ELIZABETHTOWN — After voters defeated by 1,008 to 372 a proposal for a new school at Thrall Dam Park in Lewis, the Boquet Valley Central School Board of Education will now focus on what to do next, using an exit poll for some guidance.
In addition the board members, several Facilities Committee members participated in a recent meeting with about 50 from the community squeezed into a classroom to gain first-hand knowledge.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Discussing the exit poll results, District Superintendent Joshua Meyer indicated that responses on the exit poll expressed concerns about the Thrall Dam location in Lewis as well as the costs associated with a new facility.
Committee member Jason Welch said, “We did a lot of research. I think we will go down the same road with renovations.”
Board member Micah Stewart indicated that much of the issue revolved around financial considerations.
“I’m concerned that people made choices on what they saw on social media. I can’t help to wonder what motivated these choices,” he said.
Committee member Arin Burdo agreed.
‘A DOZEN REASONS’
“Misconceptions popped up here (social media). and there were location concerns for a number of reasons,” Burdo said.
Sheera Broderick, a committee member, said, “My concern is I don’t think renovating will help us financially and resolve the issues with the bus garage and athletic facilities.”
“There were a dozen reasons to vote no,” added board member Heather Reynolds.
Several other comments focused on the effects of social media.
Stewart added, “We went through traditional ways of communicating, but I don’t think that fits anymore.”
Facilities Committee’s future
Meyer wanted opinions as to whether there is still a need for a facilities committee, whereupon the board as well as committee members replied in the affirmative.
“How do you envision moving forward?” asked Meyer.
Suggestions provided by Board President Dina Garvey included having seven to nine members, an application process, a letter of intent, providing background information, and reason for joining.
This was followed by Ryan Hathaway, committee member, saying, “The board should figure out a list of what you would like (concerning the applicants) and sift out applications for a balance.”
Tom Bisselle, committee member, said, “We should get a younger person on the committee, also someone with a strong background in communication to effectively communicate facts. There are high school students who have better ideas such as a student council member.”
Looking toward the future
Evan George, a board member, said, “We can’t afford to have another ‘No’ vote.”
Bisselle replied, “We need to look at short term and long term needs. For me, that includes more information about properties that have become available since the vote.”
Hathaway agreed.
“I am concerned about what we can do in the long term. There are a number of people whose only concern is getting all the students into one building. There are people who have no interest in upgrading our facilities,” he said.
Board member Tom Broderick reminded those assembled that there were still safety and maintenance concerns.
Heather Reynolds, a board member, said, “We are all from Boquet, not Westport, Elizabethtown or Lewis. This is a tight school community.”
After the special School Board meeting Meyer said, “I am pleased by the turnout and the continued public engagement. We typically have a much smaller audience for our board meetings. The special meeting was necessary for the board and the Facilities Committee to discuss the most recent feedback from the community; the referendum results and the exit poll results; and to discuss how to best move forward based on that feedback.
“I will have a recommendation for the board at our regular March meeting from that discussion. I anticipate that this recommendation will include how to best address our short-term facilities needs in terms of maintenance and repairs as well as a plan to have our Facilities Committee continue to explore long-term solutions for the district. I will also have a recommendation to establish an application process for Facilities Committee membership.”