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.

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.