“There are lots of moving parts … we have no control … the Department of Education is not sure how to get everything ready by February…it’s complicated.”
These were some of the statements made by Dr. Tara Beams to the transitional Henry Hudson Board of Education at its first meeting Wednesday night, in giving an update on how the regionalization approved by the voters is proceeding.
It’s complicated.
However, when Highlands Council president Joann Olszewski offered a suggestion of assistance from both governing bodies and the board of education, Dr Beams changed the outlook, saying everything is under control.
It’s complicated.
With board members asking few questions, Dr. Beams took over the first portion of the lass than hour long meeting in giving her report on what has transpired with regionalization since it was approved.
Painting a picture of a series of problems the state Department of Education is facing because the new Prek-12 school district is the first being created under the new state law, the superintendent said while the district is doing everything it can, the state department of education does not have all the information it needs for recalculating staff and financing for one district rather than the three boards of education that are forming the district.
It’s complicated.
The superintendent said she is also working with officials on consolidating grants already received by Highlands Board of Education with one submitted for Atlantic Highlands and how these would be consolidated.
It’s complicated.
Additionally, the state needs to give the district guidance, she said, a problem confounded by the fact there is currently no state Commissioner of Education. “We’re not sure what’s happening,” Dr. Beams told the Board.
It’s complicated.
However, should the regionalization foundation not be completed by the February anticipated date, there is no Plan B, she continued, “this is regulation. We’re meeting the requirements. It’s complicated.”
Council member Olszewski, who is the Highlands borough council’s liaison to the school board suggested a possible solution during the public portion of the meeting. Ms. Olszewski asked if it would be helpful if both governing bodies and the school board joined together in a letter to the state to petition for swifter action, more information or whatever would be helpful or necessary to aid the district. To which the superintendent responded, “No, everything’s fine, we have it all under control.” Dr. Beams said she is in constant contact with all the officials necessary. “We’re talking daily,” she told the council member.
It’s complicated.
During the public portion of the meeting, Gena Melnyk asked if the board would refer to the girls sports teams as Admirals, rather than Lady Admirals, noting that to be an Admiral calls for the same requirements and no distinction is made between male or female in the military, so why is there what she described as a disclaimer for the school’s sports team.
The next regular meeting of the transitional board will be at 6 p.m. on February 28 in the Henry Hudson school cafetorium.
Complicated or not, the Highlands taxpayers are paying a lot in taxes for the school district; so it would be quite beneficial to Highlands residents if the council president and all council members place written concerns on record to the state. Do not accept “No, everything’s fine” as a final answer.
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