By Staff

July 3, 2024: On June 13th, the Bronxville School Board of Education held its last meeting of the school year.  Board President, Susan Conniff opened the meeting by noting that the School's Budget for the upcoming year had passed.

Bronxville School Superintendent, Dr. Rachel Kelly, then talked about changes to the School's cell phone policy. She said she had spoken with various constituencies regarding cell phone usage during the school day, and based on this feedback, the School is implementing the following changes starting in the fall of 2024.

Cell Phone Policy in High School: Students can have cell phones with them in School. Cell phones are not allowed out during class. If they are out during class, phones will be confiscated, and students will be subject to detention. There will be times when teachers will ask students to take out their phones, and that will be allowed. She noted that there will be multiple lessons through the freshman transition process and in Health 9 and Health 11 classes about healthy cell phone and social media habits.

Cell Phone Policy in Middle School:  The School will pilot phone racks for students to "park their phones" upon entry into the School building. Seventh and Eighth graders can take their phones to lunch, but they need to be parked when they reenter.

Cell Phone Policy in Elementary School: Starting in the fall, no devices that connect to the internet will be allowed in Elementary School. Phones with only text and phone capability are permitted but must be in a student locker during the school day.  

Dr. Kelly asked parents to make every effort not to text children during the school day. She also said that the School will continue to educate students and parents about healthy habits with digital citizenship.

Dr. Kelly also discussed recess and noted that indoor recess only occurs during inclement weather and that, in the fall, indoor recess will be without movies or technology. Instead, students will play games.

Student Matthew Curran provided a brief update on school happenings. He noted that the spring concerts had happened, that student art is being exhibited across the School as part of the annual arts festival, that AP Exams and High School and School Awards occurred, and that Juniors are involved with "senior shadowing."

Two Bronxville School eighth graders shared their reflections about what the Bronxville Promise means to them. One student spoke about leadership and how older kids connecting with younger kids on his recreational basketball team helped them win the championship. Another student talked about how she has learned to respect her opinions and views and not worry so much about what other people think.

The Board officially appointed Ann Meyer as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction.

Dan Carlin, Assistant Superintendent for Business, reported on the School's finances. He said the School's year-end surplus is consistent with projections for the prior month. He noted that Revenues are coming in strong, primarily due to high interest income and, to a lesser degree, high tuition income. He said that the School is forecasting a $1 million revenue surplus.

Carlin also noted that the Bronxville School Foundation provided money for a garden project along Midland Avenue. This program is a partnership between the High School Special Education Department and students involved in sustainability initiatives. Students in the Special Education Program will maintain the garden.  

Carlin noted that a landscaping plan is underway at the School. The School, the PTA, and Bronxville Village Hall have funded this plan. The plan includes irrigation, hedges on the front lawn, new trees and shrubs at the main entrance, tree planting and replacement along Pondfield Road, expanding the sidewalk between Meadow and Midland Avenues, and redoing the light posts in front of the School to be consistent with those in town.

Carlin reported that the School is reviewing the private school transportation budget, which is up significantly from previous years. He noted that the School is considering acquiring another vehicle and hiring its own driver.

Trustee Peter McSherry reported that three policies had been updated. He further said that the School's "investment money" is with New York Class and that New York Class "is advised by" Public Trust Advisors. The current yield is 5.21%.

Ashley Chipa, Bronxville K-8 mathematics coach, noted that the School had adopted a new math K-8 Mathematics curriculum that is aligned with the latest New York State math standards. The School researched what other districts were using, went to a site visit in Scarsdale, and screened several companies.

She noted that the State assessments are now in digital format, so they wanted to make sure to prepare Bronxville students for that. Curriculum leaders looked at existing and new programs and worked in teams analyzing each program. They also piloted both programs simultaneously in the School. The teachers provided feedback and discussed the possible programs across grade levels. They documented the pros and cons of each program.

The School also used an independent nonprofit institution to review instructional materials. The School ultimately chose Eureka Math Squared.

Anne Meyer reviewed the School's Professional Learning Plan, which the Board approved. She noted that the School will be doing work around Artificial Intelligence, how to use it in teaching, and how to help students engage with AI effectively

Michael Brandes was nominated as President of the Board, and Christina Skinner was nominated as Vice President of the Board.

Jim Agnello is retiring this year. He spoke during the public comment session and expressed gratitude for his "great 26 years at the School.

You can watch the full meeting here.