Friday, October 21, 2011

How do we help students develop character?

At the October Board Meeting, Elementary Principal Tom Wilson described the comprehensive character development program developed by faculty and parents. Dr. Wilson acknowledged the special contributions of Rose Crawford, Cindy Randall, and Tiffany Faulstich. Rejecting pre-packaged, off-the-shelf solutions, the group chose to create a home-grown approach with strong local ownership. As a result the School has integrated a series of lessons and school-wide activities designed to reinforce positive social skills, such as respect, responsibility, and sportsmanship:
"Three years ago, our school consciously committed to looking for ways in which we could develop the skills associated with strong character in our students. The best place to begin this journey was to look within.  What were we already doing in our K-12 system that was working well and where could the elementary school fill in and better support the work of developing the social skills and interpersonal competencies that are needed in life?"
The accompanying video depicted a large number of students and teachers talking about the program, indicating a breadth of implementation across the school. In dialogue about the program, Board members asked about the student outcome characteristics, how new teachers are oriented to the program,  continuation of the program at the Middle School, and the opportunity to identify and prevent risky behaviors such as cyber-bullying and cheating.

To see the presentation, click here.

What's the best way to replace the gym floor?

At its October meeting the Bronxville Board of Education reviewed options for replacing the gym floor. Tropical Storm Irene caused extensive damage: the tongue-and-groove wood surface warped and buckled, and the wood sub-floor also had to be removed. While insurance covers replacement-in kind (about $145,000), the Board questioned the wisdom of installing exactly the same materials.

School officials worked with our architects, vendors, construction managers and others to weigh the choices.  Teachers and coaches were also consulted.
  1. One obvious answer was to install a synthetic, composite surface, but research led us to conclude this approach had some drawbacks.  The most significant problem is that padding required underneath the surface actually absorbs and retains water. The floor cannot be fully dried and indeed could encapsulate mold underneath the surface. Given that underground water remains a factor, this option came off the table. 
  2. Another option was to pour several inches of waterproof concrete as a sub-floor. We called this the "ice rink" approach.  The chief problem here is that it added about $120,000 to the replacement cost.
The recommended solution is a wood floor, which is the preferred competitive playing surface. The staff identified several ways to mitigate future damage.  (1) Eliminating the volleyball post sleeves in the floor. These post-holes served as a conduit for ground water. (2) Installing a vapor guard under the subfloor as a way to stop or reduce the water that comes from below. (3) Installing a water resistant sub-floor, constructed from plastic, recyclable materials and a "marine-grade" product designed for outdoor wear and tear. None of these options is foolproof, and much depends on the extent of any future flooding. (4) For an additional $50,000 floodgates could be installed at the entrances to the gym. Other options, such as a removable floor, a sump pump, or moving the program off-site have been deemed impractical or too costly.

The Board arrived at a consensus that it was not enough simply to replace in kind, and that further mitigation measures were appropriate. The next step is for the facilities committee to verify the cost/benefit of the various choices and determine the best combination of options. Installation time and warranties are additional factors. If a decision is made by the end of October, there is a possibility that installation is complete by December.



How is the District managing its finances?

The school district received the highest possible rating from its external auditors -- an "unqualified opinion." Susan Barossi and Chris Kopf, partners in the accounting firm O'Connor Davies Munns & Dobbins, presented this year's report to the public and the Board of Education.Their report included a summary of revenues and expenditures, a description of the different types of funds, an explanation of new types of reserves, post-retirement obligations, and a review of minor control deficiencies. The latter involved segregation of duties with respect to the Treasurer's function, and the auditor noted that compensating controls were in place.  The report also called for clearer procedures for addressing five inactive special purpose funds (gifts to the school) and two inactive clubs.
In conclusion Ms. Barossi stated,
"Despite a difficult economy, the district is in very good financial shape. The district has been able to replenish reserves and maintain a healthy fund balance."
In related activity, the Board renewed its contract with Accume Partners, its internal auditors. The Board received their report as well, which focused on human resources and payroll.