The evening of 2024-10-22 was a meeting of the Honeoye Falls-Lima Board of Education (BoE).
The meeting started off with some technical issues, but they managed to persist. Almost like it’s a habit or something. Regardless, hiccups are inevitable. It’s how we handle the challenge that is important. And in this case, HFL managed well enough.
As a reminder, drugs as bad. HFL agrees. On the other hand, cupcakes are fine. Those were provided as part of School Board Appreciation week. Always good to appreciate those who serve.
The Middle School has a new principal, at least temporarily, Brian Bartalo. I have no idea why Jason is leaving, but I wish him well with whatever he is off to next.
Manor school offered their update for the year. Much like with Lima not that long ago, sounds like things are going well. To be expected, but still good to hear. I liked the way they tied the habits of mind into their pictures. Was not a big thing, but was a nice touch to the presentation.
Gene (Superintendent) spoke about a particular event, and all those that helped through it. Always good to thank those who help, but it would have been nice if he said what the event was. I asked as much during the question time at the end of the meeting, and expect I’ll receive an answer shortly.
Having said that, and to go on a bit of a tangent, there were enough clues, that combined with a quick look at the HFL website, I’m going to assume he was talking about the unfortunate demise of Penny Busch. I will not pretend that I know the whole story, I barely know any of it. But this appears to be the third public meeting I’ve been to in the past week that points to, but does not name, Penny’s death. I don’t know Penny, I can’t speak for her in any way.
But I can say, death will come for us all, in due time. The question then is, how do we manage that uncomfortable truth? To answer that, I turn to the wise Puddleglum. To paraphrase and misquote, we live in the hope that there is something better, after this life. That eternity is there for us, if only we accept the gift that has been freely offered. And even if that isn’t true, pursuing that ideal makes this life better.
Now I cannot offer any proof, this is purely a matter of faith. But faith provides hope, and hope context. Yes, Penny’s death is unfortunate, no argument there. If this is the end of her story, sadness and regret are understandable. But what if it’s only the end of the first chapter? Doesn’t change what happened, but could be cause to wipe away any tears.
With that, tangent over.
And those are my Observations From Audience Land for the October 22, 2024 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 appears to be available, despite the technical issues.