Building project update, North Hornell news, and Scott Sexton graduates!
By Syrena Lynn Carver
The Hornell City School board meeting held on September 7 wasn’t just about the “furry” controversy. Board members heard from community members, received an update on district construction projects, new security upgrades, and most importantly, Hornell High School has another graduate.
Patricia Moore of Hornell was the first for public comment: She suggested that school board meetings be changed to a later time so that people who have to work jobs until 4 or 5 pm could attend easier. She also suggested public comments be at the beginning and at the end so that working people who might arrive late, would have a chance to speak. She then addressed the Tennis Courts: Palotti stated they are preparing a project to discuss them in December. The school still offers tennis, and they take the students to James St. Park and Alfred University.
Andy Billotte updated the board with the construction updates: New parking lot sign for North Hornell for traffic flow, more playground equipment will be coming in the spring, there will also be some play items for children in wheelchairs, and the addition is pretty much wrapped up. Billotte also addressed elevator modernization and the projects being held up by supply chain issues. The work on the office at the high school and work on the north side of the science classroom are delayed due to trouble obtaining electrical parts but they are hoping to have the project started Jan. 2023.
New clocks have been installed in all the schools, equipped with automated security features that can be activated to secure building in case of emergency.
Sean Gaffney thanked all staff at N. Hornell for the smooth transition in moving classrooms. North Hornell has children as young as 2 years old attending. Intermediate School theme this year is outer space. They have partnered with the YMCA for afterschool programs so that the YMCA can offer birth – 2 years old in their daycare and the older kids starting age 3 will be in the school. Junior High School theme is “Raiders Rising.” It was stated that 47% of kids in grades 8-12 are on the honor roll. The school staff will be conducting a safety drill in connection with Police and Fire.
Covid funding: The district received $2 million and will receive another $4.7 million next year. This has allowed more leeway within the general funds and made it possible for all these construction updates and 27 new positions.
Congratulations to Scott Sexton for earning his high school diploma! The board held a special graduation ceremony that was attended by Sexton’s family members.
