Plans to remain school board member

To the Editor,

Over the past month, I have received many inquiries from local residents about whether I would remain on the Bath school board of education, given the fact of the current campaign for county legislator.

I had thought that a person with great knowledge of taxes would take my place and represent the public against a rapidly escalating school budget. However, this did not take place and, as of this writing, I plan to finish out my 5-year term in June of 2008. If health prevails (no matter what the county legislator outcome) and no other "gutsy" replacement for me throws his or her hat into the ring, I will stay on. We cannot truly prognosticate the future. I can only assure you so much for now.

On a second matter, which has also been of great interest to Haverling alumni and the general public as well, please be reassured that the old historic Dana L. Lyon site and buildings are well for now.

The older building, the Primary Annex, has been donated to the Savethe Lyon Commission, Inc. by the Waterman women (the heirs of Ira Davenport, Jr.) in return for a fortuitous tax write-off in that STLC is a NFP 501.C-3 historical charity. This was a win-win situation for all.

I personally met with our architect, Clinton Brown from Buffalo, several weeks ago at the Old National, and we reviewed his drawings and renditions of how the Primary Annex will be retrofitted with handicapped ramps, elevators, bathrooms, etc., plus other conversions. These plans presently call for an art gallery, art, music and theater studios - and more for the future. These plans have remained the same as those presented to the Village of Bath's Planning Board chairman and members over a year ago by Walt Longwell and me. We await building permits now, but first need to secure the future of the 1923 addition before the permits can be issued.

In closing, may I personally imply that it would have been a "sin and a shame" if 150 years of education and history had been eradicated for a drugstore at that corner, given the current Wal-Mart situation?

I am so proud of all members (past and present) of STLC who had the courage to stand up to the plate and fight for the foundation of Bath. God bless all of you, and the Haverling alumni.

Rosalie Niemczyk Bath