District Expects Slight Increase in K-12 Enrollment

An early look at future enrollment estimates that the K-12 population will grow less than 1% in 2014, with minor fluctuations at each school. K-12 enrollment was predicted to rise 2% for the current school year, but actually rose by 5.2%.  The most significant increases occurred in kindergarten and between grades eight and nine.

Each year, the proposed school budget begins with estimates of enrollment. As it has for the past eight years, F.A.C.T.S Presentation Services prepared preliminary projections.  These projections reflect historical patterns and also incorporate population trends, resident live births, and non-public school enrollment. The projections will be finalized in early 2014 as additional information is gathered.

The projections are the cornerstone for determining staffing levels in the proposed budget.  The current year addressed enrollment issues by adding 2.0 teachers -- one at kindergarten and one at the Middle School. There may be similar adjustments this year based on the distribution of students at each grade level and as a way to anticipate any inaccuracies in the estimates. The initial 2014-15 budget will be presented no later than February 1, 2014.


Superintendent David Quattrone mentioned several other related points:

• Board policy states a preference for classes 25 or under, but acknowledges that there will be variation both above and below that figure. There is no hard and fast trigger point for adding a section at any grade level or subject area. We are now going through the staffing process with each principal, and we will examine not only next year’s numbers but the predicted trends over the next four years.
• The importance of class size varies by subject, teaching method, and age of student.
• Class size is only one variable. Other variables may have an equal or greater impact on educational quality – such as intervention with special populations, or incorporating technology support or special subject expertise.
• It is also important to acknowledge the other cost implications of increasing the number of sections, such as space needs, and the corresponding need to add staffing for required special subjects such as art, physical education, and music. 

Board members noted the trend of year-to-year increases as cohorts progress through the Elementary years; then enrollments stabilize at the secondary schools. Questions were also raised about the cause of the increases and the potential impact on facilities.

Auditorium/Science Lab Renovations Out for Bid

At its November meeting, Board of Education members heard updates on several different facilities projects.

Plans for the auditorium/science lab renovations, approved by voters in October 2012, have been approved by the NY State Education Department and are out to bid.  The District's construction management firm, Park East, and architectural consultants Nasco Construction have reviewed and reconciled the total cost estimates. In order to ensure that the bids come in under the budgeted figure of $10 million the bids include several alternates concerning the scope of the classroom renovations, foundation structure, and other options. Bids will be opened in December, and the District expects to award a contract in January.

2013 Bronxville School Annual Report

The District has published its 2103 Annual Report in an on-line format, posted on the school website.  Previous editions were printed and distributed by mail to all residents. The new format represents an effort to reduce costs but also meet the need to share comprehensive information with the public.  The Report can be found here.

Elementary Principal Search Process Begins in December

Superintendent David Quattrone announced that an external consultant will facilitate the search for an Elementary Principal, beginning in early December. Dr. Martin G. Brooks, Director of the Tri-State Consortium, will conduct focus group sessions with members of the Board of Education, staff, parents, and district leaders. Brooks will summarize the results for the public at the December 19th Board of Education. The position will be advertised in January, and the screening process will begin in February. Dr. Brooks will also help screen candidates and orient the interviewing committee. A recommendation and appointment are scheduled for the spring.

Parents and staff members are invited to complete a survey regarding the needs of the school. The survey is available here, and responses should be submitted no later than December 6th. 

Parents and staff members are also invited to participate in the open sessions on December 12th, facilitated by our consultant. The focus groups will focus on such questions as what school attributes would attract a high quality candidate to Bronxville, what are the leadership tasks facing the new principal, and what are the personal characteristics sought in a new principal. The specific schedule is as follows:

December 9	On-line survey for staff and parents
December 12	Consultant meets with focus groups in Fireplace Room ·         8:00 AM     Board ·         10:00 AM   Parents ·         11:30 AM   Faculty and Staff ·         1:00 PM     Principals and Central office
December 19	Consultant presents job specifications to Board (public session)
January	Develop the candidate pool through newspaper ads, professional networks, and social media
February 3	Application period ends
February 10	Consultant assists with initial screening of applications
February 24-26	Central office identifies 6-8 interview candidates
February 27	Consultant orients interview committee
March - April	Committee interviews selected candidates
	Committee gives Superintendent feedback (candidates unranked)
	Follow up interviews and reference checks
	Site visit
	BOE appointment