Posted on

Whitehall School District’s Letter about Storm Damage

8/27/2020
Good afternoon Whitehall Families and Community,

As promised, I am providing a status update on the condition of our school buildings as we continue to assess the damage:

Elementary School

Some skylights were pulled from the roof due to the high winds, allowing water to enter directly into the gymnasium.
The majority of the water damage was relegated to the gymnasium, the cafeteria and the hallway outside of the gymnasium and cafeteria.
Ceiling tiles that were damaged are being replaced
The Gym floor will be addressed
Most water that entered the building stayed on the gym floor and tiled spaces
Mitigation staff is on site and drying the carpet that got damp in 1 cluster as well as some hallway carpeting
The majority of our elementary classrooms were not impacted by flood water

Jr./Sr. High School

100% of the school (Classrooms, offices and common spaces have been impacted by standing water.
The auditorium had ankle-deep water.
The boiler room had at least 8” of water.
The pool filtration room had at least 5’ of water (pumped out by Poultney VFD)
The pool has been drained (Whitehall VFD & Washington Co. Emergency Services)
Mitigation experts are on site, all standing water has been removed
ALL carpeted areas in the building have been stripped of carpeting
Drying equipment is in place throughout the building
Mitigation protocols for remediation to ensure no water is remaining inside wall cavities and protect against mold growth are being formulated
The water damage and remediation to the building has significantly impacted the progress of the building project
The New York State Department of Education has reached out to us to learn the extent of the damage, which was assessed during a walk-through of the building with our insurance carrier. Tuesday, I met with and toured the buildings with Senator Betty Little, Assemblyman Dan Stec, and representatives from Congresswoman Elise Stefanik’s office, the New York State Department of Emergency Services, and Washington County Emergency Services. I am pleased to share that each of these individuals/organizations fully understand the significance of the damage and what we as a district are up against. All have offered to be of support to our district as we move ahead and better understand our needs.

So, what does this mean now that we have come to better realize the full extent of the damage and the amount of time for the repairs and remediation that have been caused by this massive storm?

I am pleased to share that we are on track for a September 8, 2020 in-person opening at the Elementary School. The schedules that Mrs. Gould has previously shared to kick-off the year still remain in effect!

The High School, which suffered the brunt of the damage from the storm is unfortunately a different story. Based on my conversations with the Architect, General Contractor, Insurance Carrier and Remediation specialists, the High School Facility will not be available for in-person instruction on opening day. Our goal is to have our students and staff back in a safe and clean building during the second marking period. If there is any way that we can bring everyone back into a safe and clean environment before that time, we certainly will. If, during remediation and repair we find that these dates need to be extended, we will let you all know as soon as possible. In summary, all students in grades 7-12 will be engaging in Remote-Learning beginning on September 8, 2020 until we can bring them back into a safe and clean environment.

Our building administrators will be in touch with families to coordinate the details involving return to school at the elementary and how remote instruction will work at the high school. Distribution dates/times and location for Chromebooks will be shared.

While much of this is news that is disturbing and difficult to hear, I believe that clear and honest communication of the information as we know it, is exceptionally important during these times. I will continue to be in contact throughout this ordeal.

In the meantime, stay safe, and remain Whitehall Strong!

Best,
Patrick M. Dee

Patrick Dee
Superintendent of Schools

Posted on

Cleanup of Flat Iron Site in Whitehall Almost Complete


The cleanup of the site of the former Flat Iron building, next to the Amtrak station in Whitehall, is almost complete. (Click image to see larger version.)

The removal of debris, and the design and construction a public parking facility on the site of the former Flat Iron Building in Whitehall is continuing. As the above picture shows, the cleanup of the debris from the old building is almost complete.

Posted on

Catholic Churches to Reopen

Our Lady of Hope (OLH / Whitehall) and St. Ann’s (SA / Fort Ann) will reopen for Masses this weekend, June 13-14, at 25% capacity, and weekday Masses thereafter. The Chapel of the Assumption in Huletts Landing will open for the season soon.

New York State and the Diocese of Albany have various safety requirements, so please virtuously follow the protocols and be patient with the volunteers reopening the churches.

During the pandemic it is still not obligatory to attend Sunday Mass. Those who are sick or have had contact with COVID should stay home.

Posted on

NYS Coronavirus Update

Starting today, the Capital Region which includes Washington County and Huletts Landing, can begin Phase 1 of the state’s regional phased reopening plan. The region has identified enough tracers to meet the required metrics and will be joining Western New York, Central New York, the North Country, the Finger Lakes, Southern Tier and Mohawk Valley in reopening Phase 1 businesses.

The number of total COVID hospitalizations continues to drop. Total hospitalizations fell to 5,860, from 5,840 the day before. The number of new COVID hospitalizations fell to 335, from 373 the day before. Tragically, we lost 105 New Yorkers to the virus on Monday.

Elsewhere

Sometimes you just have to get excited about life!

The Belmont Stake will take place on June 20, without fans.Traditionally, the Long Island horse race is the last leg in the Triple Crown, following the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. This year, for the first time in history, the Belmont will be first. Earlier this week, Governor Cuomo announced that horse racing tracks could open without fans and the state will issue guidance on how they can safely reopen in the coming week.

Posted on

NYS Coronavirus Update

The number of total COVID hospitalizations in New York continues to decline. Total hospitalizations fell to 7,262, from 7,776 the day before. The number of new COVID hospitalizations yesterday was 521 — the lowest it has been since March 20.

Berkshire Bank has announced that effective 5/11/2020 its Whitehall branch will be expanding its branch hours. “For branches that are currently open, will now be available Monday-Friday 9am-4pm and will remain closed on Saturday and Sunday.”

Elsewhere:

Senator Tom Cotton appears with Maria Bartiromo to discuss recent reporting showing cell phone data in/around Wuhan China showed road-blocks and/or a containment zone may have been set up in October of 2019. The suspicion is that China knew the virus had escaped the Wuhan bio-lab and was taking effort to contain the spread of the virus.

Posted on

Four School Board Seats Up for Vote

Four of the nine seats on the Whitehall School Board will be up for a vote in this year’s election.

Interested candidates have until Monday, April 20th at 5 pm to submit a petition to the school district clerk, Kim Manney.

Tom Baker, James Brooks, Richard Lachapelle and Pat Norton are the members whose terms are expiring. Baker was appointed to fill Michael Rocque’s seat this past October when Mr. Rocque resigned.

The election will be held on Tuesday, May 19th from noon to 8 pm at the high school.

Posted on

School Enrollment Falls Again

School enrollment figures for school districts across the state were updated recently for the 2018-2019 school year (last year) and the Whitehall School District’s total enrollment fell to 699 students. This is the lowest number since I have tracked this and the first time the number has fallen below 700.

The complete enrollment figures for 2018-2019 school year can be found here.

I have been tracking and reporting on the enrollment for a number of years. To put this number of 699 students into historical context I have updated my yearly enrollment chart below:

School Year 04-05 05-06 06-07 07-08 08-09 09-10 10-11 11-12 12-13
Students 885 860 858 845 815 779 753 742 755
School Year 13-14 14-15 15-16 16-17 17-18 18-19
Students 757 736 736 758 708 699

The district has now reached the lowest enrollment since I have been tracking this.

During this time, local property taxes have increased every year. State aid has also increased every year. Sadly, the Board of Education has not passed on any savings from this plummeting enrollment to the local taxpayers, in spite of increased state aid during the same time period.

Instead of managing the decline in enrollment to help the taxpayer, we are in this perpetual cycle where enrollment falls and taxes go up.

Posted on

A Greeting of Hope

Fr. Rendell Torres sends a greeting of hope to all parishioners and visitors of Our Lady of Hope in Whitehall, St. Ann’s in Fort Ann, and the Chapel of the Assumption in Huletts Landing.

Posted on

Village of Whitehall Posts Draft of Revitalization Plan


An artist’s conception of what the intersection of Route 4 and Route 22 could look like in the first draft of a revitalization plan prepared for the Village of Whitehall, by the engineering firm Chazen Companies. A traffic circle and monument dedicated to the founding of the U.S. Navy is envisioned. (Click image to see larger version.)

The Whitehall Village Board has posted on their website the first draft of a comprehensive revitalization plan. The plan tries to document the challenges that Whitehall faces, and the type of place Whitehall could be in 5 to 10 years, if the proposed changes take place.

By having a plan in place, the Village of Whitehall is in a better position to apply for grants to help it implement its objectives. The central questions facing Whitehall and its decline remain however. Why are businesses not coming to Whitehall? Why are school taxes so high and why have savings brought about by plummeting enrollment not been passed on to the taxpayers of the district? Why don’t the leaders of Whitehall see there is a direct correlation between the Village of Whitehall having the highest local tax rate in the county (not even considering the school taxes) and the decline the Village has experienced? Are the school district’s gross revenues outpacing its gross expenditures by roughly a million dollars per year having an effect on what people can spend on other things?

The plan does hope to capitalize on the almost 10,000 vehicles per day that pass through Whitehall on Routes 4 and 22. To begin, it envisions a roundabout or traffic circle at the intersection of Routes 4 and 22 with a monument dedicated to the founding of the U.S Navy which occurred in Whitehall.

It also envisions a pedestrian footbridge over the train tracks somewhere near the present Amtrak station which would connect Broadway (along Route 22) and Main street. This would allow residents to access the downtown park and businesses located on Main street without walking to opposite ends of Broadway to enter the historic downtown area.

There will be a public hearing about the plan on April 6, 2020.

Posted on

Stec Announces State Senate Candidacy


After announcing his plan this week to run for the state Senate, Assemblyman Dan Stec (R,C,I-Queensbury) met with all six Republican County Chairs that comprise the 45th Senate District. Left to right seated – Franklin Co GOP Chair Shelley Mulverhill, Assemblyman Dan Stec, Essex Co GOP Chair John Gereau, Standing are – Warren Co GOP Chair Mike Grasso, Washington Co GOP Chair Dan Boucher, St Lawrence Co GOP Chair Tom Jenison.

Assemblyman Dan Stec (R,C,I-Queensbury) has announced his candidacy for the state Senate’s 45th District. Senator Betty Little announced she’ll be stepping down in 2020 after serving 25 years in the Legislature. Stec, who has worked closely with Senator Little both as an Assemblyman and as a local elected official, has the experience and proven record necessary to ensure North Country residents continue receiving honest, accountable leadership in the Senate.

Stec issued the following statement on his campaign for Senate:

“I’m proud to announce my candidacy today for state Senate. With the news of Senator Little’s retirement, it’s so important that we elect someone that understands the issues we face, and has the experience and record of fighting on our behalf.

“My top priorities have always been defending our values and fighting for common-sense solutions to the challenges we face. This is why I’ve partnered with local law enforcement to oppose the bail reforms instituted by Senate and Assembly Democrats. It’s why I opposed giving drivers’ licenses, ‘free’ college tuition to illegal immigrants and other initiatives that put the rights of criminals before the well-being of our communities.

“As an Assemblyman, I helped pass the first countywide EMS bill for Essex County – the first of its kind in the state. I championed the constitutional amendment to strip pensions from corrupt politicians and shepherded three other constitutional amendments that were important to the residents of the North Country. I have and will continue to make investments in important infrastructure like roads, water, sewer, broadband and cell service critical to our economy and public safety a high priority.

“This is the proven record of advocacy and accomplishment I want to bring to the state Senate. With one-party control, we need someone who will push back against the radical liberal tax-and spend agenda that crushes our communities. We need someone who will work to achieve solutions to our problems that reflect our needs and values. We need someone who will continue Senator Little’s strong legacy as an honest, hardworking elected official.

“As our next state Senator, that’s exactly what I will do.”

The 45th Senate District includes all of Clinton, Essex, Franklin and Warren Counties, as well as parts of St. Lawrence and Washington Counties. Stec’s Assembly District comprises the entirety of Warren and Essex Counties, as well as the northern parts of Saratoga and Washington Counties. He was elected to represent the district in 2012. Prior to his becoming Assemblyman, Stec was the Queensbury Town Supervisor and Chairman of the Warren County Board of Supervisors.

Posted on

School District Election Results

The vote totals for the recent school budget and board seats were:

Budget Proposition to approve $16,849,365 budget for 2019-2020:
Yes – 145
No – 16

Bus Proposition to approve $258,500 to purchase a 65-passenger bus and a 41-passenger bus and a van:
Yes – 143
No – 18

Board Of Education Election (Top 2 candidates)

Carrianne Arquette: 147 votes – Winner 3 year term
Roxanne Waters: 128 votes – Winner 3 year term

Posted on

Whitehall School Enrollment Continues Long Decline

School enrollment figures for school districts across the state were updated recently for the 2017-2018 school year (last year) and the Whitehall School District’s total enrollment fell to 708 students. This was a drop of 50 students from the 758 enrolled during the 2016-2017 year.

The complete enrollment figures for 2017-2018 school year can be found here.

I have been tracking and reporting on the enrollment for a number of years. To put this number of 708 students into historical context I have updated my yearly enrollment chart below:

School Year 04-05 05-06 06-07 07-08 08-09 09-10 10-11 11-12 12-13
Students 885 860 858 845 815 779 753 742 755
School Year 13-14 14-15 15-16 16-17 17-18
Students 757 736 736 758 708

Total overall enrollment is now down 20% since the 2004-2005 school year. While there was a short-lived increase in students between 2012 and 2017, the trend is quite persistent. The district has now reached the lowest enrollment since I have been tracking this.

During this time, local property taxes have increased every year. The Board of Education has not passed on any savings from this plummeting enrollment to the local taxpayers, in spite of increased state aid during the same time period.

For far too long this has not been discussed in planning for the district. A large building campaign has begun and another year of tax increases is being voted on. Now is the time to start planning for more enrollment decreases because that has been the trend for the last 14 years.

Posted on

Free Recycling to End at Transfer Station

The company that runs the Whitehall Transfer Station has announced that recycling taken from trash haulers will no longer be free.

A 15 lb bag or bin of recycling will now cost $2.25 and a 30 lb bag or bin will cost $4.50.

The company sites “increasing costs” and “loss of global recycling markets” for these new charges.

Posted on

School Board Election Uncontested as Two Run for Two Seats

The deadline for submitting petitions to run for the Whitehall School board has passed. The two incumbents, who have their terms expiring, both submitted petitions to seek three year terms.

Carrianne Arquette and Roxanne Waters are the only two candidates who will have their names on the ballot. This does not prevent a write-in candidate from running, but as of this time, only two candidates will be running for the two open seats. The election will be held on Tuesday, May 21st.

The voters will also vote on the district’s proposed $16,894,365 budget.