Tech, traffic and timing at issue at school board meeting

Plaudits and praise dominated proceedings at the Baldwin Board of Education’s community input and board recognition meeting Oct. 27 at Baldwin Senior High School.

Although residents raised concerns about traffic at the school’s entrance, the scheduling of Sports Night practices and clerical services for PTA groups, a lighthearted mood prevailed for most of the evening as students, school employees and PTA spokeswomen offered thanks to the board in keeping with the theme, “classroom technology is expanding our minds.”

The proceedings took a spooky, theatrical turn when a black-clad troupe from the high school presented a musical number called “Façade.” The piece, excerpted from the high school’s upcoming production of “Jekyll and Hyde” (Nov. 18-20; see www.baldwin.k12.ny.us for details), was proceeding apace when the feedback from a rogue microphone forced an unscheduled intermission. Displaying commendable poise, the performers remained in character until the malfunction could be repaired and then finished with a flourish. They exited to resounding applause and a quip from School Superintendent Dr. James Mapes: “They’re great singers, great actors and, obviously, completely unflappable. Typical Baldwin students.”

The board heard from two pairs of students, representing the middle and high schools, who gave thanks for, among other things, an allotment of Smartboards — high-tech, touch-sensitive teaching tools that link whiteboard spaces with computers — and a new saw for the high school theater department, which, senior stage manager Regina Zick observed, “could turn amputations into Band-Aid cuts.”

Following the students, PTA heads and other representatives offered technology-themed thanks to the board. A moving statement by Fanita Henderson of the Shubert PTA summed up their sentiments: “I’ve put four children through the Baldwin schools, one of whom is now at Harvard. When I was planning this, I had all these things I wanted to say, but now that I’m up here thinking about the future you’ve given my children through your commitment, words don’t seem like enough to express my thanks.”