By Lani Duke
Shakespeare has left the building
FAIR HAVEN—There will be no Shakespeare on Main Street this summer. Organizer Gary Metroit attributes the omission to a lack of actors to fill parts for the planned “Henry IV, Part 1.” He is already working to make sure the same fate does not await “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead” in 2016.
ARSU math controversy
Addison-Rutland Supervisory Union plans to quit offering Algebra I to eighth-graders. Students can pick it up when they enter ninth grade instead, according to the SU. Administrators will put an emphasis on making sure students have mastered eighth-grade math before entering high school, stating this is a priority. Some parents and teacher are unhappy with that decision, saying it stifles gifted students who are ready for the upper level mathematics. Administrators counter the objection, pointing to changes in eighth-grade math that make it “rigorous” and more in line with the Common Core program begun two years ago, which covers some math basics that students may otherwise miss, including rudimentary geometry. ARSU may transition to making Grade 8 Math mandatory, but not this year because of pre-set budgets. Changing the curriculum changes programming at four middle schools: Benson Village School, Castleton Village School, Fair Haven Grade School, and Orwell Village School.
Sewer plans, cost
CASTLETON—Castleton’s Select Board voted on June 8 to seek grants to fix the town’s sewer system and for town manager Mark Shea to look for $20,000 to $30,000 for the creation of a master plan. Castleton last filed a town plan in 2010.
That document stated the town then had 1,100 town sewer users, with some parts of the town served by privately owned sewer lines. Pumping stations in Hydeville and Blissville and at the Elementary School assisted the main pumping station. A significant capacity upgrade in 1997 introduced 256 ultraviolet lamps to treat effluent, thereby exceeding disinfection requirements without using chemicals. It was designed to treat 540,000 gallons per day.
In 2010, on an average day the system processed 300,000 gallons a day, but heavy rains or quick snow melt could push the plant over its permitted 480,000 gallon daily limit. The 2010 plan had recommended the Select Board establish a committee to look into future sewage treatment needs and how to meet them.
Congratulations…
to Kaleb LaRock, recently awarded the $1,000 Benson Community Awareness Scholarship, funded by an appropriation voted at the annual Town Meeting.
to Beccalyn Dugan and Samantha Page, each awarded a $1,000 Eaves Memorial Scholarship, funded by a private donation.
