John Hill
Retired paver John Hill has been a Questar III Board member since 1996 and continues to utilize his leadership and experience to better his community and Questar III.
How and why did you become a Questar III Board member?
I served on the Hoosic Valley CSD Board until 1997 and joined the Questar III board in 1996. I believe that everyone should take part in how our society manages itself. We all need to contribute our fair share. Being a member of a school board is a perfect example of how one can take an active role in our system and how we can affect decisions that could bring about change in our world. To be a part of this process is exciting and rewarding.
How is Questar III BOCES helping to alleviate the fiscal challenge facing so many school districts?
The BOCES System is the most cost-efficient method of delivering quality education to people of all ages. School districts simply cannot afford to offer courses and instruction in a manner as efficient as a BOCES. Questar III keeps costs at a more reasonable level by implementing such services as our State Aid and Financial Planning and Internal Auditing Services.
What challenge is Questar III BOCES facing? And what are some of your goals?
It is a constant struggle to deliver a cost-effective program to our components, one they can and want to accept. However, I believe our BOCES is poised to expand our horizons and take our talents and experience into the world of assisting local governments in budgeting, inventory control, asset management, etc. There is no agency better positioned than the BOCES for cooperative assignments.
In your opinion, how is Questar III BOCES helping to lead the way in education?
We have taken privileged education out of the closet and made many people proud and productive members of our society. One only needs to attend one of our commencements to see the accomplishments of these determined people. The experience is truly moving; not a dry eye on the place!
As a board member, what has been some of your proudest endeavors?
One of my proudest endeavors as a Board member was taking part in the building of the BOCES House in Troy for a family with special needs. I am also proud to be a part of the changing direction of BOCES into one of innovation and foresight. Tech Valley High School is a perfect example of this change.
In your opinion, what is the best part about being a Questar III board member?
Trying to sweep a little sunshine into a dark corner.
Tell us about your life outside of the Questar III Board of Education.
I’ve spent 55 years in the asphalt paving industry managing companies in Rensselaer County, White Plains and Buffalo. I had a great time in my career and found a new and exciting adventure every morning I got up and went to work. I retired in 2006 and led a team of volunteers that travel all over the country rebuilding people’s homes that have been destroyed by natural disasters. We are currently on a project in Middleburgh, NY where we have rebuilt some 35 homes in 20 months since Tropical Storm Irene; all of this with donated funds and volunteer labor. It’s truly powerful to see the smile on the homeowners’ faces as you turn over their rebuilt home – one that they thought was ruined forever – into a place they can call home again and where their kids can rekindle a sense of normalcy.
