Briarcliff school board tackles its goals
While the Board of Education in Briarcliff Manor is assembling its goals for the 2009-2010 school year this is a very good time to share their draft document and give the community at large an opportunity to comment and to share their own views.
At last night’s school board meeting copies of this draft were passed out to the roughly 200 people who showed up for the standing-room session. (It is attached below and here is a link to the current 2008-09 goal list.) There was some applause and some shouts as members tried to run through the list.
“The Board of Education recognizes that the district is in need of fiscal reform, better cost control and improved financial disclipine,” reads the first line in the district’s two-page sheet. This is tops the list under Fiscal Accountability and is seemingly the only goal that comes from this collective five-member school board.
The list continues with individual comments by Board President Janet Marinaccio, and Trustees Stacy Agona, Eric Bashford, Krishnan Chittur and Guy Rotondo. Their initials appear at the end of each line.
Now’s your turn to comment.
But first, go to the attached list and read through all the suggestions. Some are expected to remain, some will be tweaked and others will be abandoned, said the board members. The next board meting is at 8 p.m. Feb. 22 in the Middle School theatre.
Chittur suggests developing “an international student exchange program for Briarcliff students” and Rotondo want to “ensure a resulting property tax levy increase not greater than 2 percent.”
2nd Draft Board Goals 1-20-10
Fiscal Accountability
The Board of Education recognizes that the district is in need of fiscal reform, better cost control and improved financial
discipline.
3 Year Budget Goal
Reduce per pupil cost to be comparable to similar enrollment schools by budget year 2013- 2014 – GR
Reduce use of Fund Balance as a revenue source to not more than 1.5% of budget – GR
2010 – 2011 Budget Goal
Employ cost comparisons with similar enrollment high performing districts and other comparative data to objectively identify areas for cost reductions while minimizing impact on educational program quality – GR
Ensure a resulting property tax levy increase not greater than 2% – GR
Engage the Budget Advisory Committee to assist the Board of Education in attaining its budget goal and broaden community understanding – GR
Develop, with community participation and the Budget Advisory Committee, a fiscally responsible budget that meets the educational needs of all students for the 2010/2011 school year while minimizing the burden on the taxpayers – JM
To continue to report openly and honestly on the fiscal condition of the district – EB
To continue an ongoing dialogue of budget issues as the year progresses – EB
To prepare an annual budget that meets the needs of the students while considering the fiscal concerns of the community – EB
To promote and pursue excellence in education while remaining fiscally responsible to the community – EB
Curriculum and Instruction
Our school district takes great pride in being among the top-performing districts in Westchester County. The Board of Education recognizes that the district must continually reevaluate and challenge this notion to ensure this result.
Explore the merits and implementation requirements of an International Baccalaureate Program – GR
To identify measurable academic goals that reflect district educational objectives – GR
Establish and work with the Ad Hoc Committee on Acceleration and Enrichment to develop recommendations to improve the District’s enrichment and acceleration offerings – JM
To develop an international student exchange program for Briarcliff students – KC
To enhance the science research program so as to have a first place winner in the Intel Science Talent Search within the next 5 years – KC
To widen diversity programs, and enhance acceptance, equality, and self-confidence to our children in our multi-cultural
community through our actions, programs, and schedules – KC
Continue to focus efforts on the core belief that decisions should be made based on what is best for students and their
academic achievement – SA
To provide students and staff with a safe school environment where both teaching and learning can effectively take place each day – EB
Board of Education Process and Development
Facilitate more efficient Board meetings with manageable agendas that encourages community participation – JM
To conduct all Board of Education meetings in a timely and efficient manner – EB
To continue to grow as individual Board members and to grow collectively as a Board of Education by attending
workshops, seminars and conferences focusing on Board of Education responsibilities and mandates – EB
To continue to make decisions that are child- and student-centered and in the best interest of the Briarcliff school community – EB
To celebrate and recognize student and staff achievements – EB
To work with Administration and other school personnel by supporting them in their efforts in carrying out the goals of the school district – EB
To encourage and promote those programs that serve to enhance the development of good character and citizenship -EB
District Leadership
Dr. Wills has will retire on June 30, 2011. Our present Business Official is in an interim capacity- GR
- Prepare search plan for replacing Superintendent (hire date July 1, 2011)
*Interview Business Official candidates (target hire date July 1, 2010).
Build a stronger leadership team (defining leadership team as the board and superintendent) through cooperation and collaboration – SA
Facilities / Capital Projects
Complete the capital improvements approved by voters under the direction of direction of district administration and the Facilities Committee – GR
To consider the findings of the Building Utilization Committee in an effort to address the needs of all students in the district – EB
To review the five-year plan for facilities/resources updates and improvements – EBPhoto Caption:
