Last week’s Board of Education meeting in Highland Falls opened with a short public hearing on the district’s proposed revised Code of Conduct; there was just one person on hand to comment, parent Krista Biladeau, who served on the review committee.

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Technology Rachel Adelstein reviewed the work that was done on the document – things like taking out references to students carrying electronic devices such as Walkman and beepers, for instance – and said they are hoping to have the document completed by early 2025. Some other areas that were revised in the document including discipline standards for pre-kindergarten through second graders and some law updates. Should New York State make changes to its Department of Education policies pertaining to cell phones in schools, that would be added in later, she said.

Parents can find the Code of Conduct on the district website, hffmcsd.org.

In other business from the meeting, Superintendent of Schools Michael McElduff said that the ‘kick-off’ meeting for the Fort Montgomery Elementary School capital project was held that day (September 5) and demolition on the part of the building will work will take place is set to begin on September 16.

“We were very pleased with the meeting,” the superintendent said. “They understand the importance of this project to the community and that August 1 is their deadline.”

As well, the board adopted the district’s Strategic Plan, which is the long- and short-term goals for the ‘school community’. Working on it were district faculty and staff, parents and a professional consultant.

They also hired Dr. Maria Bernardez, from Boston Children’s Health Physicians, as the school physician for the 2024-25 school year, for $15,000. Board member Kristin O’Dell asked if that amount was more than had previously been paid to longtime district physician Dr. Peter Gergely, and was told that it is, but the higher amount was budgeted for.

Also, five coaches were appointed: Audrey Monken and Dana Ford for cheerleading, Taylor Adams for girls’ JV soccer, Pete DeLeo for boys’ varsity basketball, and Darren Sorenson for girls’ varsity basketball.