2012-13

Welcome to the Board of Education News and Information page. This is the place to come for the latest news effecting education in our nation, state and school district.
Some helpful links:

U.S. Department of Education News

New York State Education Department News

New York State School Boards Association

Education Speaks blog

Warwick Valley Central School District Board of Education News from 2011-12

 

 

 

February 25 Board of Education meeting recap

Warwick’s share of funding, originally proposed for competitive grants, in the Governor’s 2013-14 executive budget

Dr. Bryant discussed the potential of gaining $200-300,000 if we successfully lobbying to have our district’s share of the 225 million dollars not yet designated in the Governor’s budget.

Budget “band-aids, tourniquets and solutions”

Dr. Bryant stated that because of the size of the district’s budget gap, closing a school will be like a “band-aid,” having additional Greenwood Lake students attend WVHS, and money raised by the new Education Foundation, would be examples of “tourniquets,” and receiving increased federal and state aid were examples of real “solutions.”

Three options related to a school closure:

Have three K-6 schools, close the Middle School and move Grades 7 & 8 to the High School
- Some are uncomfortable with having 7th & 8th graders in the HS
- BOCES would need to be moved from Sanfordville - not possible or practical
- If 7th & 8th graders were in the HS, that building would not allow space for potential Greenwood Lake students
- This option has been rejected for these reasons

Have one K-2 school, one 3-4 school, grades 5-8 in the Middle School and High School
- This option has been rejected because it would require returning to a 3-tier bus schedule, eliminating the cost savings

Have two K-4 schools, grades 5-8 in the Middle School and High School
- The Board decided that one elementary school would have to be closed, and they will plan for two K-4 schools, grades 5-8 in the Middle School and High School
- The Board wishes to do more research before making the final decision about WHICH school to close

Warwick Valley Education Foundation (WVEF)

The first WVEF community meeting will be held on Thurs., March 7 at 7:30 pm in the Dorothy C. Wilson Education Center Community Room (immediately following the Parents for Change advocacy group meeting, which will start at 7 pm).
This will be an opportunity for all those interested in the Education Foundation to learn more and sign up for various committees.

Advocacy efforts aimed at legislators and Governor urged

School districts across the state are receiving inadequate aid. Community members are encouraged to contact their legislators and the governor to urge the re-allocation of state aid for Sandy Relief back into education. More information about advocacy efforts may be found on the WVCSD website and the Parents for Change Facebook page. The Board established an advocacy committee that will work with Parents for Change and act as liaisons between Albany and the community.

Financial impact of charter schools

The proposed, local DIRT charter school will re-apply for approval from the NYS Education Dept. this year. The cost to the WVCSD would be $12,000 for EACH Warwick student who attends the DIRT, Tuxedo/Baker HS (or other) charter school (rate determined by NYS). This is potentially a very serious budget issue.

Financial and other benefits of more tuition-paying students from GWL

The Board is hoping more Greenwood Lake students will choose to attend WVHS, as the district would receive $9000 in tuition for each student (rate determined by NYS). This could be a significant source of revenue to the district.

 

January 14 Board of Education meeting recap

Jan. 15, 2013 - At the Jan. 14 BOE meeting, Dr. Bryant related some of the district’s current safety measures, planned enhancements and drills that have been developed in cooperation with the Warwick Police Dept.

The Superintendent also provided an overview of the district’s fiscal situation, referring to a presentation given at a BOE Work Session the previous week in describing the $2.4 - $3 million budget gap.

Dr. Bryant noted that, despite the rumors, no budget decisions have been made at this time, and added that none of the options being discussed by the Board will result in increased class sizes.

More information will be discussed at the upcoming Community Budget Forum on Jan. 28 at 7:00 p.m. at the WVHS Auditorium. Community members are encouraged to attend the forum, listen to analysis from administrators and local business leaders, and participate in budget issue discussions.

Additionally, the following budget meetings in the community have been scheduled:

Jan. 30 at 1:00 pm. – Warwick Valley Seniors – Warwick Town Hall Senior Center

Feb. 6 at 6:30 p.m. – Albert Wisner Public Library – Community Room (lower level)

Feb. 7 at 2:00 p.m. – Pine Island Seniors – Pine Island American Legion Hall

 

NYSSBA's 2013 Legislative Platform: "Be the Change for Kids"

Jan. 15, 2013 - Click to open the 2013 Legislative Platform booklet (pdf) from New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA) which includes positions on topics such as state aid, pension reform, property taxes and mandate relief.

 

Governor advocates for longer school days, master teachers, consolidation and other education reform measures in his Jan. 9, 2013, State of the State Address

Click here for a summary of the Governor's speech as it relates to education. (pdf)

 

WVCSD receives Aa+ credit rating report from Standard & Poor’s

In its most recent report, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services (S&P) assigned its “Aa+” school issuer credit rating (ICR) to Warwick Valley Central School District. Historically, the district has maintained a stable financial position. Standard & Poor's views the district's financial management practices as "good" under its Financial Management Assessment, noting its “good financial performance and a stable fund balance.” Bond ratings are regarded by taxpayers and other stakeholders as a measure of how well their school district is managed. Because a school district’s overall financial stability affects its bond ratings, it is important to carefully manage district reserves and fund balance.
Read more

Enrollment data and projections show Warwick’s total enrollment will drop by more than 150 students in 2013-14

Dec. 12, 2012 - Enrollment figures and projections show that the district is on track to experience continued enrollment decline. Read more

In statewide survey, school superintendents foresee financial/educational insolvency; report continuing cuts in programs

Nov. 26, 2012 - Bob Lowry, Deputy Dirctor for Advocacy Research & Communications for the New York Council of School Superintendents (NYSCOSS), has written a white paper called "Can't Get There From Here: A survey on school fiscal matters." Survey results about school fiscal matters completed by NYS school superintendents reveal that, according to Mr. Lowry, "Financial insolvency is on the horizon within two years for 9 percent of the state's school districts - about 60 districts..." Even higher proportions of superintendents warn that their districts face becoming unable to fund all state and federal mandates - 5 percent say their districts are already unable to afford all the mandates.

Superintendent dispels rumors of a January 2013 retirement date

Dec. 6, 2012 - Aware of rumors regarding a January, 2013 retirement date, Superintendent Dr. Ray Bryant addressed the issue at the Mon., Dec. 3, Board of Education meeting. “I’m not going anywhere just yet,” he said. He did, however, also say that, as of right now he has no plans to extend his current contract beyond its end date of June, 2014. Dr. Bryant also promised to publish the dates each of the following groups' contract expirations:

● Warwick Valley Teachers Association (WVTA): Current contract expires June 30, 2015

● Warwick Valley Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA): Current contract expires June 30, 2014

● Warwick Valley Administrators: Current contract expires on June 30, 2014

In statewide survey, school superintendents foresee financial/educational insolvency; report continuing cuts in programs

Nov. 26, 2012 - Bob Lowry, Deputy Dirctor for Advocacy Research & Communications for the New York Council of School Superintendents (NYSCOSS), has written a white paper called "Can't Get There From Here: A survey on school fiscal matters." Survey results about school fiscal matters completed by NYS school superintendents reveal, according to Mr. Lowry, that, "Financial insolvency is on the horizon within two years for 9 percent of the state's school districts - about 60 districts..." Even higher proportions of supernitendents warn that their districts face becoming unable to fund all state and federal mandates - 5 percent say their districts are already unable to afford all the mandates.

Click here to read Bob Lowry's highlights of the report. (pdf)

Click here to open the full report. (pdf)

First Community Budget Forum held Nov. 26 - Participants share ideas for cutting costs and increasing revenue

Nov. 27, 2012 - The first in a series of Community Budget Forums was held on Mon., Nov. 26. Participants were given a "first look" at issues and challenges for the 2013-14 budget, followed by small group discussions for feedback on specific topics. Click here to read more about the Budget Forum, and to view a preliminary presentation of the budget for 2013-14.

Teacher pension costs going much higher

Nov. 4, 2012 - PostStar.com article outlines estimated rate increases for the Teachers' Retirement System and Employees Retirement System and discusses how this will effect school district budgets for 2013-14. Read article (pdf).

Federal Mandates on Local Education: Costs and Consequences

"Yes, it’s a Race, but is it in the Right Direction?”

Oct. 26, 2012 - The The Center for Research, Regional Education and Outreach at SUNY New Paltz recently released a report written by South Orangetown Superintendent Kenneth Mitchell that discusses federal mandates related to New York's participation in "Race To The Top". According to the report, Hudson Valley schools will spend almost $400 per student for Race to the Top reforms (including APPR), while receiving just $38 per student on average from the federal grant. The difference will either come from local taxpayers or at the expense of other important education programs. A fascinating read for anyone interested in or concerned about education. More information and link to report

Board of Education discusses need to increase administrative staff during tough budget times in press release to local newspapers

Oct. 25, 2012 - The question of how to increase administrative staff, such as assistant principals at the high school and middle school (in order to have the man-hours to comply with state mandated programs), without increasing costs is something the Board of Education will explore as 2013-14 budget discussions begin. Read press release. (pdf)

"...it is our goal to have 180 school days this year."

Nov. 6 - Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ray Bryant talks about how the district will make up lost instructional days due to Hurricane Sandy. Read more.

Q and A: Information for School Districts Impacted by Severe Weather Events from the NYS Education Department

Nov. 20, 2012 - Please read this Question and Answer document regarding the making up of lost school days due to Hurricane Sandy. (pdf)

Sanfordville Elementary recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School

Sept. 10, 2012 - United States Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, has announced the winners of the 2012
U.S. Department of Education Award for Excellence - the prestigious National Blue Ribbon School Award.
Sanfordville Elementary is one of just 20 New York State schools and 269 nationwide to be recognized as a
Blue Ribbon School. "Our nation has no greater responsibility than helping all children realize their full potential," Duncan said. "Schools honored with the National Blue Ribbon Schools award are committed to accelerating student achievement and preparing students for success in college and careers. Their work reflects the conviction that every child has promise and that education is the surest pathway to a strong, secure future." More        Click here to view a photo gallery.

Q & A'S on the tuitioning of Greenwood Lake's high school students to Warwick Valley High School

Feb. 9, 2012 - Warwick Valley Central School District was one of five districts to express interest when Greenwood Lake issued a Request for Proposal this past fall. Please read these Questions and Answers to gain a better understanding of the process and the reasons behind the district's RFP.

Board members approve 5-year strategic plan

Sept. 19, 2011 - During the summer months of 2011, board members worked together to create a Strategic Plan to help inform board actions and decisions. BOE goals have been set for the academic year. One key component of the BOE goals is the development of “21st Century skills,” defined as:
1. Critical thinking & Problem solving
2. Collaboration across networks & Leading by influence
3. Agility & Adaptability
4. Initiative & Entrepreneurialism
5. Effective Verbal & Written communication
6. Accessing & Analyzing information
7. Curiosity& Imagination
8. Empathy, Diversity, & Inclusion
Click here to view a presentation on the 5-Year Strategic Plan. (pdf)