This has been a unique spring. Schools are empty and the athletic fields are deserted. But the virus hasn’t changed everything. The district still has to adopt a budget for the next school year. The public has to elect three school board members. And the Board of Education has to find a new superintendent of schools, because Neal Miller will retire on July 7.
Harvey Sotland, the assistant superintendent for business, reports that even with a reduction in state aid, the budget will be under the tax cap. The governor has not set a date for the annual school vote, but we know that it won’t take place before June 1.
In a letter to the community, Mr. Sotland explains that Cornwall’s state aid for 2020-21 will be almost $107,000 less than it was in 2019-20. The governor could make additional cuts after his quarterly reviews of state finances.
However, at this time, Mr. Sotland is optimistic.
“Barring any major changes upcoming,” he writes, “we fully anticipate being able to fund a roll-over budget without reduction in programs or staff.”
The superintendent search began with input from the community. The school board members received 400 completed questionnaires that helped them establish a profile for the successful applicant.
School Board President Bryan gave the community a progress report on April 17. “We were humbled by the amazing pool of candidates,” she wrote. “The Board of Education interviewed four of them, all of whom had superintendent experience.”
The board originally planned to have these individuals meet with committees that included students, staff, parents and community members. But the COVID-19 restrictions kept this from happening. Instead, the board will rely on help from the district leadership.
The terms for board members Larry Berger, Jim Congelli and Margaret Quinn expire on June 30. The school board president told us that Mr. Berger and Mrs. Quinn have said they will seek re-election.
Meanwhile, education has a new look this spring as students participate from home. Teachers have included activities that are both educational and fun. Mr. Miller sent us the following list:
Elementary schools: Scavenger hunt. Silly prompt writing, Room word hunts, Jump rope rhymes. Chalk obstacle course. Dissecting lima beans. Theme days.
Middle school: Has been sending out daily challenges, such as “Create something new with an old T-shirt”, “cook a family meal”, “write to five people”, and “arrange a family game night”.
