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.

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.