As voting day approaches, an issue about the American flag and school board meetings has boiled over in New Paltz. Specifically, several school board members — including one standing for reelection on May 15 — choose not to stand during the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Members of the Radical University Professionals staged a rally at Peace Park across from the SUNY New Paltz campus on Tuesday, demanding equitable funding for the SUNY system and a fair contract for professors. Candidates Jen Metzger, running for State Senate, and Cynthia Nixon, who has her eye on the governor’s office, appeared to express their support.

Highland voters on May 15 will be asked to approve three candidates on the ballot running to fill three open seats on the Highland Central School District Board of Education.

Candidates in the May 15 election are: Joe Garcia, Meghan Goodnow, Glenn LaPolt, Michael O’Donnell, Diana Armstead and Brian Cournoyer.

Grace Morrissey has been named the 2018 valedictorian of New Paltz High School (NPHS) and Oliver Goland is this year’s salutatorian.

Highland High School (HHS) has announced its top ten students, including the valedictorian and salutatorian, for the Class of 2018. These students are not only the best and brightest when it comes to academics, but they have also left their marks in sports, extracurricular activities and volunteerism.

Six candidates will be on the ballot for the May 15, 2018 School Board election in New Paltz.

The award is given to a school administrator “who has set the pace, character and quality of education” for the children in their school and shown commitment to the students, families and staff.

The vote will be May 15. Some of the projects include new auditorium curtains, improvements to locker rooms and a basketball court, heating and lighting upgrades, and various other infrastructure improvements.