GCSD seeks volunteers for task force on school use

GUILDERLAND — The school board here is recruiting volunteers to serve on a new task force, "Investigating Alternative Uses of Space: Repurposing Task Force."

Facing recent multi-million-dollar budget gaps as well as declining enrollment and excess space, the school district hired a consultant, Paul Seversky, to study efficient use of its facilities. He released a controversial report in June, concluding with six scenarios. The five that saved costs involved closing an elementary school. The school board, after public protests, set aside the scenarios in August and is now looking for other ways besides school closures to solve the problem of excess space.

The task force will review and investigate options for repurposing excess space in one or more school district buildings, considering issues such as the need, viability, logistics, and potential for generating revenue for alternative uses of excess space.

The school board, according to a release from the district, will select individuals representing a variety of stakeholder groups and attendance zones. At the conclusion of its work, the task force, or sub-groups within the task force, will present their findings and recommendations to the superintendent and school board.

All district residents are invited to apply to be on the Repurposing Task Force. No prior experience is required. Applications must be submitted no later than Jan. 30 by completing an online form available on the district website: www.guilderlandschools.org. Printed copies of the application are also available at the district office upon request.

The school board will review all applications and appoint members of the task force at its regular meeting on Feb. 24.

Duties

Members of the task force, once appointed, will be expected to attend approximately six to eight meetings, assembling as a full task force or meeting in sub-task force groups. Meeting dates and times will be determined by the task force, based as best as possible on the convenience of those individuals selected.

Members are to actively participate in the review and research of various repurposing options including:

— Engage in work between meetings of the task force groups;

— Participate in visits to neighboring districts or alternative sites that may have already implemented similar options;

— Be active listeners and respectful contributors to discussions; and

– Commit to exploring solutions that are in the best interest of the entire school district, over the long term.

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