The evening of 2023-08-22 was a meeting of the Honeoye Falls-Lima Board of Education (BoE).
There was much talk about getting ready for students to return, as the start of the school year is approaching. As always, there is a flurry of activity to get ready.
Time for another Capital Project update. Items completed in Phase 2.5 were shared, along with 3.A, the replacement of the fuel tanks at the bus garage. Unlike most of these updates, the pictures weren’t the most interesting part (although they are nice). Tonight that was a historical contrast.
Part of Phase 3.B includes restoring the historic facade on the front of the B wing. Windows, railing, floors, etc. Trying to make it look like it did in the 1950’s (or 1920’s). Yet at the same time, they are planning to paint over the messages students have left behind the auditorium stage. It sounds like student would write things on the wall after the various plays/concerts/etc.
I find it an interesting contrast towards these two pieces of history. The appearance? Rebuild to look like it did. The students work? Paint over. In all fairness, and as Gene (Superintendent) said, it’s either ~$40k for a new curtain, or ~$400 for paint. I understand the practical concerns behind that logic. Doesn’t change the contrast. It would be interesting to see what messages have been left behind, that are now scheduled to be painted over. If I read the plan right, the actual work won’t start until sometime in 2024. So I’ve got time to play tourist… or archaeologist.
On an amusing note, a milk cooler was declared scrap to be disposed of. And the ‘American Dairy Association’ gave the district a new one. The timing appears to have been almost perfect, the one breaks as the other arrives.
The Board reviewed two parts of their Procedures Manual, visiting school as a Board member and expressing opinions on other Board members. Both seemed common sense like, so perhaps unneeded. But better to have them and not need, then need and not have. Could also be of benefit to a new Board member, in balancing elected official and parent.
And those are my Observations From Audience Land for the August 22, 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.