Archive: Around Town

Mark S. LewisBoard of Education to Vote on Construction Project Resolutions

At the December 14 board meeting, the Lansing Board of Education will act on two separate resolutions that, if approved, will place two propositions for renovation of the three schools and the bus garage and expansion of the high school on or about February 6, 2007. If approved, there will be significant activity during the ensuing six weeks to inform the Lansing voting public of the details of the propositions, the impact on the buildings and the educational programs, and the cost to the local taxpayers.

Every effort will be made to communicate with as wide a population as possible. Civic, church, and neighborhood groups, as well as other district organizations will be contacted in order to establish times when school officials, design team members, and community awareness group members can meet with them to present the proposals and answer questions and/or concerns.

If you are a member of a particular community group and would like to schedule a meeting during the month of January to discuss the pending referendum, please contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Our goal is to ensure that as many community members as possible are briefed on the details of the proposals prior to a February vote.

School Safety Committee Being Formed
Throughout the fall of 2006, the District Shared Decision-Making Committee has been reviewing the district’s emergency plan to ensure that it is up-to-date, comprehensive, and viable. In October, Mr. Brian Hill, safety expert, met with the committee to review the components of an effective school safety plan. Mr. Hill is a key consultant to the Westchester County Emergency Management Team, and has major responsibility for the security of Nine Mile Point Nuclear Plant on the Hudson River.

During the days prior to meeting with the Lansing committee, Mr. Hill made significant revisions in Lansing’s plan document to ensure its compliance with State Education Department specifications. The new document is far more extensive than its predecessor, so much so that it has become clear that a separate group must assume responsibility for its implementation. As a result, the Lansing Board of Education has approved the creation of a district wide school safety committee to review all aspects of the document and provide guidance to the schools in terms of their specific building safety plans.

The District Shared Decision-Making Committee has assumed responsibility for contacting community members and emergency responders in an effort to submit a list of safety committee members to the board of education in January. Law enforcement officers, county and BOCES emergency management officials, and fire department representative will be contacted, along with community members, teachers, and administrators. The committee will include board representation as well.

If you are interested in becoming a member of this very important committee, contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at your earliest convenience.

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