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."