To the Editor:

This is a letter we wrote to Dr. Timothy Mundell, superintendent of the Berne-Knox-Westerlo schools.

Our goal in this initial letter is to open a dialogue between the Hilltown community at large and the BKW School District, superintendent, and the school board. Our primary concern at this time is vocational training programs.

We would like to insure that the BKW school curriculum in coming years takes into consideration an array of community concerns and recommendations in the development of relevant and practical vocational training programs.

This needs to be done to insure that such programs will reflect the broadest community concerns and will insure that such programs will provide measurable knowledge and hands-on skill sets that meet the future employment possibilities of those students not intending to go to college upon graduation.

Allocating a significant portion of the $20 million capital project should provide on-campus facilities to develop these needed skills for 21st-Century jobs. We need to develop strong work-study programs on the BKW campus. This does not minimize the need to provide advanced learning opportunities.

Please, specifically identify what building space will be provided and at what cost for the following vocational and special education on campus: special education; auto mechanics; technology; plumbing; electrical; carpentry; agricultural; and science, engineering, technology, and math (STEM).

What is the estimated cost for design and architect fees?

When will facility construction begin?

What is the estimated completion date?

When will the occupation of the new facilities be accomplished?

The 21st-Century school plan should be developed through consultation with the administration, teachers, parents, and interested Hilltown residents not necessarily in the employ of BKW. We also urge community hearings be held and any final plans and budget allocations be presented prior to school board review.

Please provide us with the current status and approval date by the State Education Department concerning when the architect-design phase begins and the start of construction. In addition, we are requesting that Phil Stevens be included on the Building Focus Committee so that we can use his expertise to assist on the building project. Please provide the name and telephone number of the contact person.

It is critical that the BKW school administration and school board have a district-wide mission statement for 2017-18 and 2018-19. BKW must partner with its community to support and inspire creative, critical thinking through innovative and vocational technology.

Please provide the details of your vision and mission statement for the school year 2018-19. When will this be available? Also, please provide a copy of your district-wide mission statement, detailing your goals and accomplishments for the school year 2018-19.

Please be advised that this is the first of several related requests. We would appreciate your written response by Oct. 18.

Ed Ackroyd, advisor

Phil Stevens, advisor

Mike Collins, advisor

Richard Umholtz, advisor

Violet Writer, advisor

Walter Galicki, advisor

Citizens Review for

Academic & Vocational Excellence