Dear Edgemont Neighbors,
I write to share an important update regarding petitions recently submitted to the Edgemont School District seeking to add two propositions to the ballot for the annual budget vote and school election. One petition sought a proposition regarding an internal study to evaluate issues related to class sizes in grades kindergarten through six; the other petition sought a proposition regarding the restoration of three overnight trips for Edgemont students. At the April 22 Board of Education meeting, the School Board voted to reject both petitions.
School Board President Jennifer DeMarrais gave the following remarks explaining the board’s decision. She noted that although the propositions would not appear on the ballot, the School Board would nevertheless “consider these petitions to be an expression of the desires of a segment of our community warranting our consideration in the future.”
Board President DeMarrais’ full statement follows:
I just wanted to briefly explain the basis for the Board’s vote regarding the petitions that we received yesterday to add those two propositions for the upcoming budget vote. After receiving them we asked District counsel to advise the Board as to whether either or both met the legal requirements for putting such propositions before the voters. We have been advised by counsel that they are both legally deficient based upon applicable provisions of the Education Law including, but not limited to, Education Law Sections 1709, 1711, and 2035*. These deficiencies include the fact that such propositions must first be within the power of the voters to determine which we have been advised by counsel they are not. Additionally, such propositions must also set forth the amounts to be expended should the voters approve the propositions, which at least one proposition does not specifically identify. Lastly, we have been advised that such petitions must include actual signatures rather than the electronic signatures included in the petitions that were before the Board for our consideration.
Please know that although the Board has determined that the propositions do not meet the legal requirements to include as propositions in our upcoming budget vote, this doesn’t mean that the Board is unwilling to consider the issues raised in our decision-making moving forward. We consider these petitions to be an expression of the desires of a segment of our community warranting our consideration in the future. For example, as I said two weeks ago, we’ve already started to consider whether it is time to commission a comprehensive study regarding class sizes. However, as I have previously stated such a study needs to take into account all the relevant factors including enrollment, facilities, and budget, to reach a decision that is both sustainable and equitable across grade levels and schools.
Although these propositions won’t be on the ballot in May, we do appreciate the input provided by our community members and look forward to continuing this dialogue during the upcoming school year.
*Board President DeMarrais misspoke at the meeting; the correct section is Section 2035.
The Edgemont Community Council remains committed to keeping residents informed about developments that impact our schools and community. We believe that engaged and well-informed citizens are essential to the strength of our community, and we will continue to provide timely updates and context to help residents better understand key decisions and the processes behind them.
Sincerely,
Dylan F. Pyne
President, The Edgemont Community Council