Haldane Central School District

The STEAM district strategic plan focuses on integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics into K-12 education. The vision is to inspire creative problem-solvers through dynamic, hands-on learning experiences, fostering curiosity, innovation, and collaboration. The mission is to provide an inclusive, interdisciplinary STEAM education that cultivates critical thinking, creativity, and real-world problem-solving skills, preparing students for future academic and career success through experiential learning and collaborative projects.

This meeting focused on a campus master plan, reviewing community survey results and an equity study. The survey highlighted the importance of educational space, safety, and student wellness. The equity study compared Haldane CSD to 11 neighboring districts, noting differences in square footage per student and the presence of facilities like auditoriums. The meeting also reviewed potential building sites and design options for new construction, including an auditorium, gym, and student center. Discussion included site selection challenges and opportunities, building program needs, and the potential repurposing of existing spaces.

The meeting addressed various technology-related topics, including teacher updates on technology use in 4th and high school grades; the implementation of computer-based testing for grades 5 and 8 in Spring 2024, expanding to grades 4, 5, 6, and 8 in Spring 2025, and all grades 3-8 in Spring 2026; the configuration of the Raptor visitor management system; the mandatory implementation of two-factor authentication for all staff with Haldane emails; YouTube restrictions in the middle school; and Schoology updates, including a Google Classroom import tool.

The meeting reviewed proposed site improvements including athletic playfields, site circulation, and parking. A new synthetic turf field with an overlapping multi-purpose playfield and softball field was proposed, along with additional tennis courts. A new long jump and high jump area was also proposed. Due to site constraints, an off-campus baseball field was recommended. New field lighting was discussed as a separate scope item. Campus circulation improvements included a new upper parking lot, an expanded central intersection, and revised bus and parent drop-off/pick-up areas. Alleviating traffic congestion on Mountain Avenue and pedestrian traffic along Craigside Drive was also discussed. Stormwater management throughout the campus required further evaluation.

The Haldane Central School District's Safety & Emergency Management Plan focuses on preventing and effectively managing emergencies to minimize the effects of serious incidents. Key areas include risk reduction, prevention, intervention strategies, improving communication, training, drills, and exercises. The plan also addresses proactive building security measures, early detection of dangerous behavior, hazard identification, and outlines response protocols for various emergency situations, including bomb threats, hostage-takings, intruders, and communicable diseases. It emphasizes coordination with local and county resources, and includes protocols for emergency remote instruction and recovery.