Oysterponds board dispels rumors about forum at high school
Rumors in the community about a planned high school forum have had residents concerned that the discussion would deal with whether or not to sign a contract with Greenport for educating Oysterponds junior and senior high school students in future years.
But school board member Krista de Kerillis dispelled that Tuesday night, saying the purpose of the forum is to determine what Oysterponds wants from whatever district might educate Oysterponds students in the future. The discussion would then guide the board in putting out a request for proposals to any area school districts that might be interested in the future contract.
“It’s not about a particular school,” Ms. de Kerillis said.
Greenport wasn’t open to changing the agreement it has for the current school year because its budget for this year has been based on expectations of what it will receive from Oysterponds, said board member Debra Dumont. But Greenport Superintendent Michael Comanda said he’s told Ms. Dumont he’s open to negotiations that wouldn’t have to be tied to the Seneca Falls formula.
Lisa DeLuca, who has a child at Greenport this year, suggested that the board reach out to parents whose children are in Greenport about what courses and services they would like to see from whatever district Oysterponds contracts with in the future. She offered to assist in helping the board to reach those parents, saying it would take a hands-on approach to get them involved in the discussion.
Board members acknowledged the offer, without making any decision about how to proceed.
