Firehouse Chats bring
community and school together for important discussions
October 2007
In an effort to continue the
open dialogue among school administrators, parents and the
general public, and to keep the community informed about plans
for the upcoming year, Monticello Superintendent of Schools Dr.
Patrick Michel began his Firehouse Chat series.
The first open forum, held at Monticello Firehouse on October
10, included a presentation by district officials followed by a
question-and-answer session. Discussions included: adding a
football team at the high school, creating a K-5 class structure
at both Cooke and Rutherford Elementary Schools, and a
preliminary look at some budget projections for the next five
years.
With more than 70 attendees, the overall tone of the meeting was
very positive, with people’s questions focused on constructive
ideas and solutions to some of this year’s challenges. During
the evening, Dr. Michel highlighted the success the new Boys &
Girls Club after-school program and the new YMCA Youth Sports
program are having.
“These programs are giving our students a safe, positive place
to go during after-school hours,” explained Dr. Michel. “And as
an added bonus, the programs are helping our children build
their leadership skills.”
One community member noted to the crowd that the addition of a
football team would supply another positive after-school option
for high school students. And he discussed how a football team
could inspire more community involvement with the school
district, as well as having an economic benefit to local
businesses and tourist attractions through the large groups of
people the competing teams would bring into our area for home
games.
Discussions on these and other subjects will continue at the
next Firehouse Chats which are scheduled as follows:
Thursday, October 25, 7 p.m. at the Rock Hill Fire Department
Thursday, November 8, 7 p.m. at the Kauneonga Lake Fire
Department
Thursday, November 29, 7 p.m. at the Forestburgh Fire Department
For more information about these meetings, please call Dr.
Michel at 794-7700.
Photo caption: Monticello Schools’ K-12 ELA, Social Studies
and Library Education Director Ted Kusulas, left, listens
intently as community members share their ideas and opinions at
the recent Monticello Firehouse Chat. Pictured center is
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Patrick Michel.
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