Honeoye Falls-Lima Board of Education 2025-03-25

      The evening of 2025-03-25 was a meeting of the Honeoye Falls-Lima Board of Education (BoE).

      Once again time for the Cougar Pride awards. Which brought a crowd, which was good. Caralyn changed the process here a little bit, and spread out the reading portion. No offense to her reading skill, but I thought this was great. I think having the other Board members also read made it feel more like this was the whole Board celebrating. I kind of hope this becomes standard practice for next time.

      Colin (Business) gave an overview of where we are on the budget. Budget gap is currently at ~$2 million, but besides that I didn’t catch any new hard facts. But there was interesting discussion about where and how to fix that gap. Nothing concrete until next meeting. I did like the idea that was mentioned about looking at ways to reduce current expenses. Streamlining necessary tasks, or removing unneeded ones. Seems to me like a prudent part of any budget process. Maybe the cutbacks don’t get made, for whatever reason. But I think there is value to regularly looking at the possibility. Because it’s inevitable cuts will be needed at some point. And having a list ready to implement? Won’t make it hurt any less, but may make it easier to do.

      An Eagle Scout project was presented, for a Rebound Wall south of the football field. I can’t speak to the wall itself, but I’ve seen a number of these presentations before various groups. I’m pretty sure the Scouts follow a form. If not in the presentation itself, then in a set of requirements. While the details always change, there is a sameness in the general information provided. Even when some of that information is not applicable in some settings. To be clear, I don’t see that as a problem here. I’m of the opinion these projects are as much about learning as the end result. So learning what could be left out on their next project? Better to find that out in a Scout project than a corporate project.

      Election inspectors were approved for the May 20th election, where we will apparently be using the new election machines. So we’ll all have another chance to try them out. Having used them at the Village’s election last week, I thought they worked well enough. Although I’ll have to remember to try the write-in option this time. Even if I don’t use it, just seeing what it looks like is worth a few minutes. Yes, it will be an on screen keyboard. But seeing it is different from it being the logical expectation.

      SEQR for next years Capital Outlay Project was approved, which will replace a number of doors. Interesting tidbit on doors: The Fire Department doesn’t like doors without windows. I can understand that. It is nice to be able to look into a room before you enter it. Even when there aren’t fires involved. Although, the auditorium will want it dark inside. Ever competing priorities in life.

      And those are my Observations From Audience Land for the March 25, 2025 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.