The Pine Plains Board of Education on Tuesday, Nov. 4, discussed upcoming community forums and the recently approved capital improvement plan, and reviewed district goals at the close of the school year’s first quarter.
Superintendent Brian Timm outlined plans for three forums this month intended to gather feedback from staff and residents on the district’s future, particularly concerning the possible consolidation of the district’s three schools, with the potential shuttering of Cold Spring Elementary in Stanford.
The first forum will be held Nov. 12 at Stissing Mountain High School — from 3:45 to 5:45 p.m. for staff, with a second forum at 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for parents and community members. A second community session is scheduled for Nov. 19 at Cold Spring Early Learning Center at 5:30 p.m.
Timm said each forum will include a presentation outlining district challenges and opportunities, followed by small-group discussions and surveys designed to capture feedback. “The idea is to take all of this information, identify common themes and questions, and create an FAQ we can share publicly,” he said.
Timm also updated the board on the district’s $12.9 million capital improvement project, approved by voters earlier this fall. Phase one — replacing the roofs at the high school, resurfacing the track and tennis courts, and potentially adding new lighting — is slated for the summer. Timm said plans have already been submitted to the state Department of Education and are under review.
The next Board of Education meeting will be held on Nov. 18 at Seymour Smith Intermediate Learning Center, beginning with a 6 p.m. tour of the building.