Tonight (2019-08-13) was a meeting of the Honeoye Falls-Lima Board of Education (BoE).
Another meeting where Gene’s (Superintendent) report takes up the bulk of the meeting due to nested presentations. Although the goal and workshop discussions made an attempt to be longer.
One slide in the report stood out to me, it had the quote of “Contribute more than you criticize” on it. Not sure if those words originated with him, but this is a good idea in general.
The first of the nested presentations was on the capitol project. They are making the best of the time without students in the buildings. Pictures are available for anyone interested, but the biggest take away is that it won’t all be done by the time the kids are back. But that’s fine, as it’s part of the plan, and they are ready to work around them.
Second nested presentation was on planning for the budget process. Students haven’t even arrived for this year and already getting ready for the next budget. Apart from more aggressively looking for more PBAC (Program Budget Advisory Council) members, the changes seem rather minor. So if you want to be part of juggling the budget and the 81% of it that is people, feel free to show up. At the office, at a BoE meeting, wherever.
During that conversation the idea of asking Albany for more money came up. While I can understand the desire, I think it’s counterproductive. Seeking a solution from Albany puts us against other interests (not to mention school districts) in begging from those ‘above’ us. I think it’s a better approach to take care of ourselves, without relying on Albany. Then we can unite with others in demanding Albany lessen their impact on us, so that we can better take care of ourselves. Creating a positive feedback loop, which helps everyone in the State.
On that topic, the actual tax rate details were approved. Those of you with property can expect a bill in the mail the beginning of next month.
As there was no student board representative at the meeting, there was discussion about how to get one. I found it ironic how the Board wants a student to be there, so that they can help the Board better serve the students. Except so many of the students are too busy with all that is already going on, they don’t have the time to attend meetings.
The Board discussed it’s goals for this year. Commendable, we should all have goals we are working towards. I particularly liked the one about updating the Code of Ethics pertaining to attendance. Really, all they need to do is add something about ‘best effort’. Or remove it altogether, there is enough already. Either way, I’m glad they are looking at it. And all the Board members were in attendance tonight, so good job them.
And those are my Observations From Audience Land for the August 13, 2019 meeting of the Honeoye Falls-Lima Board of Education.
As has become the norm for this group, Agenda’s and similar information can be found at HFL’s BoardDocs page.