Quattrone explained the tenure process:When teachers first come to Bronxville they are hired for a three-year probationary period. There is no expectation or obligation of continued employment beyond that point.
Probationary teachers are formally observed in the classroom a minimum of three times annually, including a planning conference before the lesson and a reflection conference after the lesson. The evaluation system involves 22 separate ratings related to planning and preparation, the classroom environment, instruction, and professional responsibilities. The district annually publishes the names of all probationary teachers, inviting the public to submit written comments by March 1. The overall evaluation of a teacher encompasses not only formal observations but also a consideration of collaboration with colleagues, leadership, and contribution to the school as a whole.In the tenure year, teachers are evaluated by multiple observers, and administrators confer to compare appraisals and review progress. Consistent with state law, only the Superintendent can make a recommendation for tenure.
Board policy states the standard for tenure: “Appointment to tenure will be made upon recommendation to the Board by the Superintendent. The Board will base its tenure decision on consideration of whether the candidate is worthy of permanent appointment in a school of excellence in accordance with Board approved evaluation procedures. Tenure will be granted only to candidates who have demonstrated outstanding ability and who have met the highest professional standards. In case of doubt, the Board will not grant tenure, even at the risk of losing a teacher who might have proved outstanding.”
