Editor, The Spotlight:
On behalf of the Board of Education, the BC staff and educational community, I wanted to thank everyone who participated in last week’s facilities bond vote.
A whopping 4,774 people voted last Tuesday. We’ve said all along that our goal was for the community to be involved in this process, and I’m grateful that so many people took the time to do so. After a record turnout at last year’s budget vote, it was refreshing and heartening to see that momentum carry through to last week.
For the past year, we’ve engaged in the process of creating a plan for preserving the future of Bethlehem schools and providing our students with improved facilities.
The track and field improvements were brought to the board by a number of residents and we made a commitment to them to let the greater BC community have its say. We appreciate everyone’s involvement in this process.
Additionally, more than 700 of you participated in our anonymous exit survey. We are fortunate to have such an involved community that is willing to provide their time and honest feedback. I am especially proud that over 93 percent of respondent felt that they have been informed about this referendum. Ultimately, that has been the districts’ primary goal.
I want to say again, though, Thank You. This is, and has always been, our school district. Determining what is best for the Bethlehem community when it comes to the education of its children does not rest solely with me or with the board of education. That right belongs to you, the voters.
As you may know, we are in the midst of crafting the spending plan for the 2013-14 school year. We invite all of you in the BC community to join us in this process and, of course, to vote on May 21. Information on the budget process and a schedule of Board of Education meetings can be found at www.bethlehemschools.org.
We hope to see you soon.
Dr. Thomas J. Douglas, Bethlehem Central School District Superintendent