Last night at the first Haldane school board budget meeting, we had a solid turnout from tennis parents and from the girls varsity tennis team! Our presence was anticipated by the board - due to prior social media outreach - and we were invited to speak during the community-comment section of the meeting. 

 

Alex Dubroff made the case for the current unplayable conditions of the courts and how this impacts the strong, impressive, and growing Haldane tennis team. Jeff Silverstein emphasized that we, the community, want to work with the school district in understanding the budget process in hopes of finding a solution. Katie MacInnes highlighted the critical timing of addressing the court conditions in this budget year as we have the attention of the USTA with a possible grant opportunity, the newly-established Philipstown Community Tennis Association, and the dedication of parents and players who are committed to improving the courts conditions. 

 

And, most impressively, the captains of  the Haldane Varsity Girls Tennis Team, Ellie Dubroff and Ella Sizemore, spoke to the school board about how they view this team not only as a sports team but also as a close-knit community of sophomores and freshman eager to play hard, play well, and establish this team for the younger generations to come! They emphasized that they view being on the Haldane tennis team as more than being just a team player but also role models for other students. 

 

The board could not officially engage in comments due to the BOE by-laws, but did offer reflections in the next agenda item, which were all positive! We believe we made an impression and want to ride the momentum and attention into the next phase of the budgeting process. If you'd like to send them an email showing your support for redoing the courts, please email them at board@haldaneschool.org. 

 

The Philipstown Community Tennis Association will play a critical role and we invite you to stay engaged and to spread the word!   If you haven't already, please sign up to recieve further communications through the website.