNardo would be co-chairs.  He added anyone could be on the committee, and the meetings would be open to the public.
Phillips said by approving him to appoint members, the board is not saying they approve the idea of one campus.  At the previous meeting, he explained the district is looking at this because the cost of doing the survey can be covered by the five year building condition survey the state already requires Watkins to be doing.
The board also approved holding a public vote about creating a capital reserve fund.  The money would cover the needed building repairs, and merging the campuses if also approved.
In other business:
• Board member Robert Dill said the audit was “very favorable.”  On his recommendation, the board accepted it.
• Phillips announced the estimated Race to the Top federal funds Watkins is getting.  He said the amount is $56,015.
• The board reviewed the 2009-10 attendance report.  Phillips said the 10 year averages for all three schools is over 90 percent each.  The averages are: 92.7 percent at the high school, 94.6 percent at the middle school, and 96.6 percent at the elementary school.  Middle school Principal Kristine Somerville added she has had a lot of students out sick earlier than usual.
The next meeting is a workshop, Monday, Oct. 18, staring at 5:45 p.m.