The evening of 2023-09-12 was a meeting of the Honeoye Falls-Lima Board of Education (BoE).
Tonight was picture night for the Board. As it was their first meeting after the start of the school year, and everyone was in attendance, they lined up for a picture. Sounds like it will be going out in a future newsletter, so you’ll get to see it in due time.
Being the first BoE meeting since the students returned for the year, each of the principals spoke about how the first week had gone. Variations on ‘good start’. Which is expected, but also good to hear.
During Gene’s Superintendent report, I noticed the ‘whatever it takes’ portion of the ‘Every student, every day’ motto. I believe that part is new for this year, but it wouldn’t be the first time I’ve missed something. Either way, I found it concerning. For any worthwhile and well defined goal, yes, do ‘whatever it takes’ to reach it. That sort of dedication is commendable. But what does ‘Every student, every day’ mean? I can think of a number of things it could mean that I would be all in favor of accomplishing, ‘whatever it takes’. Likewise, a number that I would oppose, ‘whatever it takes’. When the goal is vague and poorly defined, a ‘whatever it takes’ approach may well be more of a drawback than benefit. But I do like to be wrong…
As this meeting was once again in the cafeteria, it was fitting that Gene announced part of the capitol project includes some modifications to the cafeteria so it can function as the ‘official’ Board of Education meeting room. While I wonder what the old room will be used for, but there is value in recognizing the reality of the current situation. And even without any changes, the cafeteria serves this function well. After all, it’s why we were there tonight (and last meeting, and the one before…).
Those of you who have ever observed organizational meetings may have noticed the part where Official Banks are listed. In the past it’s been a handful. Tonight that changed. Now any bank in New York that handles municipal finances is an Official Bank of HFL. Driving reason was for greater financial flexibility and better stewardship of funds, which makes sense and I am all in favor of. But at the same time, it does seem to make a mockery of the concept of ‘official bank’. Eh, ‘whatever it takes’ I guess.
The Extra Curricular Code of Conduct (CoC) returns as it’s own item, separate from the regular District Code of Conduct. Amusing, as I can remember when they were merged. I have no opinion on splitting them, but one of the changes was about quitting, once having participated for some time. Apparently doing so may incur a penalty, if the coach does not approve and decides to treat it as a violation of the CoC (Category 1 or 2?). While encouraging students to stick to their commitments is commendable, I see two significant issues with this approach.
First, it will likely have negative impact on team morale. Would you give it your all if you would rather be off the team? Would you teammates, if they knew you didn’t want to be there? I could see this very easily backfiring.
Second, the focus on ‘could’ instead of ‘will’. This means the rule will be applied unequally. Absent some criteria, we now punish some kids (but not all) for leaving teams. ‘Arbitrary and capricious‘, by design?
Having said all that, a number of Board members shared their concerns as well. So I fully expect this section of the CoC will be changed before it would take effect. And as that would be for the winter season, still time to do so.
And because, as Colin (Operations) pointed out, no meeting is complete without talking about the budget, the potential budget calendar was reviewed. No one said much, so likely be adopted next meeting.
And those are my Observations From Audience Land for the September 12, 2023 meeting of the Honeoye Falls-Lima Board of Education.
Agenda’s and similar information can be found at HFL’s BoardDocs page. While a recording will likely be available soon.