Peekskill School Board Acts to Keep Projects Moving

The Peekskill Board of Education has taken a step to ensure that projects funded by the district’s $3.16 million bond issue are not unduly delayed by issues that arise in the course of the work.

The board, during a special meeting Thursday, July 12, authorized the superintendent of schools to approve change orders (from the original details) for capital projects up to $10,000 and authorized the superintendent and the board president jointly to approve change orders for capital projects between $10,000 and $50,000. Change orders over $50,000 would still require prior board approval, and all change orders for capital projects will be presented as agenda items during regular business meetings for formal board action. The new approval process is only for the 2012-13 school year.

“Things come up” in the course of such work, board President Joseph Urbanowicz explained. “They can be small but necessary to keep the work moving.”

The goal of the new process is to facilitate the projects and not unduly delay the work, Superintendent James Willis said.

The bonded projects, approved by voters in May 2011, include Peekskill High School cafeteria and kitchen renovations, an upgraded entrance plaza at the high school, retaining wall repair at Oakside Elementary School and security upgrades at all district buildings.

In a related matter, Willis noted that, since the entire high school will be a wireless zone, the planned cyber café will become a senior lounge.

In other action, the board:

• Appointed Tara Platt to the Oakside Elementary School Leadership Team.
• Recalled and appointed Nancy DeChent as office assistant at Peekskill Middle School.
• Appointed Dr. Donna Martuge to the district’s Committee on Special Education and Pre-School Special Education.
• Appointed Keane & Beane as legal counsel for certain tax certiorari cases.