1.3 acres $0 additional Public Hearing - Glens Falls City Schools

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VOLUME 7

ISSUE 1

WINTER NEWS + LAND PURCHASE PROPOSAL

No additional cost to taxpayers; no debt to be incurred

Need and opportunity drives plan to add land at bus garage

Proposition facts:

Public Hearing All residents are encouraged to attend the second public hearing MONDAY, JAN. 8 at 7 p.m. in the district office, 15 Quade Street

$0 additional NO additional cost to taxpayers, and NO debt would be incurred, as purchase would be made with savings already on hand

1.3 acres

The District wants to buy 1.3 acres of property adjacent to the bus garage and maintenance facility on Glenwood Avenue

January 23 Land purchase proposal up for public vote on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018 from noon—9 p.m. at Sanford Street School

At the school district’s bus garage on Glenwood Avenue, drivers slowly squeeze buses and vans into tight parking spaces. Vehicles are parked right up to—and sometimes a few feet over—the property line. And getting the right-sized bus or van out of the driveway for mid-day science field trips, sports teams’ away games, or afternoon BOCES courses could look like the old game of Tetris from above. “We’re doing all we can to manage and maintain our fleet,” says Transportation and Facilities Director Ken Chester. “But we’re simply running out of room to safely maneuver our school buses around the property.” On January 23, Glens Falls City School District residents will consider a plan to mitigate these safety concerns and position the district to meet the growing and future needs of our students by purchasing property adjacent to the District’s bus garage and warehouse facility. “Even as a ‘non-busing’ district, virtually all of our students use our district vehicles in one way or another,” says Superintendent Paul Jenkins. “Our commitment to student experiences in the form of off-site education, sports, extracurricular activities, and field trips means that every student rides in one of our vehicles—be it daily, monthly, or a few times a semester.” “That educational commitment, coupled with transportation mandates for students with differing abilities, or special circumstances such as homelessness,” he continued, “that’s 1

what is driving the need for transportation and the growth of our fleet.” In a land-locked small city, the district has limited options to address the physical space problem at the transportation facility. But a time-sensitive opportunity emerged when a piece of adjacent property became available for purchase earlier this fall. “We’re in a unique position right now, in • CONTINUED INSIDE •

Non-busing district? See how nearly all kids ride our buses Whether it’s a field trip to study the life cycle of a butterfly, a session of an early-college course in Saratoga, or an away game for one of our sports teams, nearly every student in the Glens Falls City School District climbs into one of our school buses or vans over the course of the year. See how our transportation staff uses our fleet VIDEO: of vehicles to meet the evolving needs of the entire student body in this quick video of just one day on a GFSD bus.

2017-18 WINTER + LAND PURCHASE

Glens Falls C I T Y

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Q A

SCHOOLS

Q A

What’s actually on the ballot? When and where are the public hearings on the ballot proposal? Voters will be deciding on just one ballot item on January 23, The first of two public hearings was held in conjunction with the regular Board of Education meeting on Monday, December 11, 2017. The second public hearing is scheduled for Monday, January 8, 2018, beginning at 7 p.m. in the district office conference room, 15 Quade Street, Glens Falls.

Q A

2018. The actual ballot language is as follows: Land Purchase Proposition

Why does this seem like a “quick” timetable for a public vote? The property owners approached Facilities and Transportation Director Ken Chester in September, asking if the district would be interested in purchasing the property before they formally listed it. “We really appreciated their consideration in letting us know they were looking to sell the property, as we’ve always been interested in the land on either side of the bus garage,” says Mr. Chester. Discussions began in October, an appraisal was conducted, a vote-contingent offer was made, and on November 13, the Board of Education passed a resolution to complete the purchase, pending voter approval. Education law calls for a 45-day public notice period before any public vote, and the vote was scheduled for Tuesday, January 23, 2018. “We wanted to move quickly out of consideration for the owners,” says Superintendent Paul Jenkins, “because if the purchase fails, they are several months behind in listing and selling their property to another buyer. Although we could’ve waited until May (to correspond with budget vote), in addition to the consideration of the owners, we felt it was also prudent to move quickly because of the safety of our students and staff as well.”

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Glens Falls City School District, Warren County, New York, is hereby authorized to purchase the real property located at 35 Glenwood Avenue, Town of Queensbury, New York, within the boundaries of the Glens Falls City School District, from its owner, Susan E. MacDonald, at the appraised price of $240,000, plus reasonable and customary closing costs and expenses.

Q A

What happens if the proposition fails? If the proposition doesn’t get 51% agreement at the polls on Jan. 23, necessary safety improvements could not be made as planned, and a specific agreement with the property owner to allow our buses to park several feet beyond the district’s property line may be in jeopardy. “The property line technically runs about five feet into the pavement of our current driveway,” explains Mr. Chester. “We’ve been fortunate to have an agreement with previous property owners going back more than a decade. They allowed us to pave over a strip of their property to widen our driveway. We would always be at the mercy of any new owner to keep honoring that agreement.”

All 10 of Glens Falls’ fall varsity Scholar Athlete status

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What if I can’t get to the polls on Monday, January 23rd?

All ten of Glens Falls’ Varsity sports teams in the Fall 2017 season have achieved Scholar Athlete status! Scholar-Athlete Team recognition is an honor given by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) to recognize teams that excel academically.

Residents who will not be able to go to the polls on January 23 may apply for an absentee ballot at the District Office (15 Quade Street). If the absentee ballot is to be mailed to the voter, the application must be submitted at least seven days prior to the vote. If the absentee ballot is to be picked up by the voter in person, applications will be accepted until January 22nd. Absentee ballots must be received by the district clerk by 5 p.m. on January 23.

Glens Falls teams honored for their collective grade point average include: Cross Country (92.57); Golf (90.63); Girls’ Swimming (92.22); Girls’ Tennis (92.97); Girls’ Soccer (95.24); Boys’ Soccer (90.48); Volleyball (91.26); Field Hockey (92.38); Cheerleading (90.00); and Football

The following student-athletes had the highest grade-point averages on their team (Soccer), Kasandra Johnson (Field Hockey), Sean Pettis (Golf), Cailin Harrington (Swim Country), Paul Trackey (Cross Country), Ella Kules (Volleyball), Carli Surprenant (Cheer 2


by the

numbers 310

Approximate number of students who ride on a GFSD bus or van in a single day, including special needs students, BOCES career & tech students, Clean Tech- and SUNY Adirondack-enrolled students, homeless students, student-athletes, students on field trips, and other various runs.

40

Current number of drivers and monitors for student-transport vehicles: 24 drivers, including 17 part-time bus drivers and 7 full-time dualtitled employees (example: Driver/Cleaner); plus 16 bus monitors for student assistance and safety.

32

Typical number of bus runs in a single day, counting all separate homeless pickups, midday runs, tutoring, and regularly scheduled runs.

22

Total number of student-transport vehicles in the GFSD fleet, as of December, 2017. Total bus count: 16; total van count: 6.

y sports teams earn

Fall Varsity athletes with highest GPAs (92.08).

m this fall: Ella Hartenberg (Tennis), Stephanie Meehan mming), Nolan Hogan (Soccer), Katherine Culliton (Cross rleading), and Andrew Rizzo (Football). Congratulations!

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These students have it all— service, leadership, and character The Glens Falls High School Chapter of National Honor Society inducted 25 new members in a ceremony held at the school on November 16, 2017. The chapter’s Faculty Selection Committee chose members based on evidence provided in their applications. To be eligible, students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5. They must also complete an application that provides evidence of service and leadership in their school and community and submit character references for review. Students inducted were senior Drew Knapp, and juniors Justina Aiken, John Andre, Matelyn Benway, Luke Borgos. McKenna Clark, Taylor Colvin, Olivia Dybas, Joseph Girard, Liam Gormley, Lauren Hauser, Hannah Hawkins, Griffin Jones, Scott Jones, Drew Knapp, Coleman Leland, Stephanie Meehan, Claudia Miner, Catherine Montgomery, Marlee Pelton-Fuentes, Shyeann Rawson, Madison Redmond, Meghan Siergiey, Brienna Vassar, Callie Woodell, and Jacqueline Young. Principal Tammy Silvernell recognized these outstanding members of the Glens Falls student body for their willingness to challenge themselves academically while simultaneously making exemplary contributions to the school and community. Mrs. Kaitlyn Hobbs Demers, a graduate of GFHS and a lawyer who served as Associate Counsel to Vice President Joe Biden, gave the induction speech. She emphasized character as the quality that underlies the other three pillars of NHS and illustrated its importance with personal experiences from her first career as a teacher of inner city students, her academic challenges as a law student, and her encounters with leadership as a lawyer in Washington, DC. Her new baby, Leo, attended the ceremony, but did not upstage his mother, a veteran of that stage. President of NHS, Sarah Burton, led her fellow officers, Isabel Dickey, Nolan Hogan, and Hannah Young in the candle lighting ceremony. Each officer delivered an original speech that illuminated one of the pillars of NHS. Sarah led the pledge and Mrs. Silvernell and Mrs. Sara, NHS advisor, welcomed the new members with a certificate and a National Honor Society pin and membership card. The Strolling Strings, directed by Ms. Suzanne Leyden, provided music. NHS seniors include Kailyn Anselment, Sarah Blow, Mikayla Burrows, Sarah Burton, Olivia Cohen, Emily Derrick, Ashley DeWitt, Izzy Dickey, Alyssa Fairchild, Elizabeth Fisher, William Florio, Kennedy Guy, Nolan Hogan, Nathan Kroeze, Brock Layden, Taylor Scarincio, Cambrie Schliff, Walton Stanton, Carli Surprenant, Matthew Thung, Lindsey Twardy, and Hannah Young.

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2017-18 BUDGET 2017-18 WINTER + LAND PURCHASE

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High School’s SWAT Team takes a look inside Google headquarters in NYC

SCHOOLS

Coding, Cookies and Cocoa a hit!

In October, members of the High School’s SWAT Team (Students Willing to Assist with Technology) got an in-depth tour and career presentation at Google’s New York headquarters. The day-long visit brought the students behind-the-scenes of Google’s creative offices—and face-to-face with developers and engineers who answered their questions about careers in technological fields. Students also got to try 4D virtual reality prototypes at the Samsung Experience while in New York City. Within Google’s small-group presentation, students got to see the not-yet-released Pixel Book, and talk with programmers. “They heard what it means to be a Google employee, how Google hires, what they’re looking for, in terms of science and computer programming knowledge, and how the company concentrates on leadership and creativity,” said GFSD’s data and network analyst Steve Spory. “Our students asked very insightful questions about next-generation USB-C power development and other cuttingedge technologies.”

GFHS students perform in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade A national audience saw two of Glens Falls’ most talented musicians in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! Sophomore Sean Pettis played saxophone in a repeat performance with the Great American Marching Band, while junior Meghan Siergiey made her parade debut as a dancer. Both GFHS students were in New York Junior Meghan Siergiey and sophomore City the week of Thanksgiving, rehearsing Sean Pettis in the early-morning hours for the Thursday morning performance, before the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade connecting with other student-musicians from across the country, and enjoying some “Big Apple” delights. “The best part would have to be playing with so many wonderful and talented people from all across the U.S.,” says Sean. “The roommate I was paired with last year from Albuquerque, New Mexico was my roommate again this year. We have been in touch along with a bunch of other people I met last year and we were so excited to see each other again. Performing with this group definitely gives you life long friendships!” 4

December 4-10 marked National Computer Science Week and the Hour of Code. As part of the district-wide celebration, families attended a hands-on “maker night” where parents and children created their own light-up holiday cards! The first-of-its-kind event involved art materials, copper tape, 3-volt batteries, and LED lights—along with hot chocolate and cookies, of course. “The night gave us an opportunity to show families that the Arts are an integral part of education in Glens Falls as we also prepare students for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics,” said Asst. Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Trent Clay. “It was inspiring to have such a great turnout for our first event of this kind.”


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Need, opportunity drives land purchase plan ( C O N T I N U E D F R O M F R O N T PA G E )

that the property is available, and we have enough savings within our unassigned fund balance, to be able to buy the property without incurring any debt or asking taxpayers for additional money,” says Assistant Superintendent for Business Bobby Yusko. “We are at a point within our transportation services where we must address our situation proactively and have the foresight to address potential problems, before those future problems become a reality.” A school district’s purchase or sale of land requires a public vote, which has been set for Tuesday, January 23, between noon and 9 p.m. at Sanford Street School.

Responsibility and obligation growing While Glens Falls is a ‘non-busing’ district, the District’s commitment to its families and students—and the academic, athletic, and extra-curricular opportunities available to them— propels the growth of the transportation operation. The proposition on the January 23 ballot asks voters to approve the

“Beyond our responsibility to our educational mission lies our purchase of property at 35 Glenwood Avenue, which is the parcel obligation to those students requiring state-mandated transimmediately north of the bus garage facility at 31 Glenwood. portation services,” Mr. Jenkins says. “The need for requisite services may pop up at any time, and the district has very little The district would purchase the property with savings already control over this reality. In some cases, the district must transon hand—meaning there would be no additional cost to the taxport students up to 50 miles, one-way.” payer, and no debt incurred. “We’re able to make this purchase without raising taxes, and without sacrificing any programAs of December 2017, every vehicle in the Glens Falls fleet is ming,” says Mr. Jenkins. out on the road making daily runs to fulfill the needs of students—leaving no spare vehicles in case of emergency.

Q A

“Last year, we tried to anticipate the levels of service we’d need to provide this year,” says Mr. Chester. “We’ve already exceeded our plan, and we’re only halfway through the school year.”

Where and how do I vote?

All Glens Falls City School District voters, including parts of the town of Queensbury within Glens Falls City Schools—regardless of where they live—will cast their votes at Sanford Street School.

“This is an important consideration when evaluating the potential need for purchasing the neighboring property,” says Mr. Yusko. “Growth in the transportation fleet undoubtedly requires additional space to safely store, maintain, and maneuver our vehicles, so that we may continue to meet the needs of our school community.”

Voting on the land purchase proposition takes place from noon to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, January 23, 2018. To be eligible to vote, a resident must have lived in the school district for at least 30 days prior to the January 23 vote, be a citizen of the United States, be at least 18 years of age, and be registered to vote with the school district.

The proposition on the January 23 ballot asks voters to approve the purchase of property at 35 Glenwood Avenue, which is the parcel immediately north of the bus garage facility at 31 Glenwood. The proposal would allow the district to buy the property at its appraised value of $240,000, plus reasonable and customary closing costs and expenses. This authorization is the only item on the ballot.

www.gfsd.org 5

Board of Education Karin Maurer, Pres. Jeremy Deason, VP Kelly Culliton Timothy Graham Kristin Greenwood Matthew Levin Jason Rivers Suzanne Spector-Tougas Deb Stockdale

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Superintendent – Paul Jenkins News From Glens Falls City Schools produced by Skye Heritage, GFSD Communications Office


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No additional cost to taxpayers; no debt to be incurred

Need and opportunity drives plan to add land at bus garage • S E E F R O N T PA G E •

On January 23, 2018, Glens Falls City School District residents will consider a plan to mitigate safety concerns and position the district to meet the growing and future needs of our students by purchasing property adjacent to the District’s bus garage and warehouse facility. The district would purchase the property for its

appraised value of $240,000 with savings already on hand—meaning there would be no additional cost to the taxpayer, and no debt incurred.

“Even as a ‘non-busing’ district, virtually all of our students use our district vehicles in one way or another,” says Superintendent Paul Jenkins.

A public hearing is scheduled for Monday, January 8, 2018, beginning at 7 p.m. in the district office conference room, 15 Quade Street, Glens Falls.

Residents who will not be able to go to the polls on January 23 may apply for an absentee ballot at the District Office (15 Quade Street). See inside this newsletter for additional details.

VOTE on Jan. 23!

For more information, see:

www.gfsd.org

Pennies for Pink efforts send more than $4K to GF Hospital October’s fundraising efforts across the district resulted in more than $4,000 going to the Glens Falls Hospital Foundation to benefit patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer. GFMS 6th grader Jack Sweet once again spearheaded the “Pennies for Pink” effort, which he began five years ago in honor of his

x Sherman urphy and Ale At KRS, Lily M in honor of their Aunt led the chargeectively. and Dad, resp

grandfather. This year, the Middle School collectively raised $1,521 through coin drives and a lemonade sale. At the High School, Student Council raised $185, International Club raised $51.50, and Soroptimiss raised $229.48. Jackson Heights raised $406, Big Cross raised $428, and Kensington raised $1,179. Way to go!

The JV Field Hockey team sent an addi tional $377.50 to Glens Falls Hospital after its Power of Pink tournament.

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On Nov. 16, Jack Sweet presented the GF ! Hospital Foundation with a $4,000 check