Handler updates BOE on building project, year’s athletic success

PINE PLAINS — The Pine Plains Central School District Board of Education (BOE) met for regular business on Wednesday, June 1.

A public hearing on the code of conduct and district safety plan was opened and adjourned, due to the lack of community members at the meeting. The public comment period will remain open for 30 days, however, for any resident who wishes to submit a question or concern to the school district.

The regular meeting re-opened with a comment from BOE President Fred “Chip” Couse, who mentioned he had come across a 1947 Pine Plains school yearbook on eBay. Couse bid for the yearbook, but was outbid by someone else.

Following that comment, Superintendent of Schools Martin Handler presented three board members with certificates for the completion of board-member training. Recipients included James Griffin, Karen Horton and Ann Arent.

“The community needs to know these people go above and beyond,” the superintendent remarked.

District updates

The school district is undergoing a building project for a new bus garage.

The school superintendent brought the board members up to speed and informed them the project is running slightly behind schedule.

The new garage is due to have concrete poured for the foundation this week.

Additionally, the board passed resolutions to authorize the funding of the district’s approved reserves, and appointed summer school staff.

School athletics

Handler also took a moment to recognize the hard work of student athletes, saying it was “nothing less than a remarkable school year in interscholastic athletics. We’re a small C school,” he added, noting the school holds five sectional championship titles.

This year’s athletic pride started with the girls field hockey team and volleyball, and continued as the girls basketball team went to sectionals and on to the state finals.

Now,  “we have hit the double,” Handler said, with the girls softball and boys baseball team, both sectional champions, as they move onto regional championships.