Saturday, December 20, 2008

School Sponsors Science Seminars

The Bronxville School District is doing its part to create the next crop of critical thinkers by organizing a series of lectures on a variety of scientific topics intended to prepare students for the 21st century workplace and the increasingly global, knowledge-based economy. Superintendent David Quattrone cited the science seminars as an excellent example of the District's effort to adopt a global perspective and focus on application of knowledge and real-world problem solving skills.

In October, the Science Department invited Dr. William Macaulay, the director of the Center for Hip and Knee Replacement at New York-Presbyterian The University Hospital of Columbia and Cornell, who spoke about his work and showed the students a video of one of his hip resurfacing surgeries.

On Dec. 8, Bronxville resident Dr. Lou Massa, who is a professor in the Chemistry and Physics Department of Hunter College, will speak to high school biology and Chemistry II students on the “Quantum Biology of the Ribosome” and its role in protein production in the body. The lecture will take place in the high school auditorium. On Feb. 13, Stuart Firestein, professor of neurobiology at Columbia University, will be speaking about olfactory reception (how we smell).

“Our plan has been to schedule a speaker about once every month or two,” said Ann Meyer, a science teacher at the high school. “The goal is to expose students to careers in science and math and to connect current research to what they are learning in class here in Bronxville.”

Friday, December 19, 2008

Financial Update

Assistant Superintendent Dan Carlin presented facts and figures related to flood-related construction and projected reductions in state aid. The presentation confirms that there will be a surplus of about $300,000 on this phase of the construction project. After insurance and FEMA reimbursements, the local share of restoration and recovery work is about 12%. The presentation can be viewed below.


Uploaded on authorSTREAM by quattrod

Environmental Club Spreads the Word

Earlier in the fall, the High School Environmental Club installed several LiveRoof modules of grassy plants as part of their Green Roof Project. These modules are 1 by 2 foot plastic containers, approximately 4 inches deep. As group raises the funds to install more modules they will gradually cover part of the school's roof.

The students followed up a few weeks later with visits to fifth grade classrooms to talk about the Project and school recycling programs. Senior Alexa Jackson orchestrated the entire event. Club members came with posters and other props, and the fifth graders quickly became engrossed, asking questions and sharing their own ideas with the older students. Faculty members Clare Gorman and Amy Bastone helped bring the two groups of students together. Fifth Grade teacher Adrienne Laitman commented, "Beyond learning about the benefits and costs of Green Roof modules, fifth graders got a real-life lesson on how initiative, determ
ination and cooperation can lead to positive changes in the community. You can’t beat that for an afternoon at school!"

Thursday, December 18, 2008

District Prepares for Fiscal Crunch: $200,000 Cut Now, More Later

Caution - in capital letters - was the word from Dan Carlin, Assistant Superintendent for Business. At the December Board meeting Carlin announced a $200,000 reduction in the current budget. This reduction, representing equipment and flood-related operating costs, will help the district anticipate any revenue shortfalls. Although the District does not expect any mid-year reductions in state aid, Carlin pointed out the uncertainties of income from interest, sales tax receipts, and certiorari settlements.

"We want to offset any revenue shortfalls by generating general fund surpluses on the expenditure side," he said. He added that reserves may give the District some flexibility in the 2009-10 budget. (The district expects a 10% reduction in state aid in 2009-10 - about $178,000)

Superintendent David Quattrone put the $200,000 freeze in the broader context of developing future budgets. More current budget reductions may come after a review in January. Then, on February 7, he will present a "roll-over budget" that answers the question, What would it cost to run the same programs in 2009-10? This projection will include contractual obligations and expected changes in health insurance premiums and utility costs.

Then the administration will present a series of options related to further reductions, including possible adjustments in class size and changes in non-mandated programs. Over a longer period of time, there may be opportunities to plan for further changes in management structure or delivery models. Quattrone emphasized that it is still possible to innovate and improve within existing budgetary constraints.

Board members have encouraged early and regular communication with the public about the budget plans, mentioning that per pupil cost comparisons may assist the Board in making decisions.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Two State Championship Teams in One Season

The Board of Education recognized the accomplishments of the Boys Soccer and Girls Cross Country teams, both of whom won state championships this season. Principal Terry Barton and Athletic Director Karen Peterson introduced the coaches who, in turn, introduced their players. The introductions were followed by a brief slide show.


What Do You Know?

Dr. Martin Brooks, executive director of the Tri-State Consortium, gave the Bronxville Board of Education an overview of the Tri-State Consortium accreditation program, which emphasizes a continuous improvement process.

The Consortium brings together forty-two school districts in New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut. Visiting committees of educators from member schools evaluate the quality of specific programs on a three-year cycle. The Consortium last conducted an evaluation of Bronxville’s K-12 mathematics program in 2005 and is slated to assess K-12 science in the fall of 2009. Dr. Brooks contrasted the limits of standardized testing with performance assessment: “Standardized tests ask ‘Do you know this?’”, he said. “Performance assessments ask, ‘What do you know?'”

Board members asked questions about what the District will learn from the K-12 science review, how best practices are identified and shared, and whether our current scope and sequence will be validated. Dr. Brooks said the report would be organized around essential questions developed by the faculty.

Superintendent David Quattrone said the essential questions under consideration address curriculum alignment, inquiry skills, technology applications, and the educational needs of diverse learners. These questions dovetail nicely with the professional development themes that have been adopted for the next three years. Over this period of time, he said, he expects achievement levels to remain high and stable, but the faculty will design new units of study and develop technology applications that promote depth of inquiry, authenticity, and engagement with real-world problems.

Sophomore Showcase

Bronxville High School students display and demonstrate their work for parents and teachers

Board Seeks to Curb Spending

At its November meeting, the Bronxville Board of Education asked the administration to curtail spending wherever possible. The administration will identify potential savings this year in an effort to offset expected pressures on next year's budget.

Assistant Superintendent Dan Carlin described the revenue picture as uncertain. Although the Governor proposed a 10% cut in this year’s state aid, that reduction has not yet been enacted. However, the Legislature is reconvening in December. There may also be shortfalls in county sales tax, tuition, and interest.

Mr. Carlin went on to describe the expenditure picture. Despite utility increases, expenditures appear to be much less of a concern than revenues at this point. Expenditure projections are expected to come in under budget, thereby compensating for anticipated revenue shortfalls.

The Board also considered the planning assumptions that will guide the 2009 school operating budget. Superintendent David Quattrone reported that enrollment is stable and that any changes in staffing would occur within existing levels. Budget planning will begin with a projection of a “stand still” budget – what will it cost to run the same programs in 2009-2010 given contractual and other known obligations. Then, the Board will review the programmatic and financial impact of possible reductions in order to minimize any tax increases. The budget will also provide information about relative costs -- how Bronxville's pattern of expenditures relate to other Westchester school districts. A draft budget will be presented at a workshop in February.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Focus on the Future

Teachers Focus on Three Strands

As part of its goal for curriculum and instruction, the Bronxville Board of Education has endorsed three strands, Global Education, Integrating Technology, and Knowing and Engaging Students. These three strands reflect the needs and interests of the faculty expressed in individual Professional Development Plans as well as some of the departmental improvement plans developed by curriculum leaders.

These three themes are aimed at producing student outcomes linked to 21st Century Skills such as the following:

* Students will demonstrate the critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills and creativity needed to address complex, globally-relevant issues.
* Students will acquire the knowledge, communication skills, and values needed to function in a global community.
* Students will use technology to think creatively, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes.
* Students will demonstrate knowledge of their own learning strengths and weaknesses.

The strand approach represents a new direction for the district in two ways: (1) A three-year time horizon will support gaining expertise over time, rather than a short-term approach to professional development activity. (2) Teachers will commit to a single strand for the school year, working collaboratively with colleagues who share the same interest. The new approach replaces the departmental meeting schedule that has been in place for a number of years.

Superintendent David Quattrone commented, "By making a thoughtful, active choice of a particular strand, teachers will have a greater commitment to and ownership of the process; and by organizing meeting time with more continuity in mind, teachers are more likely to add depth to their knowledge and apply what they learn in the classroom." The schedule provides about twenty hours for professional development work related to the strands. The work will be coordinated by the Bronxville Teacher Center and led by members of the faculty with the support of consultants and other professional organizations. Over the course of the year, there will be fourteen Wednesday afternoon sessions devoted to this work, in addition to two conference days.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

PTA Supports Facility Improvements through $530,000 Gift

Ashley Hanrahan, President of the Bronxville PTA, presented the Board of Education with a gift of $530,000 on Thursday, October 16th. The gift, approved by the PTA Board last week, supports an extensive facilities remodeling project encompassing nine bathrooms throughout the facility. The plans have been in discussion for over a year, with KG&D Architects completing the initial design work this past August.

Mrs. Hanrahan described the PTA's decision to focus on facilities, saying the organization was excited to use the proceeds from two years of fund-raising by Memorial Day and auction activities. Now that the Board of Education has accepted the gift, plans will be submitted to the State Education Department, with construction expected to begin next summer.

Superintendent David Quattrone acknowledged the gift, saying, "This gift is not only generous; it speaks directly to the needs of students and staff. The PTA surveyed the staff to identify the needs that would make the most impact on quality of life within the school, and this project is the result. To their credit, the PTA has also been patient, understanding that this project could not be put in place until the flood restoration work was complete."

The PTA has planned a district-wide fund-raising event for March 28, 2009, supplementing the traditional Memorial Day activities.

Friday, October 17, 2008

District Receives $1.3 Million from FEMA


Assistant Superintendent Dan Carlin announced that the District received a $1.3 million in payment from FEMA, representing the next installment in our flood recovery project. This is the first reimbursement for the restoration of the A and B wings of the building.

Carlin also reported that we are approaching substantial completion with respect to all aspects of the project, including the second floor renovations. The lockers and blinds have been completely installed; the furniture has arrived. The area is starting to look more finished. We still have some more cabinets to be hung in classrooms, and we expect to complete the SmartBoard installation this week. Mr. Carlin also stated that we are seeking improvements for the floor surfaces in select classrooms and a portion of the hall, and the architects are preparing proposals for various options.

Superintendent David Quattrone reported that we expect to obtain a certificate of occupancy for the district offices and the orchestra room on the second floor. The orchestra room will become available on or about October 22, but window replacement will not occur until the December break. We have scheduled the district office move from the trailer to the main building on November 7-11, pending furniture arrival.

We have also begun determining the logistics and schedule for the next phase of restoration and recovery - the relocation of the boiler room and switch gear.

In related news, Mr. Quattrone reported that the Facilities Committee reconvened in order to update the District's five year plan. The committee, which includes PTA, Foundation, and community representation, learned that the restoration project accomplished a number of items related to air handling and infrastructure. The committee will meet again in November to set priorities among the remaining items, which include Middle School science labs, the auditorium, outdoor facilities, and classroom renovations.

Moderating Costs


Rick Rugani, President of the Bronxville Board of Education, opened the October meeting by addressing the larger financial outlook across the state and the potential impact on our school district. Mr. Rugani remarked that while the full impact is yet to be defined, we are likely to encounter revenue shortfalls in both state aid and sales tax.

State budget deficits have prompted the Governor to reconsider the full range of state programs, including distributions to schools in the current year. "We may not have these revenues at the same level, " he said. "We have to be preparing ourselves as we put this next budget together." Assistant Superintendent Dan Carlin commented that we will know more in the next few weeks, adding that about 5% of our total budget depends on state aid.

Referring to expenditures, Mr. Rugani added that "Most of our spending isn't discretionary, but in this environment we need to do what we can to conserve dollars. . . Next year we need to approach the budget with an eye toward managing these costs even more carefully."

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Facilities Update

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Bronxville Middle School Gets Blue Ribbon


U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings has named Bronxville Middle School as one of 320 Blue Ribbon Schools in 2008. The No Child Left Behind-Blue Ribbon Schools award distinguishes and honors schools for helping students achieve at very high levels and for making significant progress in closing the achievement gap.

For the past 26 years, this prestigious program has honored more than 5,800 of America's most successful schools.

The No Child Left Behind-Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools that are either academically superior or that demonstrate dramatic gains in student achievement to high levels. Bronxville was nominated and selected based on its record of student achievement, scoring in the top 10 percent of New York's testing program.

The award reflects the culmination of a year-long application process, led by principal Barry Richelsoph. As he said in his message to staff, "You are a great staff, blessed with great kids in a great community, and I am a very proud principal."