State recognizes Warwick Valley High as 'A Reward School'
By Abby Wolf
WARWICK — The Warwick Valley School Board held its first meeting since the 2015-16 school year opened this week, working its way through a busy agenda. Here are the highlights:
'A Reward School'The school board commended Warwick Valley High School for its recognition as a Reward School by the New York State Board of Regents and state Department of Education.
“This school," reads the commendation, "is among those in New York State that has made the most progress or has the highest performance with no significant gaps in student achievement.”
In its remarks, the Regents “celebrate the success of your district in supporting educational excellence.”
Tennis court repairsThe district approved a change order allowing spending $100,000 for tennis court renovations to be done by Catalyst Construction; the company will make improvements to the drainage system, as well as using aged stone, new tile, binder and concrete injection to improve the condition of the court at the high school.
Treasurer’s reportsAccording to the treasurer’s report for August 2015, the district has about $2.75 million in its capital reserve fund - checking and savings combined, (versus the July 2015 statement showing a combined $3.166 million in capital reserve), and $125,000 in a savings reserve for repairs.
The district’s combined general checking and savings account balance was just over $7.5 million for the Aug. 31, 2015, statement (versus just over $10.1 million for the statement ending July 2015).
From the superintendentAccording to Schools Superintendent Dr. David Leach, BOE work sessions will be devoted to the district’s mission and goals; the next work session will be held on Monday, Sept. 28, and will be facilitated by School Board President Lynn Lillian.
Leach acknowledged that Parent Portal launched with some technical difficulties, although those are being smoothed out. Parent Portal will – amongst other things – enable parents to have real-time access to students’ report cards.
Interactive TVs would be replacing old SmartBoards, Leach said, and that so far, he had received “positive feedback”.
He added that the district schools’ Open Houses have been successful, specifically at the middle school, where students are being encouraged to focus on potential career interests.
High school highlightsHomecoming was “very exciting,” Leach said, noting the variety of themes for spirit week, including an 80’s theme and color themes, as he thanked staff and students for making it a success: “It was a great day for all.”
The new schedule at the high school is “going swimmingly well,” according to Leach. His office has received positive feedback, especially regarding the longer class periods and on the new lunch program.
He complimented the quality of the “new cuisine and pizza which rivals local pizza parlor” caliber.
Security concerns to be addressed
A number of elementary school parents had contacted the superintendent, after seeing discussions on FaceBook concerning security at the elementary schools.
Leach said that a consultant will be coming to the district and assessing the schools’ security on Oct. 2, and will make recommendations accordingly.
Fair FundingSchool Board President Lynn Lillian said that a social media campaign is in the works.
She thanked Assemblyman James Skoufis, who met with her committee on this issue.
New school policy for HIV/AIDSThe school board has amended its policy to include verbiage reflecting HIV/AIDS policy, on the advice of the school district’s attorneys: “It’s important to have (this policy) in place,” Lillian said, since there had not been policy on this issue previously.
NextWork session, Sept. 28, 7 p.m., Dorothy C. Wilson Center.
Regular meeting, Oct. 5, 7 p.m., Dorothy C. Wilson Education Center.