01-12-2001 Bedford Central School Board president corrects misinformationTo the Editor:

On behalf of the hoard of education, I am providing a response to a published letter containing factual misinformation which needs correcting in the public interest.

The Bedford Central School District Facilities Advisory Committee has not presented a final recommendation to the board of education. The committee continues its work of examining the impact of enrollment growth, new Regents graduation requirements and the age of our high school and other buildings. The complex questions the diligent members of this committee have asked have already extended the timeframe they are working with, and the board of education now expects a final report to be delivered in late February. The committee has provided the board and the community with several updates of their work, including but not limited to their examination of the manner by which the high school is scheduled, classroom utilization rates, a demographic update and building condition assessments. Again, their work is continuing.

Our changing student body, technology, demand for expanded curriculum offerings and a number of educational mandates have all contributed to Fox Lane High School and each of our other six schools being utilized in ways never conceived of 20 years ago, let alone when each building was constructed. Each of these factors affects how we will plan to accommodate the excellent educational program Bedford Central offers and what our community expects. The age of each building, annual budget constraints and work previously identified prior to but not included in the last facilities bond will also factor into the final decisions.

Any rumor or discussion about a "plan" at this point is at best premature. The community can be assured that when the committee presents its recommendations to the board, it will be very well communicated, and numerous opportunities for public comment, questioning and feedback will be provided.

If members of the community have thoughts they want to share with the committee or the board of education they may write to us at PO Box 180, Mount Kisco, 10549, or use the facilities committee's Email address, FAC@Bedford.Kl2.NY.US, or call board members whose numbers are all listed in the district calendar or local directories.

Dorothy Fallon President, Bedford Central

Board of Education