Superintendent says farewell; board questions Highland realtor

TONAWANDA - Whitney Vantine, superintendent, attended his last meeting this past week before his final day on Oct. 17.

For his last meeting he discussed the importance of getting Central School on the market to be sold. He invited Ed Woods, realtor at Realty USA, to come and answer any questions the board might have. The main concern was if they should use the same realtor they used for Highland when that property is still vacant after its sale last spring to S. Spoth, LLC.

The fact that it went to auction instead of being sold was also an issue that raised concern from the board.

“Would you ask a realtor to sell your house if he failed the last time,” Said Sharon Stuart, board member.

Woods noted the $440,000 price they first listed Highland at was probably too high. He said the neighborhood that Central was in would help because prices are already established at a higher level.

“The development community is probably the ultimate user here,” said Woods.

Vantine said he was comfortable with the work they did on the sale of Highland. The board decided they would look into other reality services before making a final decision.

In other board news:

Jennifer Mysilwy, board member, brought up an issue that the PTSA is having trouble with fund-raising. She said they are not supposed to solicit people on flyers, but she was under the impression this was not for interscholastic groups, but outside groups.

“Our PTSA raises funds and 100 percent of those funds go back into our school and our children in this community,” said Mysilwy. “It’s never been a problem before so why is it a problem now?”

Board member Lynn Casal echoed her concern and agreed that they should be able to send out flyers with monetary amounts to raise money for the schools.

Vantine said he would let the PTSA know they could send out their flyers. The board is going to review the policy at the next meeting.

Vantine spoke briefly on his 22 years as a superintendent and 35 in public education. Board members said their goodbyes and congratulated him on the accomplishments he has made in the district.

“I have very, very fond memories,” said Vantine. “I simply say goodbye.”