Category: Whitehall

The minutes for the February school board meeting of the Whitehall Central School district were recently finalized. Here is a link to the February minutes.

Five school board seats will be up for election in 2017. School board President, Jeremy Putorti resigned in March, making a four-year seat available. Two other current members, James Brooks and Samantha Kingsley, will have their terms end this year. Those seats are three-year terms. Two two-year terms will also be up for a vote as Anthony Scrimo passed away and Any Austin resigned in 2016. Petitions of those seeking these seats must be returned to the district clerk by April 17th no later than 5:00 pm.

I will be covering these contests and will be sending out questionnaires to all those who enter the race. Stay tuned.

Yesterday’s vote to choose two members of the school board resulted in Jeremy Putorti and Hope Gordon winning five-year terms with 299 and 242 respective votes.

The other candidates gathered these totals:

Harold Nicholson, Jr. 194
Jade Martel 161
Virginia T. Rivette 102
Joseph Swahn 59
Anda Stipins-Gang 43

The proposition for shrinking the school board from nine (9) members to seven (7) members, failed with 213 “yes” and 372 “no” votes.

The proposition to make the term of school board members three (3) years instead of the current five (5) years starting at the next election, passed with 306 “yes” and 280 “no” votes.

The budget for the 2014-2015 school year passed with 483 “yes” votes and 93 “no” votes.

The proposition for buying a new school bus passed, with 461 “yes” and 116 “no” votes.

Harold Nicholson, Jr., candidate for the Whitehall School Board.

Today, I post a candidate interview with Harold Nicholson, Jr., candidate for the school board. He is one of seven candidates running for two seats on the Whitehall School Board. Voting is Tuesday, May 17th. I mailed candidate questionnaires to all those running in this year’s election and will post their responses in the order received. Below are my questions and Mr. Nicholson’s responses.

Could you please tell us about yourself and why you are running for the school board?

I have always felt a desire to help my community, I was born and raised in Gansevoort, but having lived in numerous places in the area, my wife and I settled in Whitehall and have made this our hometown. I am running for a number of reasons, I don’t represent any special interests other than the academic successes of all the students that attend Whitehall Central School District. I believe that we can return our school to the top, and that I am the man to help our school reach that goal. I am running for school board because although we are getting better, we are not even close to where we should be and I feel it is my responsibility to help.

When you were growing up, who was someone you really admired? Why did you admire them?

Growing up multiple individuals earned my admiration. I was surrounded by great people, tremendous civic pillars, but my most admired was Mr. Edward LaFave. Mr. LaFave was not merely my sixth grade teacher, but I had the pleasure to call him mentor. Mr. LaFave was the deputy mayor of the village of South Glens Falls for decades and ran the village with pride and decency for all those that lived in the village. He would listen to anyone that would come to him with problems or concerns and handled adversity with dignity and a level head. He still remains an active volunteer within the Boy Scouts of America and is an outspoken supporter of civic duty and pride in our country. Not only did Mr. LaFave teach those under him, but he also taught through example. He lives his life with an understanding that those around him are just as important as himself, and gives to those that have the least.

Name a leader on the state or national level that you think does a good job advocating to make things better for all of us? Why do you believe this?

This question goes to, what I believe, is one of the fundamental problems with our current governmental system. I don’t know of any particular leader that currently does what I would consider a great job advocating for the greater good. It is my belief that representatives don’t spend nearly enough time listening to their constituents and then following through with what is best for everyone. Senator Betty Little does one of the best jobs in our area. She actually listens to her constituents, and can actually be seen around town, at meetings, and making an effort for us. I have had the pleasure of knowing her for some years now and have seen her on a number of occasions remember individuals by name and can remember what it was she helped them with. The problem with attempting to make things better for everyone is that sometimes that makes things worse for some and better for others. The goal is finding a balance and not unduly burdening one group for the benefit of the whole.

From the 2004-2005 school year until the 2014-2015 school year, total enrollment has declined from 885 students to 736 students. However, the property tax levy increased every one of these years. How will you be an advocate for the taxpayers of the district?

The issue of taxes, especially for the Town of Dresden, as it pertains to the school has been an issue for a number of years, but it is an issue that is all too frequently felt the hardest by those that do not have the ability to pay. There are a number of programs that the school could invest in that would decrease overall expenses. The first would be to look into alternative energy sources. Current solar technology has greatly surpassed my expectations and decreasing operating costs would only be prudent. Tying into that idea the replacement of our aging heating and cooling system would also yield major benefits. The current efficiency ratings for our systems are too low to sustain. Another way of decreasing the tax bill is to stop excess. Wasteful spending is always an issue, and curtailing that my fiduciary responsibility. I would love to see our school be at the forefront of STEAM style learning, and by doing that we can actually make money for our school by charging other schools for our services, including distance learning.

The area that encompasses the Whitehall School district is experiencing serious economic challenges. How would you work on the school board to address these challenges? Do you believe there is a correlation between higher spending, rising property taxes and economic decline?

There is a direct correlation between the quality of the school in a district and the area’s attractiveness for home-buyers and business. We are in a strategic place to grow and need to capitalize on all our opportunities. Creating a strong school will bring more home-buyers and more home-buyers will bring more business. What we need to create though is a balance between strengthening our school and not overburdening our citizens. We need to streamline our spending, make sure our students are receiving the services they need, remove gaps in our curriculum and maintain our facilities in a way to reduce spending.

What is your favorite book? Why do you like it?

I don’t have a favorite book per se, but I rather enjoy dramas and mysteries. I just recently re-read Dan Brown’s Inferno ahead of the movie release. I enjoy stories that make you think, and are full of twists and turns. There is nothing like a good mystery to stimulate your brain.

Editors Note: I would like to thank Mr. Nicholson for his answers to my questions. I will post the other candidate’s responses in the order I receive them.

Today, I post a candidate interview with Virginia Rivette, candidate for the school board. She is one of seven candidates running for two seats on the Whitehall School Board. Voting is Tuesday, May 17th. I mailed candidate questionnaires to all those running in this year’s election and will post their responses in the order received. Below are my questions and Ms. Rivette’s responses.

Could you please tell us about yourself and why you are running for the school board?

My name is Virginia Rivette. I have lived in Whitehall for 39 years. I have three daughters who have graduated from the Whitehall School and a grandson currently enrolled in the second grade. I live on Poultney Street with my husband George. I have served on the school board for 15 years and am seeking re-election to continue my service to the school and the district.

When you were growing up, who was someone you really admired? Why did you admire them?

The person I admired the most while growing up was my father. He was a hard working farmer/logger who raised 10 children. He was always working and never complained about his lack of money. He was a person who truly loved children and loved his life.

Name a leader on the state or national level that you think does a good job advocating to make things better for all of us? Why do you believe this?

I think the person who works the hardest to make things better for all is our former representative Chris Gibson. He is willing to listen and work hard to improve the local economy.

From the 2004-2005 school year until the 2014-2015 school year, total enrollment has declined from 885 students to 736 students. However, the property tax levy increased every one of these years. How will you be an advocate for the taxpayers of the district?

Having served on the school board for the last 15 years; I feel I have been an advocate for the taxpayers of Whitehall. Yes enrollment has decreased and yes there has been a tax increase each year; but there has also been many state mandates without reimbursement. The gap elimination is one example of how the local taxpayer makes up for the state’s lack of funding.

The area that encompasses the Whitehall School district is experiencing serious economic challenges. How would you work on the school board to address these challenges? Do you believe there is a correlation between higher spending, rising property taxes and economic decline?

I think that if the Whitehall School improves than more people will want to stay/move to the district which would increase the tax base. The school needs to improve academically to make this happen. Of course there is a correlation between higher spending; (often unavoidable ie special education, retirement costs, health insurance costs) which results in higher taxes and economic decline. We need to offer the highest affordable education to all our students.

What is your favorite book? Why do you like it?

My favorite book is Gone with the Wind; I like it because it has some historical value but mostly because it shows life struggles and how to keep moving forward.

Editors Note: I would like to thank Ms. Rivette for her answers to my questions. I will post the other candidate’s responses in the order I receive them.

Anda Stipins-Gang, candidate for the Whitehall School Board.

Today, I post a candidate interview with Anda Stipins-Gang, candidate for the school board. She is one of seven candidates running for two seats on the Whitehall School Board. Voting is Tuesday, May 17th. I mailed candidate questionnaires to all those running in this year’s election and will post their responses in the order received. Below are my questions and Ms. Stipins-Gang’s responses.

Could you please tell us about yourself and why you are running for the school board?

I’ve been a full-time resident of Clemons since 1976, though I’ve been in love with this place since 1956; and worked at the WSWHE BOCES for about 30 years. During my years there, I taught adult ed., beginning and advanced welding, (ocy-acet, electric arc, MIG and TIG). I completed my Master’s at Castleton so that I could be a teacher of special needs students. During my first 13 years at WSWHE BOCES, I taught a vocational class in Building Maintenance, and then for an additional 13 years, I taught Special Education. In total, I’ve earned over 10 teaching certifications. Not many people have the advantage of that lens, and that experience is what I bring to this endeavor. WSWHE BOCES is a tremendous resource for all of us. With the new Superintendent coming on board at WCS, I feel it is a good time to join the effort. I’m a total package.

When you were growing up, who was someone you really admired? Why did you admire them?

I greatly admired my mother and father. WWII tore them from their home and land, Liepaja, Latvija. They started a new life in a new country without anyone sponsoring this transition. No matter how tough it got, we forged ahead. When not busy with chores, our noses were in books. My mother was a great reader, and encouraged us to develop our minds and abilities, and no matter how heavy your load, don’t give up. Knowing what they went through during the war and subsequent years, I knew she was right by proving it in her own life each and every day. Our combined libraries feel like the mythical great Library of Alexandria.

Name a leader on the state or national level that you think does a good job advocating to make things better for all of us? Why do you believe this?

I admired the work and message of the now deceased great photographer, Diane Arbus. She photographed individuals most of us don’t see, and her images revealed a greater truth than first visible in the picture. She taught me about acceptance and to open my mind and think of what it is like to walk in another person’s experience. Dorothea Lange is another favorite of mine. She chronicled the impact of poverty on people in the 30’s and during the dust-bowl era. Her images told great stories of survival under very trying conditions. Each of these women left an impact of such depth and enormity on me that they helped mold my thinking. Last, but certainly not least, I think of Eleanor Roosevelt. She fought for the right’s of individuals who suffered during her time.

From the 2004-2005 school year until the 2014-2015 school year, total enrollment has declined from 885 students to 736 students. However, the property tax levy increased every one of these years. How will you be an advocate for the taxpayers of the district?

This is a big issue for sure. Taxes are determined by the appraisal value of your property. Some of the residents of our town live in an area where their property’s are valued much higher than other parts of town. This truth is determined by the state of New York and Lake George. We live in an area that has real economic realities of lack of jobs and opportunities. However, there are other avenues to explore to help support funding school activities. BOCES is a first resource of choice. I would contact them to inquire about grant writing opportunities as they, too, use granting monies to fund projects. We are in a place of historical importance. Contacting Business and Industry is another source of potential funding. Considering our great history and fabulous location, companies dedicated to enjoying the outdoors could be approached to see how we could work together. To help with our costs to heat and power the school, it is a good time to consider solar and wind energy alternatives to supplement the existing structure.

The area that encompasses the Whitehall School district is experiencing serious economic challenges. How would you work on the school board to address these challenges? Do you believe there is a correlation between higher spending, rising property taxes and economic decline?

The tax base for the WCS comes mostly from property owners. Industry has abandoned this area, and as I hear stories about area towns struggling with toxic water sources resulting from industry waste, this might not be a bad thing. Non-funded education mandates from both the state and federal governments make this burden heavier to us, the tax-payers. Costs for everything, salaries, fuel, power, transportation, food and technology keep going up. Even with a smaller school population, the increase in costs impacts us continuously. Has anyone checked their food bills lately? Vagaries of weather impact the cost of our food, and there is nothing we can do about that. Keeping up with technology is also fabulously expensive. I would like to encourage people who have such connections in related businesses and industry within our district, to work to explore this option. History has shown us time and again that when the going gets tough, we have to reach more deeply into our pockets. During my years in the classroom, I can’t tell you how much money I spent, from my own wallet, to fund classroom activities, and I know many other teachers who do the same. Just ask my husband George Gang ((-;

What is your favorite book? Why do you like it?

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte has always been a favorite. Overcoming obstacles to the human experience, regardless of one’s status in society, is, for me, the core lesson of this story. Finding love and acceptance is what we all hope for in life. Just as my own parents and siblings had to overcome the trials of trying to escape war and establish themselves in a new life, the characters in Jane Eyre also struggle to find love and acceptance and at great cost to themselves. If I had to name another, it would be The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway. Again, the battle between the fish and the old man, and resulting outcome, provides us all with insight in what it takes to fight the good fight. We all have to fight the good fight after all.

Editors Note: I would like to thank Ms. Stipins-Gang for her answers to my questions. I will post the other candidate’s responses in the order I receive them.

Recently I mailed questionnaires to all the candidates running for the two open seats on the school board.

I will post the candidate responses as I receive them.

The following individuals are running for the two seats on the school board that will open up this year:

Anda Stipins-Gang
Hope Gordon
Jade Martel
Harold Nicholson, Jr.
Jeremy Putorti
Virginia T. Rivette
Joseph Swahn

I will be getting questionnaires out to all the candidates shortly.

Voting for two open seats on the school board, adoption of the annual budget and multiple resolutions will take place on Tuesday, May 17th between 12:00 noon and 9:00 pm in the large group instruction room at the Whitehall high school on Buckley road.

This year there are multiple resolutions on the ballot also:

1.) Voters will be asked to keep the school board at its current 9 members or shrink the number to 7.
2.) Voters will also be asked whether the term of the members should be 5 years or be shortened to 3 years.
3.) Voters will be asked to approve the purchase of two 65-passenger school buses, not to exceed the cost of $230,000.
4.) Residents will also vote an the annual school budget.

Once again there are numerous candidates running for the two available seats. I will be covering this election and the ballot propositions during the next few weeks, so please stop back for more updates.