Bus and Board of Education term propositions to go before voters on Feb. 14

On Feb. 14, residents in the Fort Plain Central School District will be asked to vote on two proposals: to spend $90,000 to buy a half-size handicapped-accessible bus and security cameras for other buses; and, to extend the term length of Board of Education seats from three years to five. Voting will take place in the Harry Hoag Elementary School gymnasium from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The new bus would replace a handicapped-accessible van (with more than 100,000 miles on it) and both the bus and cameras would be paid for using the district’s capital reserve fund — without any impact on the local property taxes. The cost of the new bus would not exceed $72,000, while the camera equipment would not exceed $18,000. If voters approve the measure, the district would sell the handicapped-accessible van.

“The new bus would also have a flexible floor plan to accommodate more wheelchairs,” said Superintend Douglas C. Burton. “Also, certain buses in the fleet don’t have cameras, and some of the cameras we do have are outdated.”

A study conducted by Transportation Advisory Services (TAS) in June suggested installing cameras on all buses. The study said camera systems are an important part of any discipline program while also providing protection for drivers.

Meanwhile, at the October Board of Education meeting, member Louis Capece suggested extending the terms of board members from three years to five. The board then unanimously approved to extend the terms at its Dec. 14 meeting.

“There is so much involved in the operation of a school district and understanding all of the federal and state mandates,” Mr. Burton said. “It’s difficult to gain a solid foothold in just three years. We want our board members to fully comprehend all the information so he or she can make the best decisions possible for our children.”

If the proposal passes, the district would phase-in the increase over a three-year period to ensure there would be at least one seat up for election every year in the future. During the May election, voters would elect one member to a three-year term and another for four years. By 2015, all members would be elected for five years.