Monday, June 9, 2014

Koetke to Join Bronxville Leadership Team

Superintendent David Quattrone announced today that Dr. Mara Koetke is his choice for the newly-created position of Director of Curriculum and Instruction. He will present his recommendation to the Board of Education at its June 19th meeting.
 

Since 2008 Dr. Koetke has served as Principal of Public School #77, the Lower Lab School for Gifted Education. Prior to that she was Assistant Principal of Public School #334, The Anderson School, housing grades K-8. Her teaching experience has included stints in several suburban school districts as well as New York City.
 

Koetke earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Pittsburgh, and her masters’ and doctorate degrees from Teachers College, Columbia University. In 2013 she was named a Cahn Fellow at Teachers College, a professional development program for outstanding principals.
 

To help design this new position the District enlisted the services of Martin G. Brooks, Director of the Tri-State Consortium. After meeting with several faculty groups and reviewing a needs assessment survey, the District adopted the following specifications for this position:
  • A careful listener and effective communicator who values collaboration and innovation
  • A hands-on leader who builds effective relationships and engages all stakeholders in the development of a K-12 vision for the improvement of student performance
  • A strategic thinker who can help the district improve cohesion among the Common Core Learning Standards, state and federal requirements, data analysis and research relating to effective practices
  • An educator, first and foremost, who understands the complex relationships among assessment, instructional practice, and curriculum, and how wise and meaningful use of technology can enhance those relationships.
Quattrone said that Koetke emerged from the search process as an outstanding educator who meets all the criteria.The candidate pool included over 180 candidates. Central office administrators, working with Dr. Brooks, selected and interviewed ten, including curriculum directors from other districts, principals, and teachers with extensive experience with professional development. A faculty committee representing all schools and most departments interviewed five and selected two for further consideration. The screening committee praised Koetke's analytical skills, her knowledge of technology and instruction, and her ability to engage others in problem solving.
 

Reference checks confirmed that she was an superior candidate. Her mentor called her a “magnificent, brilliant educator,” who won the trust of a challenging parent community. She went to describe Koetke as a “good listener who thinks, reflects, and asks good question. She knows what good practice looks like.” The district supervisor who hired Koetke in New York City described her at the top of the forty-two principals she supervised, a person who “understands teachers and levels of learning.” The leader of her network reported that she “went to a school that was considered the jewel of the system, but she didn't settle. She moved it to the next level, which is hard to do in a school that is already very, very good.” A fellow principal described her as “very intelligent and a great colleague who collaborates well with others. She is generous with her ideas and has earned great respect from her staff. She will be an incredible addition to your staff.”

Koetke will begin her new role on July 1, 2014.





Tuesday, April 22, 2014

New Technology Initiatives Get Going

Launching a new technology initiative, Superintendent David Quattrone described plans to expand infrastructure, provide students with multiple kinds of devices, and offer training that supports technology as an essential tool for learning. Currently, the uses of instructional technology are mostly centered in labs, rather than available throughout classrooms.  The lab approach limits access and tends to separate technology from ongoing lessons.  Quattrone said the faculty and students are eager to bring into school the hardware and software tools that are readily available in the world outside.  He pointed out that no one device or platform makes sense for all age groups, and that further, whatever we do now will undoubtedly change with experience and innovation.

A rapidly evolving issue, Quattrone added, is data protection.  The state has stringent requirements with respect to safeguarding student privacy, and all third party vendors must comply with state and federal regulations regarding data security, confidentiality.  "These concerns warrant careful monitoring as we go forward," he said.

John Krouskoff
Quattrone then introduced BOCES consultant John Krouskoff. Since February Krouskoff has met with teachers, administrators, and members of the Bronxville School Foundation to assess current practices and identify promising new directions.  He gave a presentation, "Digital Tools to Support Student Learning." Board members Ruth Wood asked how the Board could accelerate expanded access and bandwidth.  Quattrone stated that the initial step was to ensure wireless access in every classroom and that was the goal for this summer. However, additional work would be necessary, depending on available funds. Other questions focused on the need to move toward digital textbooks, ensuring access for all students -- including those without computer access at home, and the hardware replacement schedule.  Krouskoff said that the current recommendation is for a three-year replacement cycle for Google Chromebooks.

Krouskoff concluded his presentation by emphasizing the need to stay current with technology innovations and identified several next steps:
  • Develop a cohort of Bronxville Google Educators
  • Allocate resources to encourage teacher modeling of anytime/anywhere learning
  • Develop units of study that embed the purposeful use of technology
  • Establish teacher-centered professional learning communities
  • Pilot the use of Google Apps with specific cohorts of students.
Quattrone reported that one promising early result is that over forty people have volunteered to become Google certified teachers, participating in the program on a voluntary basis. Krouskoff's work will continue through next year, supplemented by other training resources.


Board Appoints Elementary Leadership Team

Tricia Murray, Elementary Principal


At its April meeting the Bronxville Board of Education appointed Tricia Murray as Principal and Adrienne Laitman as Assistant Principal of the Bronxville Elementary School.  Currently Assistant to the Principal at Putnam Valley Elementary, Murray has degrees from the University of Michigan, NYU, and Baruch College.  Additional background information can be found here.

Murray will spend a day in the district in early May, visiting the Elementary School Council and meeting with teachers and others. Superintendent David Quattrone thanked the Board members, parents, administrators, faculty and staff for partiicpating in a thorough, comprehensive process.


Adrienne Laitman, Assistant Principal
Laitman, currently in her second year as Interim Assistant Principal, joined the Bronxville faculty in 1997 and has served as a curriculum leader as well as numerous other leadership capacities. She has degrees from Brandeis University, Teacher's College, Columbia, and, as part of the Future School Leaders Academy, Bank Street College of Education. Quattrone praised Laitman's work in developing a new internship program with LIU-Hudson and initiating a lesson study approach in which teachers visit each others' classrooms as a way of designing more effective lessons.

Heidi Menzel, Curriculum Coordinator


With these actions, the Board has put a leadership team in place after two years with interim appointments.  In a related move, the Board also appointed Heidi Menzel to a one-year position as curriculum coordinator. Menzel became Assistant Principal of the Elementary School in 1996 and served as Interim Principal for two years. Quattrone praised her performance as a "capable, thoughtful, and caring professional, whose practical approach strengthened a climate of trust and collaboration in the school.  In her new role Menzel will continue to evaluate select Elementary School teachers, serve as the district's chief information officer, and provide direct assistance to the new K-12 Director of Curriculum and Instruction.

Board Awards Tenure to Eight Faculty Members

At its April meeting the Bronxville Board of Education awarded tenure to eight faculty members. Each of the teachers completed a successful probationary period involving multiple classroom observations conducted by multiple evaluators.  The observations rate each teacher as basic, developing, effective, or highly effective on twenty-two separate components in four domains -- planning and preparation, classroom management, instruction, and professional responsibilities.  In addition, where applicable, student achievement results are part of the consideration. As in the past, the public is invited offer commentary on tenure candidates. At the end of the process, principals make recommendations to the Superintendent of Schools.

Board President David Brashear and Superintendent David Quattrone both expressed their congratulations and appreciation.

This year's group includes the teachers shown below.




















Monday, April 7, 2014

Superintendent to Recommend Patricia Murray as New ES Principal

After a comprehensive search process Superintendent David Quattrone announced his intention to recommend Patricia A. Murray for appointment to the position of Bronxville Elementary School Principal. He will nominate her at the April 22nd Board of Education meeting.

Murray has served as assistant to the Principal of Putnam Valley Elementary School since 2008. Prior to that she taught elementary school and completed her administrative internship in the New York City Schools, District 2. She earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan and has two masters’ degrees in education, one from New York University and one from the Aspiring Leaders Program at Baruch College. She has made several professional presentations and published an article focusing on the role of parents in supporting student achievement in mathematics.

The District launched its search process with the assistance of an external search consultant, Martin G. Brooks, who developed the following job specifications after meeting with focus groups and analyzing survey data:
  • An innovative, honest, transparent and thoughtful leader who is knowledgeable about child development, elementary curriculum, and instructional practice, has elementary school teaching and/or leadership experience, and understands how the skills and abilities embedded in the Common Core can inform educational practice in Bronxville.
  • An excellent communicator who seeks to connect effectively with all stakeholders and values the input of teachers, parents and students when making decisions.
  • A firm advocate for the needs of all students at all performance levels.
  • A teacher and learner who honors successful traditions while focusing on continued improvement, and who can strategically engage a strong faculty, involved parents and motivated students in identifying and addressing the school’s next level of work.
Quattrone said that Murray emerged as the strongest candidate in a pool of 179 applicants. District administrators interviewed nine and forwarded five to a screening committee consisting of Board members, parents, and teachers. Three finalists were selected for further consideration.  The final phase of the process involved further interviews, reference checks, a presentation to other administrators, and a teacher evaluation exercise. Although all three finalists exhibited strong qualifications and experience, Quattrone said Murray proved to be the best match with district needs and priorities.

Murray’s application stated, “I understand the importance of building strong relationships with the teachers, students, and parents, and it is these relationships that allow for a shared vision. If given this new leadership opportunity, I will nurture the successes that have already been made within the school community and do the necessary work to move the school forward.” Her presentation to the administrative team emphasized the importance of building a community with parents through listening, valuing input, supporting parents, and communicating clearly and often.

References were unanimously positive.  Her former Superintendent called her “incredible” and “wonderful”.  She went on to say that Murray was well-versed in instruction and knows how to effect change. Her current Superintendent adds that she “has made tough decisions without making enemies.” Her former principal confirms that she has "really strong knowledge of curriculum coupled with a strong commitment to all children. She is a "thoughtful decision maker....a special person, who is smart, deliberate, and caring."

As a final step four members of the screening committee conducted a site visit to Murray's home district. Teachers, parents, and others there gave her glowing reviews.  One teacher commented, “I have never felt more respected by an administrator.”  Another said, “I always want to be better for Tricia.”  Teachers confirmed that she values student-centered work and believes strongly in building a team approach.  Parents said that “she is a big part of the kids’ experience at our school.” “She is fair in how she solves problems – firm yet compassionate.”  Walking through the building it was clear that she knew students and parents personally.”

Murray will start her new position on July 1, 2014 and expects to join the faculty in various year-end professional development activities. She lives in Chappaqua with her husband and two young daughters.

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Flood Mitigation Plan Moves Forward

A joint project between the village and the Bronxvlle Board of Education is moving ahead, with an eye toward construction beginning in the late fall of 2014. Following the nor'easter of April 2007, which caused $20 million of damage to the school, Village and school officials discussed what practical local options were available to limit the damage in future flooding events.  The Village commissioned Folchetti and Associates to build on previous reports and submit a proposal to state and federal agencies.  Eventually, FEMA and SEMO approved a $6,889,905 flood mitigation project, of which the federal share would be 75%, and the Village and school district would split the local share of $1,722,475. The school portion of the project would require a referendum.

Engineer Paul Pelusio of Folchetti & Associates presented the plan at the March 20th Board of Education meeting.

Essentially the project would install a large network of pipes under Hayes Field in order to detain flood water and prevent it from backing up into the school. A stormwater pumping station located on the Midland Avenue side of the School would pump water into the Bronx River both during and after flooding events. A dedicated pipe will cross Midland, go behind Village Hall, and ultimately deliver the storm water to the Bronx River.

Five months have been allocated for the permitting process, including environmental impact reviews.  The project has already been vetted at the federal level by FEMA. If approved, this construction project is scheduled for bidding this fall, with construction to begin in December 2014 and completion by September 2015.  It is anticipated that Hayes Field would be unavailable for use during the spring season, 2015.

Board President David Brashear pointed out that the plan accommodated several operational concerns advanced by the District. The footprint of excavation is substantially smaller, and the depth has been reduced from ten feet to seven feet.  This will be more economical and less disruptive than the previous plan.  District advisers KG&D Architecture and John Meyer Consulting have been instrumental in refining the plan to address school concerns.

The full presentation can be found here, and for a related article on field reconfiguration, go here.

Artificial Turf for Hayes Field Proposed

The Bronxville Board of Education is considering installing synthetic turf on Hayes Field in conjunction with the proposed flood mitigation project.  Because the field will be totally dug up during construction, the Board asked its architects, KG&D, to re-design the layout as a way of maximizing game and practice space on school property.


The proposed design accommodates the pump house included as part of the flood mitigation program. In addition, the plan preserves the existing playground, maintains school parking by creating an additional lot on Meadow Road, and improves field conditions by installing synthetic turf. The size of the playing field would encompass football, field hockey, and lacrosse.

The architects estimate the total cost of this project to be in the range of $1.2 - $1.5 million, excluding the underground drainage system that would be funded by the flood mitigation project.The mitigation project substantially offsets the total cost of this proposed field improvement.

Board members discussed the added value of this plan. While it does not add a new field, it does increase scheduling flexibility and provide a more durable playing surface.  David Brashear advocated increasing the total number of parking spaces, and Superintendent David Quattrone supported this idea by pointing out that Elementary students could use the practice field for kickball and other recreational activities instead of requiring a paved area. He asked KG&D to show that option.

Given the overlapping schedule of several construction projects, Board member Pierre de Ste Phalle asked for an integrated schedule showing the relationship among these various efforts.

Budget stands at 1.78% Tax Levy Increase

Assistant Superintendent Dan Carlin, following suggestions from the March  budget workshop, presented a revised spending plan to the Bronxville Board of Education. The total school budget request for 2014-15 is $46,219,299, representing a tax levy increase of 1.78%. This figure is slightly below the mandated tax cap of 1.88%. The revisions make reductions in a number of accounts that have carried surpluses in prior years.  In addition, a kindergarten teacher has been added: confirmed kindergarten registrations have already reached 101, exceeding the projected number of 95 students.

Board member Jeff Rohr pointed out that the tax burden is offset by allocating $1,050,000 of reserves. This is a strategy dependent on having sufficient reserves and surpluses. Otherwise additional cuts would be needed in order to balance revenues and expenditures.

The Board expressed consensus that this was an acceptable budget. They will vote to endorse a budget on April 22 and hold a budget hearing on May 8. The state-wide School Budget vote is on May 20.

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Board Pushes Budget Below Cap

At the March workshop Assistant Superintendent Dan Carlin showed adjustments to the school budget bringing the total within $30,167 of the mandated tax levy cap of 1.9%. With final figures for health insurance contributions now in hand, the expense budget stands at $46,298,871. In preparation for the workshop the Board's finance committee carried out a detailed budget examination and an analysis of reserves. The major focus was to keep the budget lean and draw down year-end surpluses.

The Board analyzed the figures, noting how little of the overall budget is discretionary.  Salaries, benefits, and contracted services alone account for the full increase in expenditures. Mandated employer contributions to pensions remain a key driver. Other Board comments touched on the tuition program - the District has curtailed its tuition program for regular education students at a time when enrollment is increasing.

After review and discussion the Board expressed a consensus around adopting a budget somewhat below the tax cap without further program reductions. A revised budget will be presented at the March meeting.

The proposed budget addresses enrollment needs in several ways:
  • An additional section has been added at grade two, bringing the estimated class size down to 21.0.
  • Program improvements at grade 5 -- more science, technology, and skills support - make it possible to for teachers to meet with their classes in half-groups three times a cycle.
  • An additional psychologist will address pre-school needs and a rising number of referrals.
  • Productivity shifts will increase the number of English and math sections at the Middle School
  • The rotation of  High School electives will reduce the number of under-enrolled courses in English and social studies.
Class size trends in all grades will continue to be monitored in the months ahead. The District is paying close attention to  Kindergarten, where the trajectory of registration is outpacing past patterns.

PTA Gift Supports Library Redesign

At its March 1 meeting the Bronxville Board of Education accepted a PTA gift of $8,315 to launch a study to redesign the secondary school library.  The basic concept is to convert the library from a place where books are archived to a space that supports innovative technology-based work by students. KG&D, the District's architect of record, will carry out the study. PTA President Margaret Mager expressed the PTA's interest in supporting renovations that grow out of this study.

The project started with discussions between Eileen Mann, 6-12 librarian, and High School Principal Ann Meyer.  Mann has spearheaded several technology initiatives, including an e-reader program and the use of tablets. Students now have wireless access to laptops in the library, but Mann and Meyer identified a further need to reshape the space to support growing student interest in using technology as a research tool.

Superintendent David Quattrone described the District's approach to widening the use of instructional technology as an essential tool for learning: "We have included a technology partnership with BOCES in the 2014-15 budget, but we are getting a head start this semester. We are working with a consultant who has been talking with teachers about their technology frustrations and needs, and we are excited by the prospects of some important improvements in our infrastructure.  The idea of turning the library into a 'learning commons' is a promising development, and we are grateful to the PTA for its support."


Board Approves School Calendar for 2014-15

On March 1 the Bronxville Board of Education approved the school calendar for 2014-15 as proposed.  Key features of the calendar include the following dates:
  • Wednesday, September 3 is the first day of school for students.
  • There is a long weekend around Veterans Day: No school on November 10 and 11.
  • A two-week vacation begins on December 22 and ends on January 2.
  • February vacation spans the week beginning February 16.
  • Spring vacation goes from March 30 through April 6. School reopens Tuesday, April 7.
  • The last of school is June 26.
The calendar can be found here.

Quattrone Describes Progress on Leadership Changes

David Quattrone
Superintendent David Quattrone provided the Board of Education and public with an update of the leadership changes that are in process as a result of a succession plan developed in 2011.

Elementary Principal

One-hundred-seventy nine people applied for this position. The district's external consultant, the PPS Director, Assistant Superintendent, and Superintendent reviewed the applications and narrowed the group to thirty-five candidates. The District administrators selected nine to interview and narrowed the group to five.  The candidates include an elementary principal, a charter school head, and three assistant elementary principals. A screening committee consisting of two Board members, two Elementary Council officers, three teachers, the school secretary, and the PPS director will interview the five candidates.  The final part of the process involves further interviews, reference checks, and a site visit for the final candidate. An appointment is expected this spring.

Director of Curriculum and Instruction

We developed job specifications for this new position, and advertisements attracted 189 applicants. As with the elementary position, there will be a screening and committee interview process that produces a small number of final candidates.  An appointment is also expected this spring.

Central Office Realignment

Following the retirement of John Kehoe (and his return in a part-time transitional position, Director of Operations), the District is reconfiguring and reassigning certain duties and responsibilities.  We expect to finalize the new assignments in conjunction with the Board's review and revision of administrative policies.

Quattrone commented, "With these changes comes uncertainty but also opportunity. I am looking forward to building on our current strengths and moving forward with new perspective and new energy. We are mindful of the need to clarify the various new role relationships with care, provide proper support, and monitor progress. We are eager to model the same kind of collaborative and innovative work that we value in our students and faculty."

Saturday, February 1, 2014

Board Reviews Proposed Budget

On February 1, the Bronxville Board of Education held the first of two workshops devoted to an analysis of the proposed school budget for 2014-15.  President David Brashear opened the meeting, saying,
We recognize that this community is committed to excellence in our schools, and expects a top-tier program across all levels. We also recognize that the tax burden driven by our schools is substantial . . . and that district spending must be managed tightly.
Superintendent David Quattrone then presented an overview:
This spending plan represents a 2.2% budget-to-budget increase -- a fraction of a percent over the mandated tax levy cap.  For that reason, we believe the responsible approach is to seek additional revenue and trim costs rather than considering wholesale program reductions.
In addition to supporting present programs, the proposed budget addresses three priorities:
  • managing enrollment increases
  • ensuring all students succeed
  • addressing common core learning standards and instructional technology.
The Board probed extensively the plans for dealing with enrollment increases, raising questions about the projections, class size, and other staffing options.

Last year, the Board added a kindergarten teacher when registrations exceeded expectations, and Quattrone agreed to monitor trends again this year.  The current budget includes:
  • An additional section at grade 2, resulting in an estimated class size of 21
  • Program improvements at grade 5. By adding more time for science, technology, and skills summary, there will be more time for half-group instruction, effectively reducing class size while strengthening the course of study.
  • Adding two sections of English and two sections of mathematics at the middle school
  • Rotating electives at the high school as a way of reducing the variation in class size.
Other program improvements include the restoration of a psychologist, primarily at the elementary level, and contracting with BOCES for technology resources designed to ensure that students get consistent access to technology as an essential resource for learning.

Following this overview Assistant Superintendent Dan Carlin described the budget drivers and revenue sources that comprise the budget.
  • The effective tax cap for Bronxville is 1.88%.
  • The budget includes 2.1 new positions.
  • The proposed budget, as it stands, requires a reduction of $106,903 in order to meet the cap.
  • We anticipate slight reductions in retirement contributions and health care premiums that will narrow the gap.
Board members pointed out that 77% of the budget is devoted to salary and benefits. The options for changing the structure of the budget are limited and exist at the margins.  The budget will be updated at the regular meetings in February and March and also at the budget workshop on March 1. 




Thursday, January 16, 2014

Board Awards Bids for Auditorium and Science Lab Renovations

District architects and construction managers presented the Bronxville Board of Education with their analysis and recommendations for awarding bids for the auditorium and science lab renovations.  Erik Wilson of KG&D and James Woycik of Park East explained the process of advertising, opening bids on December 17, and the review the scope of work with the low bidders.  Additional steps were taken to verify that the low bidders were qualified and responsible. The District has successful previous experience with three of the four contractors, and our construction manager has had positive results with the fourth. Board President David Brashear remarked,

In a building as old as ours, reinvestment is a required aspect to the strategic planning of the district.  This Board has done an exceptional job of weighing the facilities needs of our district, and I look forward to successful completion of the project at hand.
Board members raised a number of questions about union issues, the importance of closing in the addition in a timely fashion, the impact of construction parking,  noise, and the preservation of certain trees.

The proposed bids were reviewed by the Facilities Committee earlier in the month, and the Board approved the following contracts:


Trade
# Bids
Award
Amount
General Construction
8
Kenstar Construction
$4,199,673
Plumbing
8
Pearl River Plumbing
   $342,772
HVAC
10
Mengler Mechanical, Inc.
$1,076,200
Electrical
4
Lippolis Electric, Inc.
$1,400,000


Total
$7,018,645

The next steps involve mobilizing the work force and establishing a construction zone, shown below, which will occupy the side of the School's front lawn nearest the auditorium.  Construction is expected to begin mid-February, and the science lab renovations are expected by be completed over the summer. The presentation can be found here.