Friday, October 19, 2012

Auditor Presents 2012 Report

Susan Barossi of O'Connor Davies present the findings of the Bronxville School's audit for 2011-12.  The report cited Moody's Aa2 rating for the District, indicating "healthy financial operations with solid reserve levels."  The report found no material weaknesses and no instances or suspicions or allegations of fraud.  The audit determined that accounting policies and their application were appropriate for the District.  The District has thus far been able to replenish its unassigned reserves at 4% of the operating budget, the maximum permissible by law.

The auditor further reported that the District is fully meeting the annual obligations of post-retirement benefits in keeping with accounting and legal requirements.

The report noted that the expenses incurred in connection with the Hurricane Irene flood, about $5 million, were offset by insurance recovery money and not taxpayer dollars.

Board Adopts Code of Conduct

After a public hearing and discussion, the Board of Education adopted the proposed Code of Conduct at its October meeting. The new Code incorporates requirements of the Dignity for All Students Act and includes a comprehensive set of school rules and consequences.

As part of the review process, this Code was presented to the High School Student Faculty Legislature. That presentation has led to an effort to communicate the student-developed honor code more widely, through posters and discussion.  Board members expressed an interest in exploring key provisions of the Code in greater depth; such presentations could raise public awareness of rights and responsibilities. The Code will be reviewed regularly, and there were some specific suggestions for future revisions, such as spelling out the role and responsibilities of coaches.

The adopted Code can be found here.

Board Endorses District Goals for 2012-13


Building on four strategic questions that frame the goal-setting process, the Bronxville Board of Education adopted District goals in the areas of learning and teaching, the learning environment, facilities, and finances.

The strategic questions are:

  • 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? 

In September several Board members suggested language changes, more emphasis on community-wide efforts regarding social development goals, and eliminating specific reference to the tax cap. The recommendations were incorporated into the revised goals and were approved as follows:

  1. Promote student critical and creative thinking through discipline-based assured experiences at every grade level, including the design and implementation of assessments, the collaborative examination of student work, and sharing of effective practices.
  2. Carry out the district program for reviewing annual professional performance, including state and local assessments, student learning objectives, the review of student learning results, and the evaluation of teacher and principal effectiveness. Review and revise the plan as necessary for 2013-14. 
  3. Strengthen school and community programs that support student initiative, responsibility, and mutual respect.
  4. Contingent upon a successful bond referendum, begin approved renovations to Middle School science labs, the auditorium, and infrastructure improvements. 
  5. Develop a 2013-14 school budget that is educationally sound and fiscally prudent.
  6. Negotiate successor contracts with the Bronxville Teachers Association and administrators that ensure a high quality professional staff and reflect responsible stewardship of community resources.
The document can be found here.



 
 
 



Tuesday, October 2, 2012

A Message from Superintendent David Quattrone

Today, Bronxville residents approved a $4.5 million bond referendum by a margin of 490 to 194. Augmented by over $3 million in private contributions and $2.5 million in a construction reserve, this vote authorizes funding to renovate science laboratories, the auditorium, and make other infrastructure improvements. The turnout exceeded the showing in recent school budget elections -- 356 in 2010, 297 in 2011, and 505 this past May.

Public endorsement of the capital plan shows that the Bronxville community is not only extraordinarily generous financially, but also deeply committed to its children and their schools. Let me give thanks and appreciation to all those who did so much to raise money, get out the vote, and build public awareness of the genuine need to undertake this work. Particular thanks go to the Bronxville School Foundation, the PTA, and the Bronxville residents who spearheaded the effort to raise private funds. For those who expressed uncertainty, doubt, or opposition, we will do our best to gain your confidence and support by bringing home a high quality product that is on time and under budget.

Now the work begins, and I am happy to be part of something that will have a positive impact on our students for many years to come.