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RFH 2010, HCS News

HCS Voting Tuesday: What the Candidates Say

Sat, May 15, 2010

HCS Voting Tuesday: What the Candidates Say

Residents in the HCS District go to the polls Tuesday, casting ballots on a spending plan, funding for the library, the purchase of a school bus and to elect two members of the board of education. The polls are open from noon to 8 p.m.

The Money

Residents will vote on the 2010-2011 district budget, which totals $11,335,607. That amounts to a .52 percent increase over the current budget and includes a 3.18 percent increase in the tax levy.

Also on the ballot is the purchase of a 66-passenger bus for a price not to exceed $95,000 and the purchase of a $25,000 fuel-efficient vehicle.

The last spending item on the budget is the school district contribution to the Hamilton Public Library. This year's amount is $90,710, up $9,819 from the current $82,900.

The People

Three people are seeking two open seats on the school board: Seeking reelection to the two three-year seats are:

  • Incumbent Robert Pils
  • Molly Johnson
  • And, Antonia Berrara.

Pils' term is up and the seat of Sandra Carter is open since she decided not to seek reelection.

As we have in the past, we ask each candidate a set of questions and have posted their answers side-by-side so you can compare and contrast. We have posted their answers verbatim so you get the without any reportorial interpretation. We asked each of them:

What is the role of HCS in the broader community? How important is the school in the life of the school district? (Limit your answer to 300 words.)

What made you decide to seek election to the HCS Board of Education? (Please limit your answer to 300 words.)

List the three biggest challenges facing the school district and what you believe ought to be done about them. (Please limit your answers to 200 words per issue.)

HCS, like other school districts in New York state, faces the potential of a significant cut in funding from the state in its 2011-2012 budget. If you are on the board when it develops that budget, what ought to be done to ensure the district's educational mission is met and taxes kept in check? (Limit your answer to 300 words.)

What is your view of extracurricular activities (sports, music, art, etc.)? How important are they in the lives of HCS students? And, in tough economic times, ought they be maintained, and how should they be paid for? (Please limit your answer to 300 words.)

Finally, please speak about your own elementary and secondary school experiences. Did you enjoy school? Were you a good student? What did you learn? Did you have a favorite teacher? If so, who was it and what did you learn from him/her? (Please limit your answer to 300 words.)

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