Now that the 2004-05 school year is over, the Arlington Central School District Board of Education is wasting no time gearing up for the 2005-06 campaign.
The Board of Education’s two new members have officially started their three-year terms, and one trustee is now into her second three-year term. Their goals for board service, maintaining what they say is “excellence” in the school community, are clear and firm.
“I think we should stay on the course we are on,” new trustee John Basso said at the board’s reorganization meeting in the district’s administrative office building on Tuesday. “I think the Arlington Central School District has been setting the benchmark of staying ahead of the curve, with its programs and services. We should stay on the track of being the premier school district in the area.”
New board trustee Peter Warner said he is excited about serving his first three-year term. Warner explained that he has been part of the Arlington school community for a long time, and it feels natural to finally serve on the Board of Education.
“I’m thrilled to be part of it,” Warner said. “I like the school environment.”
Incumbent Trustee Jan Andrews, who is now serving her second three-year-term, echoed the same vision of excitement.
She said she is ready to tackle issues the district is facing, like increased student enrollment at Arlington High School and school tax reform. Andrews said she will work to find ways to alleviate high school taxes for district residents.
“I’m really excited to be involved in the effort to alleviate the overcrowding at the high school and being involved with tax reform,” Andrews said.
Basso, Warner, and Andrews ran unopposed for their Board of Education seats on May 17. Basso earned 3,161 votes, Warner earned 3,093, and Andrews tallied 3,159 to claim their positions. Their three-year terms began July 1, which was the official beginning of the 2005-06 school year.
The Board of Education also renamed Kelly Lappan as its president and Robin Moore as its vice president at the reorganization meeting.
Lappan and Moore are each beginning their third straight years as board president and vice president, respectively.
Lappan said she is eager to get back to work for the district.
“I’m very excited about continuing the good work of the board,” Lappan said.