When the new Board of Education took office in July, President Jim Hudson wanted to take a fresh look at our goals and make sure all Board members had a chance to give careful thought to the process. To that end, the Board held a planning workshop this past October, most of which was devoted to a discussion of how the schools help students cope with social issues in their daily lives.At other times the Board also heard presentations on the District's global initiative, a facilities report, and the background for budget development. At the December meeting, Dr. Hudson presented a final version of the proposed goals for Board discussion.
Regarding a goal about Annual Professional Performance Review, Dr. Quattrone explained the background of Race to the Top requirements, which, among other changes, assigns a weight of 40% to student achievement results in all teacher evaluations. The district will negotiate the exact terms with the Bronxville Teachers Association as the law stipulates, and we must develop a new plan by next September.
There was also quite a bit of discussion about the learning environment and youthful behavior. The Board wanted to make sure parents were included in a discussion with Village officials and asked that a review of existing programs be kept current, to include such problems as cyber-bullying. The Board affirmed the importance of strong programs at all levels of the system, mentioning specifically the Elementary School program on courtesy, civility, and character.
Finally, with respect to finances, the Board declined to set a specific budget target for the coming year, nor did they link the budget to anticipated tax caps. After modifications were made to reflect these concerns, the Board adopted these goals unanimously:
- By June 2011, through the collaborative examination of student work, the faculty will have established a district definition and assessment standards for critical thinking, creativity, innovation, and student initiative and responsibility.
- By June 2011, create and plan for the implementation of a new Annual Professional Performance Review process, consistent with new state requirements regarding teacher and principal evaluation, achievement accountability, appeals procedures, and data collection and analysis.
- Hold a joint dialogue about social issues and teenage behavior with students, parents, staff, the Board of Education, and Village Trustees.
- Study the need for and feasibility of regular forums or programs at the high school to promote high standards of personal conduct and healthy, safe, responsible behavior.
- Strengthen the continuity, connections, and consistency of school climate programs across the schools.
- Update the facilities master plan to address identified infrastructure needs and renovate Middle School science classrooms and the auditorium. Develop a funding approach to carry out the plan, including establishing a construction reserve.
- Develop a 2011 school budget that supports high quality teaching, programs, services, and operations.
- Provide a multi-year framework for budget planning that includes an analysis of per pupil costs, and projections/scenarios that address unfunded mandates, declining state aid, and the rising costs of compensation, retirement, and benefits.
