FALLS VILLAGE
From The Sunday Republican-American-video of the meeting available at
http://www.youtube.com/user/MMilesWHDD?feature=mhee
Region 1 discusses hiring director for science center
The Region 1 Board of Education discussed the topic of hiring a director for the Mahoney-Hewat Science and Technology Center at a cost of $30,000 during its meeting this week. Retired science teacher David Lindsay is serving as a consultant for a $5,000 stipend. Business Manager Samuel Herrick said benefits have to be offered to the director’s position.
Salisbury member Jennifer Weigel said her concern is that the position appears to be focusing on building management, not on programs and students. Philip Hart of Cornwall said he’s heard sound criticism that a director has not been hired for the center, which was created through the efforts of the 21st Century Fund, a group of private citizens who worked to convert it from the old aged building. Their vision is to have the space used by students from throughout the region for a wide variety of projects.
“I see this as a place for promoting higher learning skills,” said Sharon’s Marilyn Yerks. “I see money going there rather than to [add staffing for] intervention.” After much discussion about qualifications and the cost to hire a certified teacher, Herrick suggested they talk to Lindsey and ask if he’d be willing to accept $30,000. “That seems logical to me. I certainly think it’s a place to start.”