To the editor:

On April 26, the Adirondack Daily Enterprise printed an article titled “LP school considers diversity consultant.” This letter is to clarify the intent of the $25,000 allocation in the 2021-22 budget.

In the article it was stated that the “District administrators proposed setting aside $25,000 for a temporary social studies teacher who would focus on integrating diversity, equity and inclusion.” I would like to clarify that the board approved a $20,731,143.00 budget that included “Up to $25,000 additional funding for any contractual expenses associated with curriculum and instruction.” Nowhere in the budget conversation during the April 20 meeting was the $25,000 explicit to a social studies teacher or, for that matter, any other focus area. While Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is enormously important to the district, the allocation of these funds remain undefined and are meant to be broadly applied, not aimed solely at social studies.

As most are aware, the district’s superintendent, Dr. Roger Catania, is retiring at the end of this school year. The $25,000 amount that has been budgeted will be expensed following discussions with all stakeholders, including the new superintendent and the board of education.

Thank you for the opportunity to clarify.

Richard Preston, president

Lake Placid Central School District Board of Education

Lake Placid