Apr. 30, 2014:  Although the 2013-2014 academic year is winding down, the Bronxville Board of Education and the school administration are already setting new directions for the 2014-2015 school year.

The board of education, at its April 22 meeting, approved a new configuration of elementary school leadership and granted tenure to eight Bronxville School faculty members.

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Dr. David Quattrone, the board unanimously voted to affirm Patricia Murray, currently assistant to the principal at Putnam Valley Elementary School, as permanent principal of Bronxville Elementary School.

Quattrone indicated that all the signals from Murray's interview process, including a site visit, a presentation she made, and a discussion she led with administrators, were very positive.

"We are getting a wonderful person who is going to honor the work that has been done here and take us to a new level," Quattrone said.

The board also carried a motion to appoint Heidi Menzel, currently serving in her second year as interim principal of the elementary school, to a one-year position as curriculum coordinator.

Quattrone stated that, as discussions progressed about how to effect a smooth transition and establish the best conditions for Murray's success as an incoming principal, it became evident that Menzel could play an important role in mentoring Murray during her first year. He cited the continuing implementation of Singapore Math and expanding responsibilities for staff evaluation under the annual professional performance review standards as vital functions that call for continuity in leadership

"I think this is the moment to offer my highest commendation to Heidi Menzel," Quattrone said, "who, with tremendous skill, professionalism, and long-standing loyalty, served in a very difficult role as the interim principal. I am grateful for what she has contributed and will continue to contribute to the school."

To complete the new alignment of leadership in the elementary school, the board voted to appoint Adrienne Laitman, interim assistant principal, as permanent assistant principal. Quattrone praised Laitman's work establishing the graduate intern partnership with Long Island University, which has enhanced professional development activities and provided high-quality substitute teaching resources for the elementary school.

"We are delighted with this configuration of leadership," Quattrone stated. "I think it's fair to say that the elementary school really sets the pace for the rest of the district in terms of the collaborative culture of the staff."

The board also granted tenure, effective September 1, 2014, to the eight teachers recommended by the school's principals. Awarded tenure were elementary school teachers Lauren Geremia, Sarah Zonenshine, and Vanessa Janec, chorus/drama teacher Lindsey Blackhurst, physical education teacher Matthew Fisher, library media specialist Eileen Mann, teacher of languages other than English Nicholas Rastegar, and special education teacher Melissa Wood.

"These teachers have earned tenured status through their many contributions to the students and the school-at-large," Quattrone said. "They have gone through a rigorous process of classroom observation over three years." He offered thanks to the administrators and evaluators who went through the difficult and challenging process of work in determining the tenure candidates.

The board of education will meet on Thursday, May 8, at 7:00 pm in the multipurpose room, at which time it will hold a public hearing on the proposed 2014-2015 budget.

Pictured here:  Heidi Menzel, currently interim principal of the Bronxville Elementary School, who has been appointed to a one-year position as curriculum coordinator for the elementary school next year.

Photo by Carol P. Bartold