Penn Yan school board 12/10

Meeting: Penn Yan Central School District board of education met for approximately one and one quarter hours Dec. 10.

Attendance: All board members were present. Approximately 40 people were in the audience.

Action: Approved a negative declaration under regulations of the State Environmental Quality Review Act for property at 524 Liberty St. that the district is proposing to acquire. A vote on the acquisition was scheduled from 2 until 8 p.m., Feb. 10 at the middle school on Liberty Street. The cost is  $54,300 with total costs not to exceed $65,000 for the demolition of the dwelling and incidental costs. If approved by district voters, the property will be paid for from the School District’s Capital Reserve Fund. Also on the ballot will be approval of a resolution to dispose of the Branchport School. The approximately 14-acre property includes the building that is approximately 16,950 square feet in size.

• Approved creation of an Engineering Club at the Academy.

• Accepted donation of musical instruments with an estimated value of $1,820 from an anonymous donor.

Discussion without action: Viewed a video presentation of WPYE Morning TV. The new project beams morning announcements and a variety of other information throughout the school. The presentation for the board of education was an extended version of the morning  announcements.

• Jim Higgins of LeChase construction presented his monthly report to the board. He said, “We had some subcontractors who have pulled off miracles.” Work in the kitchen was behind schedule in mid-November. The contractor put on two shifts and the work was completed in one week, catching up to schedule. Work is continuing in the kitchen and Higgins said they hope to open it on January 5, 2009. He said bad weather this fall has made block work on the exterior more difficult, but that plastic and heaters have helped keep work progressing. He said there will be a topping out ceremony on December 15.

• Members of the Academy Future farmers of America (FFA) chapter spoke abut their trip to the organization’s national convention in Indianapolis. The local group were among 60,000 FFA members nationally who attended the function. The Agronomy team of Sadie Lewis, Stephanie Voak, Brendaya Parsons and Kelsey Broome took Bronze in the national competition. The four won first place in the competition at the New York State Fair. Academy technology teacher John Kriese, who is advisor for the group, told the board about PYA graduates who received special honors during the convention. Recent graduates Megan Fenton and Betsy Jensen received awards during the American degree Ceremony, The highest award given by the National FFA. Jeff Simmons was honored during the Blue Jacket Ceremony. He is National FFA chairman and was responsible for raising more than $15 million for the organization. Kriese said Simmons is now a leader in ag health.

• Yates County Youth Soccer vice-president Colby Peterson spoke to the board about that group’s wish to continue use of the playing fields at the Branchport school. Peterson said the site has been used for the past four  years and has more than 350 youth participating. He said the group would like to lease the area for one year and that they would make improvements to stream erosion as part of the agreement. The property is adjacent to Sugar Creek. Superintendent of Schools Ann Orman said she had spoken with Peterson about the proposal, explaining the property is expected to be put on the market. She said “We realize it is used quite a bit. We appreciate that for our kids.” 

Bids/Purchases over $1,000: Approved purchase of textbooks for Gemini Art History 101 and 102 courses at FLCC in the amount $1,173.

Appointments/Resignations: Accepted with regret the resignation of elementary education teacher Christine Huggler-Wyant, effective June 30, 2009. She began her work with the district in September 1988.

Upcoming meetings: Jan. 14, 2009 at 7 p.m. in the elementary school cafeteria.