The Tattler’s Michaela S. ’09 sat down with the most recent addition to the Board of Education (BoE), Sally Grubb. Grubb replaced former BoE member Craig Evans who stepped down because of time conflicts with his job at Ithaca College.

Michaela S.: Why did you decide to run for the Board of Education (BoE)?

Sally Grubb: I first ran in 1996 and served for three terms for the years 1996-97 through 2004-05. In July 2005, my husband and I went on sabbatical to Europe, and I was unable to run for reelection that year. I had intended to run again upon my return to Ithaca, but for a number of reasons did not. However, when Craig Evans was forced to resign because of work commitments, I agreed to put my name in the ring for consideration as Craig’s replacement on an interim basis.

I first ran for the BoE because it was a natural step following my involvement in my children’s schooling since pre-school. I was an active volunteer in elementary school. I was active in the PTA in middle and high school. I also organized many activities in elementary school and Town Meetings for the PTA. I was involved in the development of the District’s AIDS policy and health and sexuality curriculum. After becoming a citizen in early 1996, I no longer had a reason to refuse to run for the school board.

MS: I know that the Ithaca City School District Facilities Bond is taking up much of the BoE’s time; could you briefly explain what the bond is?

SG: In simple terms, a bond is a mechanism whereby the district borrows money for major capital projects. Day-to-day maintenance is paid for out of the operating budget, but when a district decides to add to their facilities (building a new school, for example) or undertake major renovations (such as providing new roofs or new heating systems), greater investment is needed. The large sums of money needed for capital projects are provided through bonds, which have to be approved by the local community in a referendum vote.

MS: How will the bond affect the high school?

SG: There are a number of projects that affect the high school that are under consideration. They include: HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning) controls update, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance, some site improvements around the parking lots and concrete repair, telephone system replacement, security upgrade including key cards and perimeter cameras, locker replacements and/or additions, building additions to A and B building. That is, the renovation of Kulp with additional classrooms such as practice and rehearsal space, a possible black box theatre space and dance studio, storage space, and office space. Other possible projects include additional athletic facilities, including a new gym, a new weight and conditioning room, tennis courts, outside bathrooms, and possible attention to the football field.

MS: Where are you in the process of finalizing the facilities bond?

SG: The district is in the process of filing the necessary documents for SEQRA (New York State Environmental Quality Review Act). We may not hold a referendum before the SEQRA is complete. The board is continuing to review schematic drawings of the proposed additions to the high school, LACS, and Belle Sherman [Elementary School], and cost estimates that are refined as drawings are refined, for all projects that may be included in the bond. Several additional board meetings have been scheduled in December, including a public hearing on December 14th. The board is aiming for a referendum in early February but is not committed to a date yet. We still have to decide on the size and scope of the bond.

MS: How long have you lived in Ithaca?

SG: I moved to Ithaca with my husband in August 1978.

MS: Do you have children in the district schools?

SG: Both my children, a son and a daughter, went through the Ithaca City School District. My son is finishing an Economics Ph.D. at Stanford and my daughter works as an Engineer for a company outside Boston.

MS: What is your favorite restaurant in Ithaca?

SG: I like many Ithaca restaurants and would be hard pressed to select one as a favorite. Maybe eating at the Farmers’ Market on a sunny Saturday is best of all.

MS: What do you hope to contribute to the BoE?

SG: In my role as an interim board member, my hope is to contribute my experience and benefit of nine years’ board history.