By Carol P. Bartold

Jun. 24, 2015:  At its last meeting of the 2014-2015 school year, the Bronxville Board of Education recognized several key retirements, some effective immediately, some at the end of the school year, and updated the timeline on the school auditorium.

Auditorium Update:  Superintendent Dr. David Quattrone, in his update to the board, noted that the district expects construction on the unfinished auditorium to be complete in late July.

He reported that the administration focuses on the project on a daily basis. "We have weekly meetings with our construction team to make sure that it's on track," he said.

Dan Carlin, assistant superintendent for business, reported that exterior brickwork is complete and all windows have been installed. He described ongoing interior millwork as proceeding well, but very slowly.

The project was rescheduled for completion by the surety on or before commencement on June 20 after the original contractor walked off the job in January of 2015. However, work is still ongoing on a state-of-the-art facility with 508 seats, a restored balcony, new side balconies with flexible seating, and a new side lobby that will open onto the school's front lawn.

The renovation, a substantial reconstruction of the auditorium, is the first structural work devoted to the auditorium in 50 years. Funding for the project came from $5.5 million in private donations funded through The Bronxville School Foundation and a bond issue of up to $4.5 million approved by referendum in October of 2012.

Retirements:  Dr. Quattrone announced to the board that the retirements of Heidi Menzel, curriculum coordinator, and Dr. John Kehoe, director of operations since his retirement as assistant superintendent, will be effective at the end of the school year.

In her tenure at The Bronxville School, which extended over 30 years, Menzel served the elementary school as a teacher, curriculum coordinator, assistant principal, and interim principal.

Kehoe remained on staff part time after his retirement for project work that has concluded.

"Dr. Kehoe and Heidi Menzel have made enormous contributions to our school and to our community," Quattrone said. "I don't believe we can thank them enough."

School Board Trustees:  The board welcomed new trustee Tom Nichols, who officially took office on May 20 following the annual election. Nichols assumes the seat held by Dr. James Hudson, who completed a one-year interim appointment.

Completing a six-year tenure on the board, Christopher Atayan expressed his appreciation for "an incredible community that makes our school excellent."

Board president Denise Tormey noted that Atayan "combined a strong business sense with a sincere devotion to maximize the educational and social skills of our students." She commended his tenacity in evaluating costs and benefits relative to district expenditures, which contributed to the district's ability to comply with the 2 percent tax levy cap while maintaining an exceptional educational program.

Former board trustee Dr. James Hudson, in his farewell remarks, paid tribute to the spirit of collaboration among fellow board members and with the administration, faculty, and community that has led to an exemplary program in the school.

"The beauty of this board," Hudson said, "is that we come from many angles, all pointed to the betterment of our schools, which are the crown jewels of our village."

Hudson will continue to serve as chairman of the facilities committee for the remainder of the school year. He will sit on the committee as a community member next school year.

The Bronxville Board of Education will hold its reorganization meeting on Tuesday, July 7, at 7:00 pm in the multipurpose room of The Bronxville School.

Pictured here (rotating): Two longtime servants of The Bronxville School: John Kehoe and Heidi Menzel.  

Photo of John Kehoe by A. Warner.  Photo of Heidi Menzel by N. Bower