Pictured: Bronxville School Board. Photo courtesy Bronxville School

By Staff

April 24, 2024: The Bronxville School Board of Education held its April Board Meeting on April 16, 2024.  Below are some highlights from that meeting.

Report by Susan Conniff, President of the Bronxville School Board of Education

Bronxville School Board President Susan Conniff opened the meeting with an update on the school's strategic goals for the year.  She reported the following:

-The school continues to work on communications and improving the website

-Dr. Kelly has led the way with community relationships with the mayor, police department and community

-Contract renewal discussions are underway with the Bronxville teacher association.  

-There is a proposal for a pump enclosure and a new security vestibule at the flagpole entrance.  The security vestibule will complete the goal of enhanced security at all three entrances.

With respect to the upcoming budget, the Board is particularly focused on the following:

-Health insurance and transportation costs.  The Board is looking at ways "to deliver in these areas in a more efficient way."

-Board Policy Manual.  The Manual is up to date on required policies.  The Board will update other policies moving forward.

-Technology & Phones: The Board is aware that there is a lot of discussion in the community about technology and phones and young people.  She said that the Board hopes to have an agenda item on the topic of technology in the classroom in the future.

Report by Dr. Kelly, Bronxville School Superintendent

Dr. Kelly provided the following news highlights:

-She will be unveiling a Superintendent video this week. 

-She said that she wanted to bring "some clarity" regarding the School's international service trip.  She said that the District will not be sponsoring an international service trip going forward but, if a trip is planned by parents, the School will support student planning and reflection on their trip. 

-The School now has a girls' flag football team.

-Dr. Kelly reported that there are two administrators visiting schools in Finland and she looks forward to hearing what they have learned.

-The Board and the leadership team is looking at smart phone policies in school as well as instructional technology in the classroom.  She will report on that in the June meeting.

Dr. Kelly also reported on personnel issues, including leaves, a new high school math teacher, a new substitute teacher aid, a school district medical consultant and a boys modified lacrosse coach.

Dr. Kelly also said that she was impressed at "how calm everyone stayed" during the earthquake.  She said that many in the building didn't even feel it and that the building was inspected immediately and the School did not sustain any damage.

Individuals Granted Tenure

The following individuals were granted tenure at the Bronxville School.

Aaron Kind, Director of Guidance

Joseph Mecora, Principal of Bronxville Middle School

Deana Hasandjekaj, Guidance Counselor

Alyssa Levy, Guidance Counselor

Stephen Kovari, Secondary Science teacher

Elijah McCann, Secondary Social Studies

Sarah Zonenshine, Secondary Mathematics

Alex Kelly, School Psychologist

Report by Dan Carlin, Assistant Superintendent for Business

Budget

Mr. Carlin reported the following related to the Budget.

-The School's projection for the year-end surplus "is mostly consistent with prior months."

-The expenditure budget is tightening in salaries and contracted services. However, these higher costs will be offset by higher revenues ($900k) and lower costs in other areas ($100k). The School's revenues are up primarily due to higher non-resident tuition, special education tuition and interest and other income, and health services billings.

-This budget will go before the Bronxville voters in May.

-The School is required to vote on the BOCES budget this month. The School is assessed a portion of the BOCES budget ($286,981) based on the School's enrollment.  This number is included in the Budget. The School uses BOCES for all facets of technology, financial information, student information, software, hardware, network management, firewall backups, transportation management, professional development, athletic scheduling and officiating, recruitment and other HR services, special education services, career and vocational services and other services. Susan Coniff noted that a large part of the BOCES cost structure is retiree health insurance and programs.

Facilities

Dan Carlin reported the following related to facilities:

-Funding for the security vestibule at the flagpole entrance and the flood pump enclosure are on the May 21 ballot. If passed, these projects will be submitted to the NY Education Department for approval. He said he would expect a building permit by February 1, 2025 and would start the project between February and April 2025. 

-The School had a hedge installed at the front of the School over the last break. This was funded by the PTA. Carlin thanked the PTA.

-The School has a plan for the Pondfield Road landscaping including trees, shrubs and widening the sidewalk.  The Village will help pay for trees along the road and the School is seeking other partners without impacting other philanthropic endeavors in the Village. 

-We have heard some concerns about the outdoor classroom's proximity to Midland Avenue.  We will work to put up a landscape buffer between the fence and the classroom. Dr. Kelly reported that the School is creating a sign-up process for the outdoor classroom. 

Latin Instruction

A local mother inquired about the elimination of Latin instruction for rising 6th graders. The parent mentioned that parents will be having a follow up meeting with Dr. Kelly on this topic.