This meeting was unusual in its featured item-a Board visit to the observatory located atop the high school. The observatory is now up and running, thanks in large part to a Byram Hills Education Foundation grant in the amount of $100,000, and the recent efforts of Science Department members David Keith and
Patrick LaMaster. Aided by students from the Astronomy Club, the teachers provided Board members with a physical orientation to the observatory site and functions (including the rotation of the dome toward various celestial objects), and an opportunity to actually view the quarter moon, Mars, and the nebula in Orion's Belt. Board members, in expressing their thanks to the teachers and students, were heard to pronounce this "the best Board meeting ever."

BUSINESS MEETING:
Upon returning to the Board room, the meeting continued on several business items.

Follow-Up to Curriculum Conversation of 11-22-05
Reflecting on the Curriculum Conversation of November 22, 2005, where the impact of State and Federal testing requirements was extensively discussed, the Board considered follow-up suggestions from the Superintendent. After complimenting Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jacquelyn Taylor, the teachers and administrators who discussed testing issues at the previous meeting, Mr. Chambers noted that the Board's expressed concerns about the time and emphasis required for these tests should be followed up with policy makers.

Three efforts to influence State policy matters were put forward. First, the Board agreed to join the four "Regional Educational Advocacy Districts" which had already successfully persuaded the New York State School Boards Association to adopt resolutions seeking more flexibility, and more funding, around testing. Second, the Board gave encouragement to parent lobbying efforts in the same direction, to be encouraged through the