Culver bids farewell to BOE

WEBUTUCK — After the better part of 10 years of service to the North East (Webutuck) Central School District Board of Education, President Dale Culver gave his final thoughts on current issues during its meeting on June 25.Culver has been on the school board for two periods, from 2001 to 2004 and again from 2006 to the end of his current term this month.He was up for re-election on May 15, along with current board member John Perotti and newcomer Judy Westfall for two available positions. Culver lost.At the beginning of the meeting, Culver was recognized by the Board of Education for his years of service with a commemorative plaque, which was presented by board member Bill McGhee.“I’d like to say thanks. I feel that with the last few superintendents we’ve had, Dale has helped us save a lot of money. With his help we’ve saved a lot here and we greatly appreciate it. We hope he stays somewhat in contact with the rest of us and helps us with the negotiation committee and a few other committees if possible,” he said.Superintendent James Gratto also said a few words.“We have a plaque for Dale and a ‘thank you’ card signed by the board members, the district office staff and administrators. Dale certainly has provided a lot of insight and guidance for all of us through the years, myself in particular. We just wanted to say thanks,” he said.After a round of applause, Culver presented a gift basket to District Clerk Tracy Trotter.“You can’t get a lot done without your board clerk. Thank you, Tracy,” he said.Toward the end of the meeting, Culver handed out a packet highlighting current board issues, making sure to include Westfall in the conversation.“I’ve got some homework for you. I printed this up and left spaces to take some notes. I did this to get everyone on the same page,” he said.The four-page handout was a bulleted list of 50 issues or initiatives Culver wanted to hit on before his departure from the board.“First on the list is the 2 percent tax cap. It’s important to keep in mind all we’ve learned about the new legislation. It’s also important that the board does all it can to honor the community’s view of the 2 percent. This year we could’ve taken over 6 percent but we didn’t because the community truly views it as a 2 percent tax cap,” he said.Another item on Culver’s list was the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) plan.“Let’s finish this and get to the end with it. Keep in mind with all these systems it’s important to make sure the controls interface with ours. Make sure that whatever is purchased they can work with what we have,” he said.As Culver continued through the list, Gratto took to the audience to listen to Culver face-to-face and absorb his presentation.BOE member Kristen Panzer also paid close attention, taking notes throughout Culver’s talk.Under transportation, Culver was passionate when speaking of keeping the services in-house.“There’s no way if you give this up you can ever buy it back. We have good people that we know working our transportation. Not to say that the people who are hired by outside companies aren’t well qualified, it’s just that you have more control in-house. During fires or storms you’ll be grateful that you don’t have to wait for buses to arrive. It’s something to think long and hard about,” he said.Culver made mention of attention to spending throughout the presentation in many different areas, including the facilities.“You’ve got to be careful as you cut not to get penny-wise and pound-foolish. For the good of the district some of the micro-bites that are spent can save a macro-expense,” he said.Culver also appealed to the board to consider a maintenance shed for the maintenance staff.“We’ve got to give these guys a place to store more equipment. They deserve something. They’re out repairing lawnmowers and that should be done indoors. They need more space for on-site storage for the things that they use daily,” he said.Culver also spoke in length about issues that more directly impact the students and staff.“We talk and talk about early identification. We’ve got to keep thinking about anything we can do to help as early as we can,” he said.Culver also pulled no punches when speaking on staffing issues.“With personnel, second chances are great, don’t get me wrong. But there’s also times when you need to cut losses,” he said.Bullying was also a topic in which Culver spoke on that he was very close to.“We’ve done a lot regarding bullying, but there are still issues. It causes difficulties in kids as they go forward. I was a victim of bullying in school. I know how difficult it can be. The kids are the reason we are here. They are our future leaders,” he said.Culver also gave credit to Gratto.“He’s done great and I hope he stays,” he said.He ended his final address to the board by summarizing his view of what the board should be.“Remember to stay open with parents. Be transparent. We’re accountable to the public. This is not a club. This board won’t work splintered. You won’t always agree but keep in mind that you need to support the board. You might not agree with every decision but it’s important to voice that and move forward,” he said.Culver ended the presentation noting that he “felt obligated to wrap-up.”