Friday, June 17, 2011

District Settles Construction Litigation from 2004

On June 16, 2011, the Bronxville Board of Education approved a comprehensive and final settlement of all outstanding claims and litigation pertaining to the construction of the “C” wing, and related renovations, of the Bronxville School. This project, begun in 2000 and completed in 2004, experienced significant delays and cost overruns that have been the basis of multiple damage claims and legal action, including four lawsuits that have run since 2004 - one in NYS Supreme Court and three in Federal District Court.

The settlement reached provides for the District to pay $3 million to Liberty Mutual. The payment includes the balance on the Picco contract of $1.2 million (held by the District since construction was completed) and reimbursement for appropriate change orders of $530,000 incurred during construction by Liberty. No monies were paid by the District to Picco. In addition, various third parties will pay the District $675,000, partially offsetting the Liberty payment. No additional monies will have to be raised by the District to satisfy this settlement. The net cost of $508,846 will come from an existing construction account and an insurance reserve established by the Board in 2006.

Board President James Hudson praised John Priesing, former Board member and President, who pursued the community’s interests long after his tenure with the Board ended. Dr. Hudson also expressed gratitude to Richard Dresdale and Richard Rugani for their commitment and effort related to this project. The settlement, Hudson said, puts the district in a stronger position going forward, reducing legal costs and removing the uncertainties of the case with respect to budgeting and finance. The District plans to send a comprehensive description of the settlement to all residents after appropriate papers have been filed with the Court.

Superintendent Sums Up the Year

At the final Board meeting of the school year, Superintendent David Quattrone praised students, staff, and the Board for their many accomplishments. He offered congratulations to the graduating Class of 2011, mentioning the talent and positive class spirit displayed at last week's Baccalaureate.

Student athlete
s excelled in post season competition this spring:
  • Boys Lacrosse competed in the state semifinal, their best result in Bronxville history
  • The boys 4x800 meter relay team placed 4th at the state meet in Division 2, earning All State status
  • Henry Palermo became Division 2 State Champion in the Shot Put
  • Meredith Rizzo placed 3rd in Division 2 for the 800 Meter Run
  • The 4x800 Meter Relay team won a Division 2 State Championship
  • Mary Cain set a new state record and a new National Freshman record in the 1500 meter run.
  • Ian Palfrey finished in 17th place at the State Golf Championship, an All-State performance.
Quattrone also cited the awards garnered by our school musicians at the state music festival:

  • High School Chorus received a level VI Gold medal
  • High School Orchestra received a level VI Gold medal
  • High School Band received a level V Silver medal
  • 8th Grade Orchestra received a level 3 Gold medal
  • 8th Grade Band received a level 4 Bronze medal.

Seventy-four students in grades 4-11 participated in solo competition, with 78% receiving scores in the A or outstanding/excellent range.

Finally, Quattrone expressed appreciation for the extensive community service efforts undertaken by students and pointed to the new shadowing program in which many seniors completed brief internships in various community settings.


How Are We Doing? Interim Report on Goals

This past December the Bronxville Board of Education adopted goals designed to guide our work over the next several years. These goals focused on four 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 the effort to promote healthy, safe, responsible behavior among its young people?
  • 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?
We will report further progress on these goals in August, when we present student achievement results, and in our Annual Report, published in November. For an interim report on curriculum and instruction, the learning environment, facilities, and finances, click here.

Friday, June 10, 2011

PTA Councils Recognize Faculty and Staff

Continuing a long Bronxville tradition, the Council and PTA officers, joined by others, hosted a recognition ceremony honoring retirees and staff members who have reached certain milestones. Parents presented gifts and honored each staff member with comments and personal reminiscences, warmly received. Participating parents included Sarah Kraemer, Elizabeth Yienger, Sarah Kiefer, Julia Meade, Ashley Hanrahan, Suzanne McCann, and Ed O'Toole.

Honorees included four retiring staff members: Tina Anchin, Clare Gorman, Betsy Grogan, and Barbara Tamraz. Sixteen staff members also achieved key milestones in terms of length of service:


15 Years of Service: Rita Baldini, Stephanie Grohowski, Pam Kohlhoff,Barbara Tamraz;

20 Years of Service: Angelika Kypar, Connie Lourentzatos, Bruce Meyers, Rosemarie Mumby, Joyce Myers;

25 Years of Service: Tim Curran, Clare Gorman, Linda Jouas, Patrick Miele, Mary Schenck, Aleta Tomanelli;

30 Years of Service: John Kehoe.

Photos by Ginny Martin