The evening of 2024-11-05 was a meeting of the Honeoye Falls-Lima Board of Education (BoE).
Once again time to recognize Cougar Pride Award recipients, which meant a decent sized group for the first part of the meeting. I think this whole process is nice, good way to bring focus to those who do good things. Having said that, I think it would be nice if they more directly stated the persons connection to the district. While I can guess some of them, it would be nice to know if this person was, for example, 3rd grade teacher, bus driver, parent of 7th grader, etc. In the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t really matter. Might even be a distraction. But the thought did run through my mind while listening to the presentation.
Following along with the trend, the High School gave their update, with a starting focus on good test scores. The presentation also included a field trip to the technology classroom, and an overview of the 3D printer. Field trips are a nice touch to presentations. Sure, it adds to the total time, but it’s nice to get up and walk around, and see more parts of the building. Two other items stood out in the presentation:
They are trying to manage hall passes, for bathroom breaks and similar. Which I found interesting, because I thought this was handled pretty well when I was a student here. Sure, the things were clunky, but also obvious to all. But sometimes the wheel needs to be reinvented. For whatever reason, processes change over the years, and the way things once were done was forgotten. Likely for good reasons, as priorities shift. The amusing part is sometimes they shift back, and we have to relearn what we once knew. Eh, such is life.
There was discussion around security practices. I offer no direct criticism to their current practices, but I had two thoughts while listening. First, reminded me of the quote about trading freedom for security, and losing both in the process. I’m not sure if it truly applies here, but… Second, many of the beneficial activities I did after school would be prevented by policy as described. Which is a shame, but things change (not always for the better).
Gene (Superintendent) had his contract extended until 2028. Good to know he’ll be sticking around, and that the Board is happy enough with things as they are.
Annual Special Education Report was given. Look it up if you are interested, but what stood out the most to me was the English Language Learners trend. Had me wondering if this was an immigrant issue? Or is there a chunk of the native population that doesn’t know English? In the end, the students have to be taught either way, so to that extent it doesn’t matter. If it’s an immigrant issue, would be outside HFL’s ability to meaningfully change. But if it’s native population? Then the kids (and parents) are already here. Might be a way to teach them English before they make it to school. Having said that, I suspect it’s immigrants.
And those are my Observations From Audience Land for the November 05, 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 is also available.