Friday, December 18, 2009

Six Staff Members to Retire

At its December meeting the Bronxville Board of Education accepted the retirements of five teachers and one cleaner. The teachers included Dennis Davan (Middle School science), Mary Angela Kennedy (Elementary Special Education), Donnie Kravitz, (grade 3), James Mitchell (High School Latin), and Mary Linda Orsenigo (Middle School social studies). Their service to the district totals 151 years. All have not only shown their dedication to children through their classroom performance, but have also demonstrated leadership as team leaders, curriculum leaders, club advisers, and coaches. Their announcement comes as part of a retirement incentive approved with the Board as part of a broader effort to contain costs. The retirements become effective at the end of the school year.

The Board also accepted the retirement of Tadeusz Wesley, a cleaner with the District for over 23 years.

Science Visiting Team Comes to Town

A team of fifteen educators completed their assessment of Bronxville's K-12 science program in early December. Comprised of teachers and administrators across the region, and appointed by our accrediting body, the Tri-State Consortium, the team spent three days in the district. They reviewed examples of student work - including lab journals and project displays, curriculum pacing guides, test results, and materials related to eight assessment indicators. They also spent time in classrooms and interviewed teachers, parents, and students. The visit culminated in a group dialogue between the Bronxville faculty and the visiting team that consisted of clarifying questions, probing questions, and commentary.

The assessment was organized around essential questions developed by the faculty and endorsed by the Board of Education:


To what extent does the K-12 science curriculum at Bronxville:

  • Support scientific questioning and reasoning?
  • Foster critical thinking?
  • Integrate technological skills?
  • Encourage applications of scientific knowledge?
  • Balance high standards of achievement with the needs of all learners?

Bronxville teachers spent over a year preparing for the accreditation process. They reviewed
the scope and sequence of the course of study and completed pacing guides for each course. They gathered and organized classroom materials to help the visitors understand our program. The written report is expected in five or six weeks.

For the Tri-State indicators, click below.

District Leaders Present Overview

Superintendent David Quattrone, Assistant Superintendents Dan Carlin and John Kehoe, and Pupil Personnel Services Director Rachel Kelly provided a overview of district wide services to the Board of Education at its December meeting. Following three earlier reports - one from each school principal, this final presentation completed the overall picture of staffing, current programs, and recent progress.

The Board has charged the administration with preparing a zero-increase budget. Quattrone said, "It would be fair to say that the Board is reexamining the relationship between resources available and educational excellence. This series of presentations has been designed to provide the information and background needed to decide what constitutes a model of excellence that is sustainable in a time of economic scarcity, not just this year but in the years to come."

This most recent review touched on various elements of district management and leadership, including communications, fiscal stewardship, technology, facilities, quality of teaching, and student services. It referred to the strategic plan recommendations of 2005, international indicators of excellence, and the status of various improvement efforts.

The report can be viewed by clicking on the picture above.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Board Reviews High School Programs

Continuing a series of school reviews, Bronxville High School Principal Terry Barton gave the Board of Education and the public a comprehensive overview of school programs and services. He described the core subject areas, new electives, technology progress, and many features of the school climate and extracurricular/leadership opportunities. Barton stated, "Within a successful high school we all know that an important key to success is our faculty. Not only do we have teachers who have a tremendous command of their content area, but also we have teachers who care about students: Teachers make the difference. Relationships made during the high school years often prove to be long lasting and enduring."

Questions from the Board of Education focused on technology instruction and educational software, the role of colleges in improving our curriculum, extra-help opportunities, on-line courses, the daily schedule, and world languages.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Construction Update

At a special meeting earlier this month, the Bronxville Board of Education voted to terminate its general construction agreement with Xavier Construction, one of the District’s four contractors involved in the boiler room project. This action was taken as a result of the contractor’s failure to perform its work on the project in accordance with the terms and conditions of its contract with the District. In addition, the Board was concerned about significant and persistent safety issues at the work site.

Since taking this action, the District has taken steps to secure the construction site, eliminate all safety issues identified by our construction manager and architect, and ensure that the site is protected from the weather.

All the school’s utilities and heating infrastructure are in place and operational, and the District believes that this suspension of activity will not affect the normal operation of the school through the rest of the year.

The District and its representatives are currently engaged in discussions with the contractor’s bonding company concerning completion of this project in a timely manner. We will keep the community apprised of these discussions as we work toward a satisfactory resolution.

Projections Show Overall Stability, Changes by School


The annual enrollment projects, prepared by FACTSNY, show overall stability in Bronxville's K-12 enrollment. The 2009 total of 1538 is expected to decline slightly to 1503, a change of about half of one percent. As relatively large cohorts of students move into the Middle School, however, we see changes at each school. The Elementary School is likely to lose 67 students over the next four years (though kindergarten estimates are notoriously unpredictable). In contrast, the Middle School population is expected to rise from 363 to 412 -- 49 students. During this same period, the projections estimate a loss of 17 students. These fluctuations have implications for staffing levels and budget allocations that will be considered as the 2010-11 spending plan is discussed by the Board.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

One Person Can Make a Difference

The Bronxville School hosted a successful, well-attended Family-School Partnership Workshop on November 9, 2009. Using Greg Mortenson's book, Three Cups of Tea, as a springboard, the event included students from all three schools. Brooke Gogel, SFL President, introduced the participants. Dr. Viji George, President of Concordia College, moderated the program and framed the presentations with remarks about global interdependence. About 175 people attended, including students, teachers, and a few parents and community members. After greetings from the International Club, eighth graders' comments about the book, and a description of the High School's Global Seminar, the audience heard presentations involving service projects and visits to Ecuador, Iran, Nicaragua, Tanzania, and Zambia.

Congratulations to all who participated and helped plan the event, especially Denise Lutter, Teacher Center Director. Barbara Dhyne and Marcie Frishman organized the International Club, the Fifth Grade Team supported Millie Guzman and the Ecuador project, and Mary Schenck worked with the eighth graders. Jim Agnello and Beth Agarabi have been active in the Nicaragua Bridges to Community project.

The complete agenda, including a list of participants, can be found here. A power point sample of the evening is below.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Subscribe to Bronxville's Electronic Newsletter

Each year the Bronxville School publishes an Annual Report and a budget summary, mailed to all Bronxville residents in November and April, respectively. A district calendar, produced each August and mailed to all district parents, is also available to other residents upon individual request.

In addition, the District publishes an electronic newsletter, Across the Bronxville Schools, that is e-mailed to all parents about once a month, usually following the Board of Education regular meeting. Parents receive this newsletter automatically and do not need to sign up. Interested members of the public -- including students, alumni, and current and former residents -- are welcome to subscribe to this newsletter by clicking on the link below.

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Friday, October 16, 2009

Middle School Programs Reviewed

Dr. Barry Richelsoph, Principal, presented an overview of Bronxville Middle School programs and services at the October Board of Education meeting. The second in a series of school reviews connected to the budget process, the presentation covered academic programs, advisories and grade level teams, co-curricular opportunities, and community partnerships. (The Elementary School review occurred in September, and the High School and District presentations are scheduled for the November and December Board meetings, respectively.)


Drop by Drop You Make a River

On Monday, November 9 the Bronxville School is hosting a School-Family Partnership workshop from 7:00 to 8:30 PM in the auditorium. "One person can make a difference" is the organizing theme of the evening, based on the book Three Cups of Tea, by Greg Mortenson. Mortenson's book describes his vision, setbacks, and success in building schools in rural Pakistan and Afghanistan.

A panel of student speakers, moderated by Dr. Viji George, President of Concordia College, will use the book as a springboard for discussing their own experiences in service projects across the world. The evening, aimed at secondary school students and their parents, is part of a broader global education initiative, linked to a number of related activities throughout the school year. At the Elementary School students will read Listen to the Wind, a picture book version of Three Cups of Tea, and the High School Student Faculty Legislature is planning its third annual special event exploring global problems.

Board Affirms District Goals

Taking a multi-year perspective, the Bronxville Board of Education approved three District goals at last night's meeting:
  • Conduct a comprehensive budget review that minimizes taxpayer expense. Budget options resulting in flat and lower taxes will be considered. This year’s budget process will include comparisons of Bronxville’s per pupil costs and an analysis of staffing levels and key programs and services at each school and the district.
  • Continue the three-year program development plans for global education and 21st Century skills, integrating technology, and knowing and engaging students.
  • Update the Long Range Facilities Plan.
In adopting these goals, the Board explicitly placed the highest priority on managing finances and containing costs in the school budget, but all three goals continue work that began last year - the three professional development strands, a more comprehensive budget review, and completing the post-flood restoration and recovery projects.

Activities related to the financial goals include concluding a Board/BTA study of health costs and benefits; completing negotiations with custodians, teachers, clerical staff, teacher’s aides and teaching assistants; pursuing resolution of outstanding construction litigation; and revising financial reporting formats. Activities related to the curriculum and instruction goals include updating the K-12 technology curriculum; designing and implementing student projects that reflect global awareness, critical thinking and problem solving, and technology as an essential tool for learning;expanding teacher access to student data as part of an evidence-based approach to improving learning results; forming a Board study group to identify “best practices” for board processes related to curriculum and instruction; and completing Tri-States evaluation of science curriculum.

Please Note Change in School Calendar

Because of a change in the New York testing calendar, Bronxville needs to change the date of the April Conference Day. The original school calendar called for Monday, April 26, 2010 as a no school day for students. However, this past July the New York State Education Department announced a change in testing dates, moving the testing period from March to late April, thus conflicting with our Conference Day. We must now use April 26 as a testing date to comply with the state schedule. As a result the Bronxville Board of Education has moved the Conference day from Monday, April 26 to Friday, April 30. There will be no school for students that Friday.

The revised calendar can be found here.

Friday, September 18, 2009

Launching the 2010 Budget: Elementary Review

Mindful of the need to contain costs and respond to the economic downturn, the Bronxville Board of Education launched the 2010 budget cycle with a comprehensive review of Elementary School programs and services. Superintendent David Quattrone introduced the presentation as follows:

"Tonight we resume a budget development process that began last year and is sure to continue over the next few years. Our goal is to establish a sustainable model of educational excellence that adapts our programs and services to economic realities. . . As we move from the technical fixes and trimming reflected in this year’s budget to more substantive changes, the decisions will be more difficult. We will need to determine if we are offering the right programs at the right scale, and whether or not some programs and services should be reduced or eliminated. As we go through this multi-year process we need to focus on two competing priorities – what we can afford and what adds the most value to student learning..."

The Elementary School presentation, delivered by Principal Tom Wilson and Assistant Principal Heidi Menzel, can be found here.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Enrollment and Class Sizes Remain Stable


K-12 student enrollment nudged upward by 1%, reported Superintendent David Quattrone at the September Board of Education meeting, with most of the increase at the Elementary School. The total K-12 population on September 9 was 1,542, up from 1,527 last year. The Elementary enrollment is 723, the Middle School enrollment is 363, and the High School enrollment is 452. Official enrollment figures will be finalized as of October 1st.

Class size patterns are also similar to previous years: The average class size for grades K-5 is 20.8, and the comparable figures for the Middle and High Schools are 18.9 and 19.3, respectively. The class size summary can be found here.

New Teachers and Tenure Candidates


Bronxville welcomed ten new teachers this fall, in addition to a number of leave replacements and interns. The Teacher Center sponsored a two-day orientation program led by Center director Denise Lutter and mentors Frank Viggiani and Julia Brogan. The program encompassed district purpose and vision, technology, support services, a Village tour, as well as logistical assistance. Pictured at the right are Danielle Green, psychology intern; Jillian Tomlin, school psychologist; Megan Garcia, special education; Camille DiSalvo, grade 4; Lorraine Voytek, kindergarten; Marge White, kindergarten; Sarah Wolf, elementary music; and Karine Schaefer, HS English.

Tenure Candidates

Each fall the district publishes a list of tenure candidates and probationary candidates, inviting parents to participate in the process through written, signed letters. Comments and concerns should be addressed to the school principal. All such letters are shared with the teachers named, and are part of a comprehensive performance appraisal process that includes multiple observations and supervisory conferences. The 2009 list can be found here.

College Admissions Results Jump Up


At the September Board of Education meeting, Superintendent David Quattrone presented student achievement results for 2008-09. Overall patterns are stable with respect to state testing and advanced placement results. But college admissions at the nation's most competitive colleges and universities jumped by 16%. Nearly two-thirds of the Class of 2009 (65%) enrolled in colleges and universities ranked in the "most competitive" category by Barron's Guide. Typically, about 90% of Bronxville graduates attend colleges in the top three tiers - "very", "highly", and "most" competitive.

For the full presentation on achievement results, go here.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

The Next Level of Learning


Opening Remarks to the Bronxville Faculty and Staff by David Quattrone, Superintendent of Schools, September 8, 2009.

Welcome back, everybody. We are ready to open school thanks to the hard work of your own classroom preparation and summer curriculum projects, and the ongoing efforts of our maintenance, technology, and clerical staff. We have a number of facilities projects that we hope will improve the quality of life for the students and faculty, including nine renovated bathrooms funded by the PTA, new lighting and ceilings in various hallways and classrooms, new lockers, and a number of painting projects that we hope contribute to a positive quality of life. This morning we also welcome all new faculty and staff members.

Today we kick off a community wide read of the book, Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson. The book recounts one man’s amazing journey to create new educational opportunities for children in Pakistan and Afghanistan. He started out with little more than mountain climbing experience and a deep commitment to making the world a better place. More...

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Special Budget Edition

Friday, April 17, 2009

Six Achieve Tenure

The Bronxville Board of Education awarded tenure to five faculty members and one administrator at its April meeting, based on the recommendations of Superintendent David Quattrone. BTA President David Katz also offered his congratulations to all. The six will also be recognized at the PTA-sponsored Recognition Tea on June 3rd.

As probationary teachers, faculty members are observed formally at least three times annually, with multiple evaluators in their tenure year. Tenure recommendations indicate a combination of proficient and distinguished ratings, supplemented by administrative assessments of capacity for future growth, leadership, and contributions to the department and school. Quattrone gave brief testimonials about each person.

Terry Barton, High School Principal
Mr. Barton has established a positive school climate, making decisions from a student-centered perspective and supporting numerous student-initiated projects. He has implemented improvements in school facilities, the master schedule, and expanded applications of technology. Through communication with students, parents, and teachers, he solves problems by listening, encouraging communication, and flexible approaches designed to help each student succeed.

Brian Senior, Elementary Physical Education
Mr. Senior brings to his teacher a strong foundation in child development. His teaching relates physical activity to other subject areas, and his team participation indicates strong connections with other faculty members and the broader interests of the students. Senior has also served as Boys Varsity Basketball coach.

Jean Windels, Middle School Science
Ms. Windels has distinguished herself as school leader and forward-looking teacher. She has represented the Middle School on the staff development Policy Board and served as 8th grade team leader. She has transformed the science club into a competitive and successful Science Olympiad team. Her teaching is characterized by a solid inquiry approach designed to foster thoughtful analysis and reasoning by her students.

Chris Yi, Middle School Mathematics
As Middle School curriculum leader, Mr. Yi has strengthened the communication and coordination with both Elementary and High School teachers, so that there is shared knowledge about expectations and clear criteria regarding placement. His leadership has also led to more consistent use of technology and and common assessments for common courses. His high expectations of students have contributed to our long-term effort to increase the number of students who have completed algebra by the end of eighth grade.

Dana Landesman, High School Social Studies


Ms. Landesman emphasizes collaborative group work in her classroom, with students taking responsibility for presenting information and learning from each other. Technology is well integrated into her teaching. Her dedication to content mastery is balanced with her genuine regard for young people. Her lessons are highly organized. She has collaborated successfully with colleagues, and is active in professional work beyond the school.

Ann Meyer, High School Science

Ms. Meyer has brought rigor, commitment, and enthusiasm to her work as a classroom teacher and as a positive force on the faculty. She has played a vital leadership role both within her department and across the school. As an advisor to the Student-Faculty-Legislature she has help launch and sustain school-wide events on global warming, human rights, and world hunger. She has also organized and implemented science seminars designed to interest students in careers in math and science. She brings a global perspective to her teaching, and as such she has been a strong advocate of high academic expectations, interdisciplinary approaches, and service to others.

Board Adopts 2009-10 Budget

After a series of budget workshops and public meetings, the Bronxville Board of Education adopted a $44,115,561 budget for 2009-10. The budget-to-budget increase is 1.11%, the lowest increase in over a decade, and one of the lowest in Westchester County. The estimated tax levy increase is 1.48%. The spending plan includes reductions of 5.4 positions. Following a budget hearing on May 7, residents will be asked to vote on the school budget on May 19th.

A budget newsletter providing the public with budget detail will be mailed to all residents in the next few weeks. The Board presentation is here.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

March Mayhem



On Saturday, March 28, 2009 the Bronxville School’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA) held its major fundraiser for 2009: The March Mayhem Bash. The event was a great success with over 400 people in attendance and over $200,000 raised for the school. In addition to dinner and dancing, the event included an extensive silent auction of internship opportunities, vacations, sports tickets and an extensive wine auction. And as luck would have it, one of the most exciting games in the March Madness tournament was played on Saturday night and aired on a big screen at the club, providing great entertainment and revving up the enthusiasm in the room. The PTA is incredibly grateful to the event co-chairs, Melinda Dempsey and Jennifer Mackesy, and to their entire committee of volunteers for all of their hard work. Many thanks are also owed to the greater school community – administrators, teachers, custodial staff, parents, students and local residents - for supporting the event in its organization, attendance, and in auction participation. It was a terrific school-wide effort and a great testament to the strength of the Bronxville School and community.

Foundation Considers 2009 Grant Applications


The Bronxville School Foundation meets next week to consider a variety of grant applications aimed at supporting, enriching, and improving the Bronxville Schools. Applications include requests for student leadership development, professional development, technology, instructional equipment, and supplementary classroom materials.

The photo shows a wind turbine project in the AP Environmental Science course, funded by the Foundation.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Proposed Budget Shows Lowest Increase in Over Ten Years: 1.37%





















After months of deliberation and reductions, the Bronxville Board of Education appears ready to endorse a school budget with the lowest increase in the last decade - a 1.37% budget-to-budget rise. Based on preliminary information available, the projected tax rate increase is likely to be the second lowest in Westchester County. The proposed budget totals $44, 227,561.

In November, the Bronxville Board of Education asked the administration to prepare a rollover budget that supported existing programs and accounted for contractual obligations yet added no new services or staffing. During a number of planning sessions throughout the winter, the budget was further reduced by about $870,000, involving the equivalent of 4.4 positions as well as reductions in various co-curricular and athletic activities and other accounts. The March 19 presentation can be found here. At that meeting the Board reviewed the impact of staff reductions on class size, tax rate comparisons, and the requirements of a contingency budget.

The Board will be asked to approve a budget in April, with a final hearing on May 7th and a school budget vote on May 19th.

Two BHS Students Win Global Service Learning Grants



Two Bronxville High School students, Nora Gerson (11th grade) and Amed Ebrahim (10th grade) have won prizes of $2,500 each to support service learning projects this coming summer. The students will be traveling to Tanzania to work in an orphanage under the guidance of Jim Agnello, school counselor.

The awards, supported by a community donor, support four goals:
  • Promote increased understanding of complex issues facing the global community
  • Improve students’ capacity to successfully engage in cross-cultural collaborations
  • Foster an understanding of the reciprocal nature of service to others
  • Improve the learning environments of children in the developing world.
Fourteen students applied for the awards, and Denise Lutter, Teacher Center Director, commented on the high quality of the applicants. "This is a huge step forward for the global education initiative," she said. "I look forward to the new perspectives and insights that the students will bring to their leadership roles."

Board Approves 2009-2010 Calendar

After a second reading, the Bronxville Board of Education approved the school calendar for 2009-2010. Patterned after the calendar adopted by the Westchester County Chief School Administrators, the next school year begins on Tuesday, September 8th for teachers and Wednesday, September 9th for students. The school year ends on Friday, June 25, 2010. There are 182 student days and 185 teacher days.

The approved calendar is here.

SFL Endorses Honor Code

Kate Kranenberg, representing Bronxville High's Student Faculty Legislature, and Anthony Angotta, adviser, described the new student Honor Code. Developed by thirty-five elected student representatives and several faculty members, the code reinforces the importance of academic honesty and responsibility. The Code asks student to pledge their commitment to avoiding plagiarism and cheating. Disciplinary consequences for incidents of academic dishonesty will continue to apply as stated in the handbook. The Board of Education expressed their support of the proposal.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Tuition and Residency

For many years the Bronxville School has generated revenue by admitting non-resident tuition students. This current year, 35 tuition students have been admitted, providing income of about $1,660,875. Of these, 20 are special education students and 15 are K-12 regular education students. Admission as a tuition student is made on a space available basis at the discretion of the school principal, the recommendation of the Superintendent, and approval by the Board of Education. In the current school year elementary tuition is $18,300 and secondary tuition is $23,300.

Each year questions arise about how the district handles families who move out of town during the school year or who may no longer be residents eligible to attend our schools. State law and Bronxville policy are very clear. Only students who reside in the Village of Bronxville may attend tuition-free. For those who leave the District during the year, tuition is pro-rated. District policy on pupil residency can be found here.

When a credible inquiry about residency is received, the district verifies residency through the use of investigative services. Anonymous complaints are typically disregarded. Since September 2008, the district has investigated eight claims of non-residency. In each case, residency has been verified, tuition has been charged, or non-residents have withdrawn from school. At the present time there are five pending cases.


Friday, January 16, 2009

What's New in Fifth Grade?

This year's fifth graders are experiencing some exciting innovations in their academic program, including a partnership with a school in Ecuador, student-led parent conferences, a monthly spirit day, and an opportunity to make guided choices during part of the school day.

At the January Board of Education meeting, the fifth grade team explained how these new approaches strengthen their students sense of community, self-reliance, and social responsibility. Curriculum Leader Adrienne Laitman and Erin Cramer, representing their colleagues, made the presentation. In addition to Laitman and Cramer, the fifth grade team includes Lisa Britvan, Stephanie Kennedy, and Bruce Meyers. Micki Kennedy and Karen Albers provide special education support.

The teachers highlighted the most significant aspects of their work together. The students developed five guiding principles ("Try your best.") as a fifth grade community, not by individual classes. This approach has led to a positive identity and fewer behavior problems. The organization of the daily schedule reflects a planned transition between the self-contained classroom at grade four and the secondary model in which the students change teachers every period. During a portion of the day the students have an opportunity to select activities that best meet their needs, ranging from extra help, to technology enrichment, or time to work on long-range projects. The student-led conferences have given parents, teachers, and the students themselves a new perspective on student's assuming responsibility for their own learning. These programs - and others - reflect the benefits of team planning and collegial support among the teachers.

Students and Faculty Plan World Hunger Event

Throughout the fall a group of interested high school students and faculty have been planning "World Hunger Awareness and Education Day", patterned after the 2007 Environmental Awareness Day (sponsored by the Student Faculty Legislature) and the 2008 Human Rights Awareness Day (sponsored by the Human Rights Coalition). Principal Terry Barton commended the planners, saying "I applaud the students' initiative and leadership, especially their efforts to connect new information to constructive action."

Scheduled for Monday, February 2, the day will feature a keynote speaker and an opportunity for students to participate in a variety of action activities. The keynote speaker, Joel Berg is the executive director of the New York City Coalition Against Hunger and a former Clinton administration official. He is also author of a new book, All You Can Eat: How Hungry is America? The afternoon activities will encompass such activities as letter writing, further study, fund-raising, and a food drive.

This event is also direct outgrowth of the global education initiative that began with seven teachers' trip to China in 2007 and has since become a major theme for professional and curriculum development in the district. The Middle School faculty is planning a related event in April.

Carlin Outlines Budget Options

At the January Board of Education meeting, Assistant Superintendent Dan Carlin gave an overview of the upcoming budget process. He began with a reminder that the district has already begun cost-cutting measures this year, reducing $200,000 from equipment and supplies. He also announced further freezes of non-essential items, expecting to generate another $100,000 in cost savings.

With that backdrop, Carlin described the "rollover budget" projecting what it would cost to operate this year's programs in 2009-10. This projection incorporates contractual obligations, utility increases, and the known cost of benefits. The projected figure, $45,257,442, represents a budget-to-budget increase of 3.73%. This figure - with no additional funds for new programs - is the lowest in ten years except for last year's increase of 3.63%.

However, Carlin added, we also anticipate shortfalls on the revenue side, including reductions in state aid, investment income, and sales tax proceeds. This gap in revenue places more pressure on the need to raise tax monies, and would result in a tax levy increase of 4.99%.

Finance Committee chair Tibi Guzman made a distinction between the tax levy (the net amount needed to operate the schools) and the tax rate, which varies with property appraisals and certioraris. Carlin went on to describe the amounts that would be needed to further reduce the budget. In order to reduce the tax levy to 3%, about $759,442 would need to be cut from the rollover budget. In order to reduce the tax levy to 0%, an additional reduction of $1,145,268 would be required. As a point of reference, Carlin estimated that $1 million would be the equivalent of ten or more teachers.

The detailed budget will be presented to the Board of Education on Saturday, February 7, at 9:00 Am in the Yeager Room.

District Conducts Second Satisfaction Survey

Superintendent David Quattrone announced that the Bronxville School will conduct its second total quality measurement survey to judge the district's performance in a number of areas, including its global initiative, technology applications in the classrooms, and the extent to which the district engages all learners.

The survey, to be conducted by Harris Interactive of Rochester, NY., will be distributed to district stakeholders, including students, parents, teachers, and staff. Using the company's School Poll program, the district will collect data using a set of standardized survey instruments. Students in grades 3-12, along with teachers and staff will be surveyed during the week of Jan. 18. The survey, together with a business reply envelope, will also be mailed separately to district parents. All responses will be confidential and anonymous.

The district first conducted such a survey in 2006 with the support of the Bronxville School Foundation. This year's results will track changes in stakeholder satisfaction over the past three years and provide benchmark comparisons with other survey participants. Quattrone said the survey approach was an important part of a comprehensive, balanced system of measuring excellence. Establishing a system of measurement is one of this year's Board/District goals.

The survey will focus on three key areas important to district performance. They include:
  • Levels of satisfaction with regard to the atmosphere of the district, its equipment and facilities, its communications, administration, and its principals and/or superintendent.
  • The frequency of specific events within the district, such as availability of extra help during the school year, parent involvement, etc.
  • The effect specific events have on stakeholder satisfaction, and a prioritized list of issues that should be addressed to improve satisfaction.
"This comprehensive survey will give the entire school community a detailed, reliable, and valid picture of stakeholder satisfaction," Quattrone said.