Thursday, December 19, 2013

Assistant Superintendent John Kehoe to Retire

At the December meeting, Board President David Brashear announced Assistant Superintendent John Kehoe's plans to retire as Assistant Superintendent of the Bronxville School, effective at the end of January 2014.  Brashear called Kehoe's 32-year tenure "remarkable," and characterized him as "outstanding, loyal, and hard-working."

 In his message to staff Superintendent David Quattrone commented,
"His versatility has added much to our traditions, and his visibility has served as a major factor in building public trust and confidence. John's signature accomplishment was establishing Bronxville Middle School in 1986. At that time many districts converted junior highs into middle schools for financial reasons related to enrollment and facility use. John's successful  advocacy arose from his belief that it was the right thing to do for students -- academically, socially, and developmentally. That belief still rings true and still guides our work today.
I think all of us recognize the enormous scope of John's many contributions to the district, and we are happy to convey our thanks and admiration for a job well done."
The district is exploring the option of John returning to Bronxville on a part-time basis after he retires.  Such an arrangement would ease the transition of reassigning his duties to other roles. A 2011 Board workshop on succession planning set forth some issues and goals for replacing administrative positions, and John Kehoe's retirement follows the departures of Barry Richelsoph, Middle School Principal, in 2012 and Terry Barton, High School Principal, in 2013.  Plans for filling this position will be discussed at the January Board of Education meeting.


Elementary Principal Search Moves Forward

The Bronxville School district launched its search for an Elementary Principal last week, with consultant Martin G. Brooks, Director of the Tri-State Consortium facilitating the process. Seven focus group meetings were held on December 12: Board of Education (3 people), interim principal, parents (19), faculty (32), district/building administrators (3), interim assistant principal, and curriculum leaders/policy board (9). An on-line survey was also conducted, with 61 responses.

The process continues on January 9, 2014, when there will be an additional evening session for parents in order to gather additional information. The consultant will then present his findings, including recommended specifications for the job.  The session will be held at 7:00 PM in the Board Room, located on the first floor of the old building. Members of the public wishing to offer comments at any time in the process may email the Superintendent here.

After this data-gathering phase, the process will shift to advertisements in multiple venues, recruitment, and screening of candidates.  The feedback received will also shape the interview process and a site visit. An appointment is scheduled for late spring.


Principal Meyer Presents Changes to Course of Study

At the December Board of Education meeting, High School Principal Ann Meyer described several modifications to the course of study, including a planned rotation of electives, a new sequence in the mathematics program, and a change in advanced physics. Meyer presented the plan as a way to manage anticipated enrollment increases and class size. The rotation of electives frees up staff for other assignments and also increases that an otherwise under-enrolled elective will remain viable. The following are examples of the rotation of electives for the next two school years.

Discipline
2014-2015
2015-2016
Social Studies
TV/Video Production
Psychology
Media
Introduction to Business Management
English

Speech and Debate
Science
Environmental Science (non-AP)
Forensics
Math
AP Statistics
AP Computer Science
Another change includes the addition of physical education electives for upperclassmen -- sports psychology and social issues in sports. These electives are designed to reinforce some of the Common Core literacy expectations.
Meyer also described adjustments in the mathematics program that stem from the Common Core. The general aim is to organize the sequence so that instruction aligns with the NY assessments and that the number of required tests is not excessive. The updated course sequence has students taking the Algebra Regents in high school so that they are not required to take multiple Math Regents exams. The major impact of the curriculum change is the flip of Geometry and Algebra II content. It is important to note that the program still has a path leading to Advanced Placement Calculus (AB or BC).
The final update involves Advanced Placement Physics B, which is the College Board has reorganized as a two-year commitment. Locally, this change would limit students' exposure to additional disciplines in science without enhancing their preparation for college physics, which requires calculus. In place of AP Physics B, the High School will  offer Advanced Topics in Physics with an Introduction to Engineering.
Board members asked several questions about the plans
  • Will the flipped math sequence weaken geometry preparation for the SAT?
  • Will the new physics course would adversely affect applications to engineering schools?
  • Do the physical education electives comply with state requirements?
  • How can we accommodate the demonstrated interest in speech and debate?
  • Is there a need for an introductory computer course in addition to AP?  
  • Will some current juniors be unable to take desired electives because of the rotation?
Meyer and Guidance Director Anne Abbatecola responded to questions and pledged to monitor the changes, and the Board encouraged them to communicate widely about the plans.
The full course of study report can be found here.