PPCSD Board of Education Newsletter

October, November and December

On October 15th, voters supported our upcoming Capital Improvement Project. The approval of this project will address aging infrastructure to ensure the health and safety of students, faculty and community members. Improvements will be made to the Jr/Sr High School's roof and elevator, an update to the track, tennis court and gymnasium floor, a concession stand with bathrooms on the athletic fields and development of Stissing's courtyard. Additionally, masonry restoration will be addressed at Seymour Smith ILC. The work associated with these projects are expected to begin during the summer of 2026 (Phase 1) and be completed during the summer of 2027 (Phase 2). In addition, the fall months of this year included Board Members accompanying Dr. Timm to many town board meetings to discuss the future of the district. The same presentation was given to employees and community members who attended scheduled forums. Thank you to everyone who voted on the capital project and attended the town meetings and forums. Communication and insights from all stakeholders is of paramount importance to this Board.

Effective July 1, 2025 Governor Hochul required all school districts to include an ex officio student board member. While this role was required as of July 1st, that date began Pine Plains' fourth year with a student board member. As stated by NYS School Boards Association, "this law aims to recognize the value of including students’ voices on school boards and, thus, empower students by giving them a voice in the decisions that affect their education and well-being and the operation of their schools. It also “provides an opportunity for young New Yorkers to build skills and habits of civic engagement.” As a result, the inclusion of student members is not only a step toward ensuring that the perspectives of young people are heard, but it also strengthens the work of school boards by fostering more inclusive, well-rounded decision-making processes." The Pine Plains Board is happy to work with 12th grader, Hailey Lamping, in this role. Hailey keeps the Board updated on events happening throughout the district, is willing to share her thoughts and experiences when questions are asked of her, and took the initiative for DCC Statistics students to present their project to the Board regarding the new Internet- Enabled Device Law. We appreciate Hailey's commitment to her role!

NYS Law requires school boards to hold at least one meeting in each school building each year. While in each building, the Board takes a tour of the facility with each principal pointing out new programs or improvements, the incredible work being done by the students of the school and highlights other items of importance. This year the Board of Pine Plains toured Stissing Mountain on October 21st, Seymour Smith on November 18th. Cold Spring was snowed out on December 2nd and will be rescheduled to a future date. While at Stissing, the Board learned about new additions to the outdoor space that students use for recess as well as the new kiosk that can be found in the lobby. The tour concluded with a visit to the Winner's Circle Project classroom and a test drive of the virtual simulator. At Seymour Smith, the board viewed and learned about lessons being taught and observed students' work displayed in the hallways. Observations of the trout tank housed in the enrichment room were made as well as learning about the Wall of Fame that promotes activities students do outside of school.

At the November 4th Board Meeting, the Board reviewed the current Board goals for the year. This Board recognizes the importance of revisiting the goals throughout the school year to remain current on our progress towards achieving each goal. As with any annual goals, one Board goal has been achieved while others are in progress or about to begin. If you aren't familiar with the Boards' goals for this school year, please click the link below.

December 16 - BOE Meeting, 6:30 at Stissing Mountain Library

December 24 - January 4 - Winter Break

January 1 - HAPPY NEW YEAR!

January 6 - BOE Meeting, 6:30 at Stissing Mountain Library

January 20 - BOE Meeting, 6:30 at Stissing Mountain Library

February 3 - BOE Meeting, 6:30 at Stissing Mountain Library

February 17- BOE Meeting, 6:30 at Stissing Mountain Library