Board Adopts District Goals

When the new Board of Education took office in July, President Jim Hudson wanted to take a fresh look at our goals and make sure all Board members had a chance to give careful thought to the process. To that end, the Board held a planning workshop this past October, most of which was devoted to a discussion of how the schools help students cope with social issues in their daily lives.

At other times the Board also heard presentations on the District's global initiative, a facilities report, and the background for budget development. At the December meeting, Dr. Hudson presented a final version of the proposed goals for Board discussion.

Regarding a goal about Annual Professional Performance Review, Dr. Quattrone explained the background of Race to the Top requirements, which, among other changes, assigns a weight of 40% to student achievement results in all teacher evaluations. The district will negotiate the exact terms with the Bronxville Teachers Association as the law stipulates, and we must develop a new plan by next September.

There was also quite a bit of discussion about the learning environment and youthful behavior. The Board wanted to make sure parents were included in a discussion with Village officials and asked that a review of existing programs be kept current, to include such problems as cyber-bullying. The Board affirmed the importance of strong programs at all levels of the system, mentioning specifically the Elementary School program on courtesy, civility, and character.

Finally, with respect to finances, the Board declined to set a specific budget target for the coming year, nor did they link the budget to anticipated tax caps. After modifications were made to reflect these concerns, the Board adopted these goals unanimously:

1. By June 2011, through the collaborative examination of student work, the faculty will have established a district definition and assessment standards for critical thinking, creativity, innovation, and student initiative and responsibility.
2. By June 2011, create and plan for the implementation of a new Annual Professional Performance Review process, consistent with new state requirements regarding teacher and principal evaluation, achievement accountability, appeals procedures, and data collection and analysis.
   
3. Hold a joint dialogue about social issues and teenage behavior with students, parents, staff, the Board of Education, and Village Trustees.
4. Study the need for and feasibility of regular forums or programs at the high school to promote high standards of personal conduct and healthy, safe, responsible behavior.
5. Strengthen the continuity, connections, and consistency of school climate programs across the schools.
   
6. Update the facilities master plan to address identified infrastructure needs and renovate Middle School science classrooms and the auditorium. Develop a funding approach to carry out the plan, including establishing a construction reserve.
7. Develop a 2011 school budget that supports high quality teaching, programs, services, and operations.
   
8. Provide a multi-year framework for budget planning that includes an analysis of per pupil costs, and projections/scenarios that address unfunded mandates, declining state aid, and the rising costs of compensation, retirement, and benefits.

The strategic questions associated with these goals can be found here.

Internal Auditors Review Facilities Controls

Each year the Board of Education selects an area for an internal audit. In the past, for example, the auditors examined co-curricular activities and strengthened controls by assigning a staff member to serve as the central treasurer for student activity accounts. For 2009-10, the Board asked its auditors to review facilities procedures, based on a risk assessment of the expenditures and level of activity in that area.

David Moran of Accume Partners delivered the report at the December meeting, following a prior session with the Board's audit committee. The auditor reviewed controls and procedures regarding supplies and equipment; purchased services contracts, preventive maintenance and work order systems; overtime; facilities use; and state requirements. Some of the specific recommendations for improvement included:

1. Improve the documentation related to purchased service contracts;
2. Make better use of a work order/room reservation system;
   
3. Update the building conditions survey and facilities report card;
4. Pre-approve all overtime requests;and
5. Comply with prevailing wage requirements.
   

Assistant Superintendent Dan Carlin noted that most of the recommendations are already in place or in process. Recommended adjustments to requirements of documentation were implemented immediately. As a way of addressing several anticipated recommendations, School Dude, a new work order/preventive maintenance/room reservation system was installed this past summer. Our architects completed the Five Year Building and Conditions survey and presented it in October; the School Facilities Report card will be presented in January. The auditor expressed a high level of comfort with the management response to these issues and stated that "in many instances remedial action has already been implemented." Accume will forward its current risk assessment to the Board in January.

Accume's presentation can be found here.

Other News from the Board of Education

In addition to adopting district goals and hearing the internal audit report, the Bronxville Board of Education addressed several other issues of interest at its December meeting:

• Dr. Quattrone thanked the PTA and the Council for their much-appreciated Holiday Tea; announced the Holiday Sings at the Elementary School and band, orchestra, and choral concerts at the secondary schools; recognized the two-week exchange with students from the Canary Islands, thanking Patrick Miele for his leadership efforts; and acknowledged the ninth grade community service project with the Andrus Center.

• Mr. Carlin announced that we are nearing completion of the boiler project, and that the general contract should be done by mid-January. There are ongoing issues with the performance of one boiler, but the other three are providing sufficient heat as we work to fix that problem. although all tests indicate that the sound made by the boilers fall within acceptable levels, we are working with our architect to attenuate sound further, as requested by neighbors. Possible remedies include interior baffling, exterior shielding, or landscaping.

• Mr. Carlin reported that he is projecting a $700,000 surplus in the current fiscal year, which would allow the District to offset the tax rate as it did last year. Pierre de St. Phalle, chair of the finance committee, described the goals the committee established for this year, encompassing budget guidance, investment policy, financial structures, and reporting formats. The goals can be found here.

• Dr. Kehoe described the scope of duties performed by Securitas, our new security guard provider. The firm covers the fields and the building during off-hours and weekends, making full use of our surveillance cameras. Communication protocols with the Bronxville Police have also been arranged.

• Dr. Cain, liaison to the Policy Board, described that group's effort to set up an evaluation and assessment framework for the district's global initiative.

• Dr. Hudson shared his thoughts about a recent meeting about class size, requested by the PTA, Elementary Council officers, and several parents. Mr. Rugani, Dr. Quattrone, and Dr. Wilson also attended. The existing guidelines go back to 1992, and the policy is dated 1975, so there is a question about their continued relevance. Dr. Hudson said it may be more useful to replace the guidelines with principles and beliefs that affirm the value of small class sizes, especially in the primary grades, yet retain the flexibility to adapt to changing finances and enrollment fluctuations. Dr. Quattrone pointed out that we will have some real numbers to look at when the budget is presented.
  

Board Considers New Goals

Over the past few months Board President Jim Hudson has led an effort to establish new District goals, giving Board members an opportunity to discuss issues in greater depth and with a long range view of the future. Part of this process was a special workshop on October 28th, focusing on curriculum and instruction and the quality of the learning environment. The discussion centered on two strategic questions:

• How can we ensure that Bronxville provides the best possible curriculum and instruction, leading to the success of every student?
• How can the Bronxville School best help the community in its effort to promote healthy, safe, responsible behavior among its young people?

As in the past, the Board will set goals related to teaching and learning (such as the current global initiative); but increasing the emphasis on teenage behavior and related social issues represents a new priority for the Board, and the challenge has been to define the role of the School in an appropriate way that reflects the legal and practical limits of what the School can do to prevent or respond to incidents of alcohol or drug abuse that occur outside of school.

At its November meeting the Bronxville Board of Education turned to additional questions related to facilities and finances:

• How can school facilities best support the current and future learning needs of our students?

• What comprises a fiscally responsible, sustainable model of educational excellence for the Bronxville School?

Other articles in this newsletter describe the presentations heard by the Board. Superintendent David Quattrone suggested several possible goals for the Board to consider in December, and Dr. Hudson commented that it might take several years to attain them.

Architects See Much Improvement, Identify Future Needs

The District's architects, KG&D, presented the Board and the public with the results of its five-year building conditions survey. This process, required by law, provides the cornerstone of a comprehensive facilities master plan, which the Board will consider in January.

Russ Davidson and Calvin Black, both of KG&D, reported "terrific progress" since the 2005 survey, citing the rotunda renovation, conversion to digital controls, and flood recovery work. Areas of improvement include ceilings and doors; roofs and parapets; windows; and heaters, controls, and boilers. The inspection team found no significant problems in the C wing of the building, now six years old. "It's a significantly different building today," Black commented.

The next phase of work, he said, should focus on replacing floor tile and ventilation controls. With infrastructure problems largely under control, the next step is to focus on program-related issues, in particular auditorium improvements and the renovation of Middle School science labs.

The facilities committee will review options for the auditorium in the coming months and report back to the Board. In order to develop a funding plan for facilities needs, the Board is considering establishing a construction reserve. In addition, there are some partnerships with the PTA and the Bronxville School Foundation that have played major roles in facilities improvements, including bathroom renovations and field improvements. The Foundation has expressed interest in supporting the early stages of a possible auditorium renovation.

Carlin Kicks Off 2011 Budget Process

As the Bronxville Board of Education considers what financial targets to set, Assistant Superintendent Dan Carlin launched the budget process by reviewing past patterns and identifying future needs.

He began by describing the history of how school budget increases have outpaced inflation. He then pointed out how the district has stabilized the budget and tax rates over the last two years. On the horizon, however, Bronxville faces several difficult challenges. Collective bargaining is still underway with four employee groups; new contracts may produce additional expenditures. Similarly, employer contributions to state retirement funds and rising health benefit costs will also lead to higher costs. Expected reductions in state aid and the end of federal stimulus grants will further complicate the picture. Carlin ended by laying out several budget scenarios, swinging between increases of 2.5% and 8%. These scenarios do not reflect the budget deliberations, reductions, and adjustments that will surely come in the months ahead. The budget process will involve a careful review of how best to minimize taxpayer expense.

No actual budget has yet been proposed. As in the past, a rollover budget will be discussed at a February workshop, open to the public. the full presentation can be found here.

Board Reviews Global Initiative

Superintendent David Quattrone gave the Bronxville Board of Education an update of the district's global initiative, now in its third year. He praised the work of the Teacher Center and its Policy Board, comprised of representative teachers, administrators, and liaisons to the Bronxville School Foundation and the Board of Education. Building on two years of professional development, this year's activities focus on the collaborative examination of student work. Working in groups, teachers are evaluating student writing and projects as a way of gaining insight into two essential questions:

1) To what extent do our students think critically and creatively about the world around them and their place in it?

2) To what extent do our students show initiative and responsibility for their own learning?

The questions will set the stage for a series of curriculum conversations scheduled for Board meetings throughout the year. The presentation can be seen below.

Carducci String Quartet Comes to Bronxville

Rosella Ranno, Secretary and Education Chair of the Friends of Music Concerts, announced that the Bronxville High School strings program has received a Friends of Music Partnership in Education Grant for the fall semester 2010. This grant will support a visit from the Carducci String Quartet, currently on their US East Coast tour from their home base in London. They will be performing and working with Bronxville students in early November.

Friends of Music Concerts is a volunteer, non-profit organization that sponsors high quality music performances in Westchester County. Denise Lutter is director of the strings program.

Auditors Share Findings with Board

The Bennett Kielson Storch DeSantis Division of O'Connor Davies Munns & Dobbins llp, the district's external auditors, presented their annual findings to the Bronxville Board of Education. Susan Barossi and Brian Kenneally prepared the financial statement and made the report. Key findings included:

• An unqualified opinion on financial statements
• No material errors, frauds, or illegal acts were identified
• No deficiencies in internal control were identified
• No disagreements with management.

Chris Atayan, chairman of the audit committee, called attention to post-retirement benefits, including a $24 million obligation that will be paid out over thirty years. The Board accepted the report unanimously, and the presentation appears below.

2009-10 Auditor's Report

School Opens Smoothly

This school year began with an unfamiliar schedule, with two school days sandwiched in between Labor Day and Rosh Hashanah. In order to get down to business promptly, we opted not to hold a full teacher conference day for classroom preparation and various meetings. That would have led to a one-day school week. Instead we began with two delayed openings, with the students arriving at 10 AM. Despite the different format, school opened smoothly, with full attendance:

• New teachers completed a comprehensive two-day orientation program the week before school opened.
• The facility was ready, with a number of internal improvements, such as window replacement and painting.
• A + A Maintenance, our new custodial services company, responded well to the rush of demands that come with the new school year. We are working cooperatively to set expectations for quality of service.
  
• Our technology was fully operational.
• Our new food service provider, Chartwell, made a rapid and effective transition to operating our cafeteria.

Informal feedback about the late start was very positive, with teachers appreciating the decision to forgo general meetings, and parents appreciating the additional time to get ready for school.

Enrollment, Class Sizes Remain Stable

Superintendent David Quattrone gave the Board of Education a brief report on class size at September's regular meeting. He reported that district enrollment was stable, with 1,544 students in grades K-12 (up 6 from last year). Overall, class sizes were also very similar to previous years, with exceptions at grades 2 and 3. Second grade classes have aide assistance for part of the day.

For the full report, go here:

Opportunity for Parent Feedback

We strive to sustain a positive, trusting relationship between school and home. Parents with questions about school procedures or individual classroom practice should feel free to share their concerns directly with the teacher, counselor, or Principal. Such informal interaction is a daily, constructive occurrence at each school, and everyone benefits from an atmosphere of open, civil communication.

Parents also have the opportunity to register compliments or concerns in connection with employment decisions. This article describes how parents may comment on a probationary teacher, administrator, or tenure candidate. Parents or other community members may share their perceptions through a signed letter addressed to the Principal, in the case of faculty, or to the Superintendent, in the case of administrators. Such letters will be acknowledged in writing by the supervisor, and shared with the individual teacher or administrator, and with the Superintendent and the Board of Education. In light of the timetable calling for tenure recommendations, any such letters should be received not later than March 1st of the teacher’s or administrator’s tenure year. Input even earlier in the tenure process, including years prior to the tenure year, allows more time for professional growth or recognition. It is important to note that parental feedback is only one aspect of an assessment of staff performance that encompasses preparation and planning, classroom management, instruction, and professional responsibilities.

For a list of 2010 probationary teachers and tenure candidates, go here.

Welcome Back!

As the summer draws to a close, we have been busy preparing for the new school year. Our active summer has included a range of curriculum and professional development projects, a number of interior classroom renovations, hiring and orienting new faculty and staff, and moving forward on our boiler project. We are ready for school to open next Tuesday, September 7th at 10:00 AM. This is a different pattern than in the past, as there was no practical way to schedule a teacher conference day given the quirks of this year's calendar. (School will be closed on September 9 and 10.)

Classes on the second day of school, Wednesday, September 8th, will also begin at 10:00 AM. This delayed start will give teachers time to prepare their classrooms. To help us ensure a smooth start, please do not send your child to school early (Ninth graders have a special orientation schedule that will be sent separately). Thanks for your cooperation, and we look forward to a great school year.

For the full school calendar, click here.

Superintendent Reports High Levels of Student Achievement

At the August meeting of the Board of Education, Superintendent David Quattrone presented an annual profile of student learning results on NY State Assessments, Advanced Placement Examinations, and college matriculation. He reported that levels of achievement for the 2009-10 school year remain high, with stable patterns and trends.

A new wrinkle this year stems from the higher cut-off scores set by the Commissioner of Education. The higher standards for determining proficiency reflect the state's expressed commitment to ensure that all high school graduates are college ready. The new standards will lead to higher numbers for whom intervention and academic support is required, beginning in 2011. Quattrone reported that the district already extends those services using local criteria and will continue to do so. Last year during the budget process, the Board affirmed the importance of a strong skills program, and the District remains in a good position to deliver these services to a wider group of students.

Quattrone also announced a plan to hold a series of "curriculum conversations" with the Board throughout the year, focusing on "the next level of learning" - the development of higher order thinking skills.

New Teachers Get an Early Start

Bronxville welcomed new faculty members at a two-day orientation held the week before Labor Day. Led by veteran teachers Toby Gillen and Dana Landesman, and supported by Denise Lutter, Bernadette Borbee and the Teacher Center, the program included presentations by district administrators, technology training, and a tour of the Village.

Participants included classroom teachers, leave of absence replacements, psychologist interns, and (not listed below) three student teachers from Iona College:

Elementary School: Katherine Bryce (Grade 4), Justin Chao (Grade 4), Vanessa Janec (Grade 4), Louise Lebrini (Grade 2), Zach Nilva (Science).

High School: Courtney Alan (Art), Jennifer Rosenzweig (English), Cassie Sullivan (Latin), William Meyer (Social Studies), Suzanne Wilson (Science), Michael Viele (Social Studies).

Special Education: Christine Collesian (ESOL), Lauren D’Angelo (ES Special Ed.), Jennifer DiPasquale (Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant), Sara Kaufman (MS Special Ed.), Nicole Buch (Psychologist Intern), Jordana Vigoda (Psychologist Intern).

What Did We Accomplish?

At the June Board of Education meeting, Superintendent David Quattrone gave an informal report describing progress toward the Board and district goals adopted last October. Those goals, collaboratively developed, focused on district finances, curriculum and instruction, and facilities. Highlights of the report included the cost containment efforts reflected in a lower tax rate, the Tri-State Consortium science accreditation, and the final stage of the flood restoration and recovery project. You can find the full written report here.

Chambers Field Project Moves Forward

At its June meeting the Bronxville Board of Education approved preliminary plans for improvements to Chambers Field. Funded by the Bronxville School Foundation and the remaining balance from the turf project of 2006, the plans call for expansion and renovation of a storage shed, the construction of a new concession stand with restrooms, bleachers, and a press box. The estimated cost for the project is $256,310, almost entirely borne by private sources ($40,000 for the storage shed is in the school budget.).

Athletic Director Karen Peterson introduced the presentation with a brief history of the project and efforts to scale down the plans to match available resources. Bill Aniscovitch of WBA Associates described the scope of the project and reviewed the drawings. Board members asked a series of questions about design, vulnerability to flooding, and cost.

After Board endorsement, the project proceeds to the design development stage, and plans will be submitted to the State Education Department for review. The time line for that review is uncertain, but construction would begin no earlier than November, 2010.

Science Olympiad Team Scores at the State Competition

Coached by Middle School science teacher Jean Windels, thirteen Bronxville students competed at the state Science Olympiad, held at SUNY New Paltz on the weekend of May 1st. After advancing from regional events, the Bronxville group scored twentieth among the thirty-seven best teams in the state. They also won several medals for individual events.

At last week's Board of Education meeting, six students described the events and displayed some of their work, including an elevated bridge and a plane. Chris Landy, Owen Hayes, Tepi Ennis, Victoria Corbo, Will Stoeffhaas, and Mari Kawakatsu represented the team.

Congratulations to Retiree and Newly Tenured Staff

At its May meeting the Bronxville Board of Education awarded tenure to three staff members and accepted the retirement of long-time school secretary Vicki Winter, Three additional staff members received tenure at last night's Board meeting: Tim Horgan (K-12 Special Education), Billie-jo D'Ambrosio (Teacher Assistant), and Kathryn Devine (Teacher Assistant). Along with the teachers who received tenure last month, they will be honored at the PTA-sponsored Recognition Tea next month.

District Outsources Cleaning Services

After a long process of reviewing options, the Bronxville Board of Education has awarded a bid for cleaning services to A and A Maintenance Enterprise, Inc., for a sum of $455,412. The outsourcing option represents significant annual savings of approximately $300,000, thus helping the Board to avoid additional program reductions that directly affect students.

Prior to making this decision the Board sought confirmation that the company had successful school experience elsewhere and that security procedures would be in place. Assistant Superintendent Dan Carlin reported that all reference checks and site visits resulted in positive recommendations. District administrators also assured the Board that current employees could interview for positions with the new company. If A and A's overall performance proves satisfactory, Bronxville can renew the contract within state-determined consumer price index limits.

During public commentary, two teachers expressed regret over the decision, which affects about seventeen current employees. (Supervisors, maintenance mechanics, and the outside crew remain unaffected by this agreement.) Negotiations with this bargaining unit are continuing.

Frequently Asked Questions about Outsourcing

Board Accepts $210,499 of Foundation Grants

The Bronxville School Foundation continued its tradition of strong support for educational innovation by presenting the Board of Education with a roster of 22 grants totaling $210,499. The Board accepted the gift "with gratitude." Asked how many teachers participated in the grant application process, Superintendent David Quattrone said that most proposals involved team collaboration. Teachers in grades K-2 submitted a bookbinding project. High School science teachers requested additional digital microscopes.

Other faculty members also pursued the acquisition of technology - long a priority for the Foundation. The second grade team proposed an expansion of SmartBoard installations, as did Middle School special educators. Bolstered by successful experience with "response clickers" that support instant feedback in classrooms, the fourth and fifth grade teams requested additional Senteo systems.

The Foundation also approved grants that extended the School's global initiative in new ways, including a partnership with the Asia Society aimed at improving the "global competence" of all students and leadership development, K-12 language arts development through ongoing work with a consulting organization, LitLife; and support for international travel and service projects. (The LitLife grant was approved in anticipation of the loss of state funding for Bronxville's Teacher Center.)

Four Achieve Tenure

The Bronxville Board of Education awarded tenure to four teachers at its April meeting: Jeannine Holzman, Shara Oliman, and Justine Rutherford at the Elementary School, and Meg Weiss at the Middle School (English). These individuals have demonstrated distinguished performance in planning and preparation, managing the learning environment, classroom instruction, and professional responsibilities. All four have shown initiative and exceeded expectations with respect to the district's priorities of fostering higher order thinking, integrating technology, and engaging all learners. The appraisal process consisted of multiple classroom observations by different evaluators, including pre-conferences, reflection conferences, and a collective review by the administrative team. We congratulate them on their accomplishments and welcome them as faculty colleagues. They will receive further recognition at the Recognition Tea later in the school year.

Board Adopts 2010-2011 Budget, Approves Clerical Retirement Incentive

The Board concluded a review process that began last September and adopted a 2010-11 school budget that represents a decrease in budget-to-budget expenditures, a decrease in the tax levy, and a decrease in the tax rate borne by community taxpayers. The process encompassed a series of formal school program reviews this past fall and ended with several meetings with extensive public commentary. The end product strikes a balance between core district values, such as maintaining favorable class size, and the fiscal realities that affect everyone in the nation.

Core elements of our school program have been reaffirmed and remain unchanged. The 2010-11 school budget maintains class sizes in the low twenties and academic support services (“skills classes’) in small groups. Cherished field trips to the farm, Philadelphia, Williamsburg, and Washington will continue. The Middle School will still offer a full range of modified sports for all interested students. The budget also sustains elective opportunities and extra time for science instruction at the High School. All in all, we have been able to keep our promise to “bring out the best in each student” by supporting a comprehensive range of programs and services.

Yet this significant reduction in expenditures involves difficulty and pain. After a careful review, the Board has determined that partial outsourcing of custodial services presents significant economic advantages ($320,000) and can also meet our standards for quality, flexibility, security, and safety. We expect to award a bid for these services later this spring. Focusing on non-instructional areas, the Board has also asked the administration to trim the clerical workforce by at least 2.7 positions. Other cuts include a 10% reduction in equipment, supplies, and textbook accounts; combining certain 6-12 curriculum leader and team leader positions; eliminating assistant coach positions in modified basketball, lacrosse, and field hockey; and consolidating club advisers at the high school. In these areas, the level of supervision may change, but the full range of options for students will continue. The approved budget also incorporates a discontinuation of the Foreign Language in the Elementary School program.

The Board acknowledged two specific efforts to address budget challenges. Board member Tom Kenney thanked the administrators for their voluntary giveback of a 3.75% raise in 2010-2011. Board President Rick Rugani expressed regret for some public remarks at the March meeting that singled out the secretarial staff. He went on to introduce a retirement incentive designed to offset potential reductions in force in the clerical unit. The Board adopted the incentive plan.

Superintendent David Quattrone thanked the Board for its efforts to maintain unified community support through many public sessions and conversations with constituents. At the end of a comprehensive review process, the Board of Education presents the community with a budget that acknowledges the financial difficulties that surround us and at the same time protects the instructional core – academic challenge for all, a full range of opportunities to develop individual talents, and support and preventive approaches to ensure success for all learners.

The most recent budget presentation can be found here.

Administrators Volunteer to Skip Raise

President Rick Rugani announced that the Bronxville School's administrators have volunteered to give up a negotiated raise of 3.75% for 2010-11, representing a savings of about $60,000. He commended the administrative group for understanding the changing economic climate and the need for shared financial sacrifice. As a result, he said, the administrative unit has agreed to forgo the wage increase negotiated for 2010-11, which the Board was legally obligated to pay. Instead, both parties have agreed to extend the contract through 2013 and spread the increase over that period of time - 1.875% in 2011 and 1.875% in 2012. All other provisions of the contract remain intact, including merit pay provisions that are at the discretion of the Superintendent and Board.

Mr. Rugani heralded the agreement, commending the group for stepping up to a difficult issue, setting a positive example, and taking a position that strengthens the district's long term financial health. Superintendent of Schools David Quattrone and Assistant Superintendent Dan Carlin, not represented by this bargaining unit, have no guaranteed wage increases. Both (among several other unrepresented employees) took no raise in 2009-10.

Other bargaining units, including teachers, custodians, clerical staff, and teacher aides, have yet to negotiate new contracts for the next school year.

Students, Parents, and Staff Voice Support for School Programs

As part of building the 2010 budget the Bronxville Board of Education listened to extensive public comments about how best to maintain excellence in our schools. About 200 people crowded into the Elementary multi-purpose room in a meeting that adjourned at 11:00 PM. The group included high school students who presented a petition supporting our present custodial staff (instead of outsourcing). Parents (mostly representing Elementary students) spoke on behalf of the Elementary foreign language program, as did a number of staff members. Parents also emphasized the importance of small class sizes, a concern generated by the district's decision not to replace certain retiring teachers. A number of parents also advocated reducing the clerical work force as a way of avoiding reductions in the teaching force.

Setting the stage for the public comments, and in direct response to email traffic over the past two weeks, Board President Rick Rugani assured the audience that "nothing in this budget or among the proposed cost reductions is designed to alter the historic ranges of class size." Over the past five years, the K-5 class size has varied between 19.9 and 21. Superintendent David Quattrone reinforced the point, assuring the Board and the public that the planned reductions would not drive Elementary class size upward and that he would recommend adjustments if enrollments warranted. The Board and the public also heard that by shifting resources across schools, the district could continue skills instruction at the same group size available in 2009-10 (= about 5). Even after various reductions, favorable class size and the availability of skills assistance will remain strong features of the Elementary School, according to the Superintendent. Although the administration has planned reductions in the number of coaches and activity advisers, no sports or clubs will be eliminated, and modified sports will continue its no-cut approach. Discussions about elective field trips resulted in no budget reductions, but questions lingered about the risks and liabilities incurred by overseas travel.

Perhaps FLES (Foreign Language in the Elementary School) presented the Board with its most difficult decision in light of the ongoing interest in strengthening a global perspective throughout the curriculum. After much discussion about the FLES experience and numerous public expressions of support, the Board reluctantly decided to discontinue that program and "move on." (Without FLES, elementary students will spend the designated time with their regular classroom teacher studying their core subjects.) The Board urged Quattrone to accelerate efforts to offer a non-Western language, and he described a tentative partnership with Pelham and Eastchester as a way to deliver Mandarin at the Middle School level.

By accepting the various proposals for non-instructional savings and productivity improvements, the Board appears prepared to approve a budget in April that produces a 0% - or lower - increase in the tax rate.

Visiting Team Applauds K-12 Science

At the March Board of Education meeting Superintendent David Quattrone shared highlights of an independent assessment of Bronxville's science programs. The report evaluates the degree to which the School meets the eight standards of the Tri-State Consortium. The Tri-State Consortium is a learning organization devoted to assisting its member public school districts in New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey in using student performance data to develop a rigorous framework for systemic planning, assessment, accreditation, and continuous improvement.

The visiting team consisted of fifteen educators from the Consortium's members. They spent three days in December visiting classrooms and interviewing students, staff, and parents. The Report focused on scientific reasoning, critical thinking, technology skills, application of knowledge, and meeting the needs of all learners. One section of the Report affirmed the value of the core program offered at grades 9 and 10: "One of the many impressive aspects of the Bronxville science program is 'the core.' The students gain much by being exposed to the four sciences over a two-year period, and the foundation laid for more rigorous science courses is solid. The teachers take great pride in the core program, understandably so, and the students feel well prepared by it." (p.11)

The Report goes on to commend the quality of instruction: "The visit team recognizes that members of the science department are focused on providing rich, thinking-based learning experiences within their classrooms. Across the district there is a clear, strong focus on the value and unique talents of each individual teacher. The science teachers are applauded for their depth of content knowledge." (p. 6)

The visiting team also recommended that science teachers continue K-12 communication and collaboration in pursuit of a more systematic approach to science curriculum development and assessment. As a next step the science faculty will use meeting time and the spring conference day to develop a follow-up plan, including periodic reports to the Board of Education. The full Report can be found here.

What does a sustainable model of educational excellence look like?

Is it possible to combine property tax relief and maintain exemplary educational programs? Yes, but how do you get there?

The Bronxville Board of Education made progress toward answering these questions at its March 6th budget workshop. About seventy-five people, mostly district parents, showed up. Some came to advocate for special education, small class sizes, or cherished class trips; others pushed for tougher collective bargaining agreements. Many came simply to find out more.

While there were differences of opinion on the best way of “getting to zero” (or whether zero was the right number), Board members and the public universally affirmed the importance of maintaining program and services that produce outstanding graduates and attract new families to Bronxville.

The Board expressed strong support for the traditional field trip experiences that have played an important part in the lives of students, such as the farm trip at grade 2, Philadelphia in grade 5, and Williamsburg at grade 7. Those potential reductions are now off the table. On the other hand, Board members favored eliminating certain elective field trips at the high school level because those trips involve smaller groups of students with specific interests, incur additional liability, and could be offered outside the school context.

The Board also rejected proposals to eliminate additional lab periods for science at grades 9 and 10 and deferred discussion of consolidating schools or limiting elective opportunities at the high school. Instead, the Board targeted several non-instructional areas for savings: custodial outsourcing, levels of clerical support, and equipment and supply accounts. The Board indicated it planned to proceed with $80,000 of capital projects for a storage shed and tile replacement rather than deferring those items to a time when they might cost more.

As a result of a special retirement incentive program, the Board has the choice whether or not to replace several positions. This would generate savings by virtue of attrition rather than through more painful reductions in force. In these areas, some members of the public asked about the possible adverse impact on learning. Before making final decisions the Board seeks additional information about cuts in the skills program, Foreign Language in the Elementary School, and projected cost savings in athletics and co-curricular activities. Those proposals call for fewer coaches and advisers but do not eliminate any sport or club.

At the end of the day, the Board listened to community concerns and took one step closer to defining how this year’s school budget can not only achieve a zero percent increase on the tax rate, but also honor those programs and services that have distinguished the Bronxville Schools in the past, add the greatest value in the present, and protect our capacity to thrive in the future.

Mayor Urges Spending Restraint

At the invitation of President Rick Rugani, Bronxville Mayor Mary Marvin addressed the Board of Education at its February meeting. She began by describing the various cost-cutting measures embraced by the Village, including rebidding contracts, layoffs, unfilled positions, joint purchasing, and changing health care providers. She also emphasized employee contributions to health care premiums (15%) and post-retirement benefits (35%). Finally, she affirmed that the Village is adopting an aggressive approach to certiorari tax settlements and related litigation.

She characterized her remarks as "sounding an alarm on behalf of residents who can no longer afford to live here", stating that a solid community and sound tax base require a balanced demographic mix of residents, including empty-nesters as well as families with school-aged children. She concluded by pointing out that the entire burden of village and school expenses rests on the shoulders of 2300 households, with 17% of property taxes supporting municipal government and 83% supporting the schools.

Board Adopts 2010-11 Calendar

The Bronxville Board of Education approved the school calendar for 2010-11 at its February meeting. The calendar accommodates both the Regents exam schedule that controls when the school year ends and the labor contract that controls when the school year begins. In the fall of 2010, Rosh Hashanah falls in the same week as Labor Day. As a result, school will open for all students on Tuesday, September 7th: it will be a two-day week for students and teachers. There will also be a four-day weekend in March, accommodating professional development days on March 24th and 25th.

For the complete calendar, click here.

Board Seeks Input on Potential Cuts

As part of its goal of "getting to zero", the Bronxville Board of Education is seeking community comments regarding a potential budget reductions. At the February meeting Superintendent David Quattrone presented a list of possible cuts exceeding $1,500,000. The items include various efficiencies, program modifications, and structural changes. Over the next two months the Board will review and revise the various possibilities before finalizing a budget in April. The next public opportunities for input include the Saturday, March 6th budget workshop (9 AM) and the Thursday, March 18 regular meeting (7 PM). Both meetings will be held in the School's multi-purpose room.

At the same meeting, Assistant Superintendent Dan Carlin presented the components of the initial "rollover budget," which currently stands at a 1.23% spending increase over 2008-09. The current budget level reflects savings generated by spending freezes, unfilled vacancies, and an early retirement incentive. It does not include any additional wage increases that may be determined by collective bargaining now pending with four different employee units.

Producing a 0% expenditure budget will require a reduction of $540,525. Arriving at a 0% tax rate will require a total reduction of $1,046,079. A list of potential reductions and the estimated savings follows. These budget options will also be presented at forthcoming Council meetings.

Efficiency and Productivity

• Do not replace retiring special education teacher: increase ES skills groups from 5 to 9 students ($85,671)
• Do not replace two Middle School teachers: assign MS advisory as a sixth assignment ($137,074)
• Do not replace retiring Elementary School teacher: reduce section at grade 3. Class size increases from 18.5 to 22.8. ($85,671)
• Postpone capital projects: outside storage shed, tile replacement on second floor ($80,000)
• Outsource day and night cleaning services ($320,000)
• Eliminate enrichment field trips: Washington DC at grade 8; overseas trips at HS ($17,718)
• Reduce equipment, supplies, and textbooks by 10% ($98,021)

Program Reductions and Modifications

• Eliminate FLES in grades 1-5 ($128,507)
• Eliminate lab periods for core science curriculum in grades 9 and 10 ($25,701)
• Eliminate curriculum-related field trips: Farm – grade 2, Philadelphia - grade 5, Williamsburg – grade 7 ($42,131)
• Reduce athletic expenses by 10%: assistant coaches in lacrosse, basketball, field hockey, gym and weight room access ($48,850)
• Reduce co-curricular expenses by 10%: consolidate and reorganize stipends, especially in areas with multiple advisers ($22,898)

Structural Changes

• Consolidate to 2 schools, K-6/7-12: eliminate one administrator position ($174,225)
• Reduce clerical support by 1.9 positions ($113,384)
• Eliminate 9-12 team leader stipends, consolidate 6-12 curriculum leader stipends ($26,789)
• Reduce 6-12 master schedule to seven periods, reducing elective opportunities ($171,342)

Balancing Educational Excellence and Fiscal Prudence

Budget Message from David Quattrone, Superintendent of Schools

Last October the Bronxville Board of Education established a goal to “conduct a comprehensive budget review that minimizes taxpayer expense. Budget options resulting in flat or lower taxes will be considered.” This goal stemmed not only from the immediate financial pressures of recession and economic turmoil, but also from the cumulative effects of rising costs that have outstripped inflation -- especially in the area of salaries and benefits.

Our spending plan supports the programs and services we have developed to “bring out the best in all students”. Over the years previous Boards of Education have reviewed and endorsed these efforts, and we are proud of the results. Nevertheless, with finite – perhaps dwindling – resources available, it becomes necessary to reexamine current practice and find new, more cost effective ways to accomplish our objectives.

Unfortunately, creating a sustainable model of excellence in a time of fiscal austerity does not fall entirely within our local control. A partial list of what we don’t control includes:

• Local property taxes as the basis for financing schools
• Local property assessments and tax certioraris
• State aid formula
• Mandated academic programs, including time requirements
• Special education
• Employer contributions to the state retirement system
• Collective bargaining, labor relations law, and existing contracts
• School construction requirements
• Utility rates
• Health premiums.

Because these forces place upward pressure on school budgets, local Boards of Education necessarily turn to the variables they can control in order to contain costs: class size, the number and type of staff members employed, administrative and clerical support, academic electives, and co-curricular/athletic programs. The problem is that these options have direct impact on educational quality and the lives of students and staff. Faced with unpalatable alternatives, Boards of Education sometimes look for ways to re-trench and narrow the mission of the schools. Yet, if we hope to support our highest aspirations for students, it becomes important for us not simply to react to an immediate budget crisis but to adopt a long range view of the future. How will today’s actions affect tomorrow’s students? These challenges confront us now.

Last Year

In February of 2009, our initial budget showed an increase of 3.6%. After Board review the increase dropped to 1.1%. The reductions largely fell in the area of efficiencies such as flood-related expenses and salary savings associated with a negotiated retirement incentive. Enrollment patterns permitted a 1.0 downward adjustment at the Middle School. A .6 administrator position was not replaced. The Board applied $400,000 of fund balance to offset the tax levy. Throughout this process the Board of Education declined to eliminate enrichment programs or increase class size beyond existing guidelines. In May, voters approved the proposed budget by a wide margin.

Later in the spring, as course enrollments were finalized and other vacancies occurred, the administration made still further reductions by hiring new teachers at lower salaries or by deciding not to fill certain positions at all (including full time social studies and science teachers and a part-time computer teacher at the High School). Taken together, these reductions and efficiencies generated lower-than-expected expenses for 2009-10 and set the stage for the current budget cycle.

This Year: The Rollover Budget

The initial budget for 2010-11 reflects the priorities imbedded in the school and district presentations made over the past four months. Those presentations described current staffing levels, the scope of mandated academic programs, the enrichment programs that go beyond minimum requirements, and the student services that help all students achieve. The schools and district also described our future direction – professional development that supports our global education initiative, an improving school climate, and continued progress on the strategic plan completed in 2005.

To operate the same programs in 2010-11 as we offer today would result in a budget-to-budget increase of 1.23%. This “rollover budget” includes everything we currently know about utility rates, health premiums, contractual salary obligations, retirement contributions, and the cost of contracted services. Because we are in negotiations with four bargaining units, with unknown results, this rollover budget includes no wage increases beyond the step increases that are built into several contracts. In addition, a variety of operational spending cuts and a special retirement incentive also lowered the rollover costs.

Getting to Zero

To meet our budget goal will require a further reduction of approximately $540,000 (0% budget increase) or $1,180,000 (0% tax rate – reflecting declining property assessments). We have presented for Board discussion a series of options that could meet those targets. These options fall in three categories: (1) efficiencies, (2) program reductions, and (3) structural changes.


Some of these budget options will have more advocacy (or more opposition) than others. However, popular support is not the same thing as arriving at a decision that makes the best sense for all students rather than a few. Some decisions that seem attractive today may not hold up well in the future. We should anticipate opportunity costs or other unintended consequences, such as the need to retain and nurture faculty leadership across the district.

Next Year

Even if the economy rebounds, the District will again face a need to contain costs in the 2011 budget, and the adverse pressures are likely to increase. Revenues in the form of state aid are likely to decline. Health care costs are likely to rise. If salary agreements are negotiated successfully, any wage increases or other contractual obligations must be factored into our planning. If the Board elects to use fund balance to offset the tax rate in 2010, what will be available in the future? After two years of belt tightening, there will be fewer opportunities for additional trimming in supplies and equipment. Without a retirement incentive, we will not be able to replicate the salary savings we realized in 2009 and 2010. Our five year building conditions survey may identify additional facilities needs that require attention.

Tough Choices

The Board will undoubtedly weigh its options in terms of how each program, service, or resource contributes to our mission. Some questions to consider are listed below.

What is the relevant history of the positions, programs, or services under consideration?
What previous productivity improvements or reductions have been carried out in this area?
What are the key results in terms of student learning, costs, and satisfaction?
What are the short- and long-term consequences of a reduction?

• Implementation challenges
• Legal and contractual
• Practical – who will do the work? What will not get done?
• What are the longer-range consequences?

A key premise is that quality of education remains a distinctive feature of the Bronxville community and a principal reason why people choose to live here. In that context I return to the three common characteristics of the world’s top performing schools cited by McKinsey and Company: (1) The selection and retention of the best possible teachers; (2) ongoing professional development that ensures consistent, high quality instruction; and (3) early intervention and support services that lead to the success of all students. We cannot translate these attributes into precise criteria for decision-making. But by looking at our budget through the lens of educational excellence we can do our best to avoid irreversible error and ensure that what we do today preserves our capacity for improvement and high achievement in the years to come.