To the Editor:

I believe that it is an excellent idea that the Guilderland Central School District is creating a task force to investigate ways to use excess space in the district’s school buildings. I also believe that it is an excellent idea that the task force will comprise both district staff and citizen volunteers, and that it will be as inclusive as the pool of volunteers for the task allows it to be. I’m sufficiently impressed by the approach and convinced of the need that I’ve submitted my own name as a prospective participant.

There are, however, a couple of things that I certainly hope are addressed “up front” before this task force begins its work. First, I would expect that the district would obtain a written opinion from its legal counsel regarding the legality of any facilities usage that the task force may be asked to consider.

My time, and that of all the other folks who will be on this task force, has multiple demands on it, and it would be irresponsible for the district to allow volunteers to waste their time discussing potential building uses that are not permitted under existing law.

Second, I would expect a clear commitment from the school board to take whatever steps might be necessary to move to actualize alternative uses for excess space at the conclusion of the exercise.

A number of us in the community participated on an “Alternative Revenue Sources Committee” that was created by the district a number of years ago. The group held a number of meetings over a number of months, and issued a report at the end of the process that represented considerable time and effort on the part of the participants.

However, to my knowledge, no meaningful steps were taken to advance that group’s recommendations. I’ve experienced similar outcomes working with other groups as well, and this lack of follow-up is always (to say the least) disappointing, no matter the environment.

This task force represents an excellent opportunity for creative collaboration among the school board, district administration and staff, and the overall community to thoughtfully consider legal alternatives and to start the process of consensus building on the most logical alternatives. I truly hope that both the initiation and follow-up components of the process are properly handled so that the process proves successful.

Donald J. Csaposs

Guilderland