Putting our annual, proposed budget before voters may be a state requirement, but it is also an opportunity to receive further proof of this community’s support of its students. I cannot express adequately the gratitude of our staff for your continued vote of confidence – an 81 percent yes vote – in what we set out to do each day: provide a supportive, relationship-driven environment for all students to pursue their goals.
In 23-24, we will focus on students reaching reading level in elementary and middle school, before reaching high school; more opportunities for students to earn credits before starting high school; and increasing options for students in the arts.
Thank You Voters
The District’s 2023-24 budget is $53 million and has a 0% tax levy increase and was approved by a vote of 260 to 60.
The two candidates for two Board of Education seats, Bryan Steele and Megan Borlang, were both elected to five-year terms. This is Mr. Steele’s third term. Mrs. Borlang ran unopposed for the seat held by Mark Galough, who did not seek re-election.
By a vote of 255 to 66, the $450,000 proposition to purchase three school buses and three passenger vans was approved. Residents also approved 268 to 50 the further funding of the capital reserve account with an additional $150,000 for future capital projects. Our Energy Performance Contract (EPC), which will allow our district to make energy-efficient improvements without the need for increased taxes, passed 290 to 32.
Voters elected both Bryan Steele and Megan Borlang to serve on the Board of Education for five-year terms.Mr. Steele ran unopposed and was elected to his third term. Mrs. Borlang ran unopposed for the seat held by Mark Galough, who did not seek re-election. Please thank Mr. Galough for his service. His last meeting is in June.
Prom Weekend Has Arrived
The opportunity for students to formally celebrate and continue to build lasting memories with each other is definitely worthy of its own headline in Talking Tiger. Juniors will take “A Walk Down Memory Lane on a Starry Night” and I am sure many community members look forward to seeing all the gowns and tuxedos in the park. I send my best wishes to students and families for a fun and safe event, and my thanks to the staff and individuals who are helping make coronation, the actual prom, and then after-prom events possible.
Construction On Time: One Set of Restrooms Completed
I am pleased to share that the capital construction work voters authorized is currently on schedule. While it might not seem like a hallmark of this overall project, the opening of the first set of restroom renovations is being celebrated. A total of three sets of restrooms at the high school are being renovated and upgraded. The remaining two will be completed between now and September 2023. Visual progress on secure vestibules at the Middle School and High School have been evident for a while, and the HS library and auditorium are taking shape as well.
Science Research Symposium
The 8th Annual Science Symposium will be held Wednesday, May 24 at 6:00 PM. This year’s event will be at The Strand Theatre in Hudson Falls. Our annual symposium is an opportunity for our research students to present their hard work throughout their time in the program. Our 3 seniors and 3 juniors will be presenting on stage and every student will present during a poster session. There is also a keynote speaker, Dr. Charlie Bettigole from Skidmore College who will be giving a talk about involving “the latest technologies in geoinformatics and data science to help solve pressing ecological dilemmas.”
The science research course is a three-year elective in which students choose a topic and carry out an original research project on that topic. The student does all of what professional researchers do, from journal readings to finding a mentor, planning a project, and carrying it out to an appropriate research conclusion. As the work progresses, the student writes research papers, creates posters, and presents research findings at available competitions and symposia as determined by the instructor.
School, District & Community Calendar
Saturday, May 20: Junior Prom – Coronation 4:30 p.m. in the high school gym; Prom
6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. at the1925 Barn; After-Prom Party 11:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m. Hudson Falls High School.
Wednesday, May 24: 8th Annual Science Symposium featuring the Science Research Program. 6:00 p.m. at the Strand Theatre.
Thursday, May 25: Middle School Choir and Orchestra Concert, 7:30 p.m. in the high school gym.
Monday, May 29: Memorial Day. No Classes.
Saturday, June 3: In Memory of Johnny Barbieri Jr. – Flag Football/Pickleball Tournament (games begin at 10 a.m.) and Helicopter Ball Drop (2:30 p.m.) … Sign Up Now! Teams are still needed and it’s easy. Visit the registration page! All merchandise proceeds will benefit the Johnny Barbieri Memorial Fund: https://www.storessimple.com/hallwearstores/johnnyb
Thursday, June 15: Summer Drivers Education sign ups 1 p.m. in the HFHS cafeteria.
Have a great and safe prom weekend, Tigers!
Dan Ward, Superintendent
