Budget failure would see programs like Strings cut 
Wallkill Central School District's 2014-2015 budget vote is coming up, and this year the stakes are high.
At risk are programs like the popular Strings, summer and night school, and all field trips, including Ashokan.
Because of this, it's important for supporters of the budget to come out and cast their votes on May 20. Complacency hurts, according to Schools Superintendent Kevin Castle, because typically it's the opponents of spending plans who make it  a point to show up at the polls.
The district's 2014-2015 proposed budget calls for a 2.85 percent increase, with a tax levy increase of 2.73 percent. Because the budget falls within the tax levy limit, a simple majority of voters (50 percent plus 1 voter) are needed to approve it. Eligible property owners will also receive a tax credit.
Should the budget fail, the district may either put out a revised budget for another vote, or adopt a contingency budget. In the event of two failed spending plan votes, some of the consequences would include:
  • The cutting of eight instructional positions, resulting in larger class sizes and the elimination of Strings and other programs
  • The elimination of night school as well as summer school, resulting in fewer students meeting graduation requirements 
  • The cutting of two non-instructional positions, resulting in loss of student support services 
  • The elimination of all field trips, including Ashokan.

The proposed budget maintains programs and extra-curricular activities, includes new learning opportunities at the high school, including Modern Law and Computer Programming, and keeps class sizes at all grade levels low.

Those who missed the community forums held in December and February to educate the public about the tax levy limit can view archived video of the presentation on the district's website.

The PTO/PTA will offer two budget presentations next week - one at 7 p.m. Monday at Plattekill Elementary, and one at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Leptondale.

The budget vote will take place from noon to 9 p.m. May 20. For more information on the budget and upcoming events, visit the district's website. 
Coming up at the Wallkill Public Library
Tuesday: Textile Tuesdays are offered between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. in the community room of Town Hall. Book Buddies meets at 10:30 a.m. The Teen Book Club discusses Veronica Roth's Divergent at 3 p.m. The Creative Writing Club meets at 3:30 p.m. Snapology's LEGO program takes place at 4 p.m.
Wednesday: Toddler Story Time is offered at 11 a.m. The Teen Anime Club meets at 3 p.m. The library's tail-wagging tutor will visit for Read to Zoe at 4:30 p.m.
Thursday: The Knit and Crochet Club meets at 6:30 p.m.
Friday: Ages 7 and up are invited in for Paper Crafting at 4 p.m.
Saturday: The DEC-sponsored Trees for Tribs program takes place at 1 p.m. Registration required.
Sunday: The Renegades' Hudson Valley Family Fest will be offered from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Dutchess Stadium
 
Vision of Wallkill plots course of action
The Vision of Wallkill's workshop May 3 was a productive one, the last in a planned series of meetings whose focus was the creation of vital community spaces within the hamlet.
  But though that series of meetings have ended, VOW's work has only just begun.
The placemaking group, whose goal is to work as a community to create positive change, has decided on phase one of a local project that will include a River Walk behind Popp's Pavilion and Pudgy's Pizza. The group envisions the Walk as an area to stroll and dine.
They also agreed to apply for a $5,000 grant that would fund other placemaking ventures, including fees and equipment such as an inflatable movie screen, portable stage, and  movable tables and chairs.
The next VOW meeting will be held in the evening during the week, in an effort to attract the business owners whose input is so valuable to the group. They'll meet from 7-9 p.m. May 28 at Rob's Pizza.
For more information, or to join the group, contact Mary Lou at 895-3707 or mlcarolan@rcls.org. 
 
Batman fan puts heroic effort into display
Many different displays have caught the eyes of incoming patrons passing the glass case at the entrance of the library through the years.
But few have sparked the interest the current display has generated. At least not from so young a crowd.
Robert Amthor's Batman collection has elicited "Oohs," "Aahs," and the occasional  "I want that!" since its debut.
The 10-year-old has been under the spell of the Dark Knight since about five years ago, when LEGO kits and handheld video games ignited his admiration. Robert is now a full-fledged Batman aficionado, his knowledge spanning decades of superhero lure and pop culture facts.
And what is it, exactly, about the Batman series that appeals to Robert? Is it the superhero's cool costume? His Batmobile? His physical prowess?
Not quite.
"I think the characters have a lot of emotion and depth," he says.
Not your typical 10-year-old's response, but this is no typical display, either. Check it out next time you're at the library! 
 
Family Fest comes to Dutchess Stadium
This year's Hudson Valley Family Fest will be offered at Dutchess Stadium from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 18.
The fifth annual expo will provide parents and caretakers with the latest information and services available for area families. Resources on child care, health education, travel, and community events will all be among the day's offerings. There will also be entertainment for the kids, including a workshop offered by Home Depot.
Sponsored by Horizon Family Medical Group, the event is free and open to the public.
Quick Links