South Orangetown Middle School Pool Revised

By admin | April 29, 2007

As part of the review of all of our district’s facilities, the School District commissioned a Natatorium and Pool Systems Feasibility Study in August, 2006 in order to understand the full scope of repairs and improvements required to address the many issues regarding this aging facility and its mechanical equipment.  The Board of Education was presented with several options.  Following their review, it was the Board’s decision that the most important aspect was to bring this facility into compliance as it relates to current building and sanitary codes, as well as guidelines in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Further, the Rockland County Health Department recently closed the pool due to several health and safety issues and required the School District to take several temporary measures in order to address their immediate concerns that would enable the pool to be reopened.  However, they made it clear that these were temporary measures and that they expected to see major repairs and renovation work done.  Additional work identified and required included the locker rooms, a necessary and integral part of the overall work within the pool facility since it requires renovations to the HVAC system, exiting requirements, lighting requirements, obsolete and/or code compliance with equipment.  Given the scope of work identified above, and the extent of use by the residents of the Town of Orangetown, the Town of Orangetown Recreation Department, swimming groups such as the Sharks, the district’s swim teams, and students as part of their physical education curriculum requirements, the architect/engineers who completed this feasibility study, have recommended “gutting” the area.

At present, there is a difference of opinion, on the division of fiscal responsibility shared between the Town and the District, regarding the cost of the proposed improvements to the pool. 

In the interim, the work on the pool must be done!  In order to do this, the district must present a proposition to the voters on May 15th for approval to move forward with the project.  The district’s original plan was to present this proposition without any tax impact on school taxes for next year.  However, without a resolution of this matter at this time, the district has no choice but to present a proposition to the voters indicating the need to bond the monetary shortfall, bearing the entire burden without the Town assuming any part of the expense.  This, unfortunately, will necessitate a minimal estimated tax impact to the school district taxpayers of $ 10 based on a home assessment of $ 200,000. Further, due to the timeline to meet all requirements under the State Education Department’s regulations regarding capital projects, the best-case scenario with voter support, would be to begin construction in February 2008, with an estimated completion date of August 2008.

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Topics: 2007/2008 Budget | No Comments »

The South Orangetown Middle School Pool

By admin | April 21, 2007

Funding for the necessary improvements to the SOMS pool has been a topic of concern at recent Board meetings and in two articles written in OUR TOWN.  In OUR TOWN, both articles underscored the need and level of capital improvement for this facility, which is used by the residents of the Town of Orangetown, The Town of Orangetown Recreation Department, swimming groups such as The Sharks and the district’s students.           

Specific information has been posted on our district website (click here), outlining the scope of the project and the estimated costs.  In dispute at present is the division of fiscal responsibility to the Town and to the District in carrying out the needed improvements.  The discrepancy rests on the specific language in the contract, which was signed by the Town Supervisor, regarding the apportionment of the Town’s and district’ s monetary responsibilities for maintenance of and improvements to the pool.             

Legal Counsel for both parties has been in the process of communicating their positions, with the expectation that a final agreement will be reached.  In the interim, the work on the pool must be done!  This means the district must present a proposition to the voters on May 15th for approval to move forward with the project.  The district’s original plan was to present this proposition without any tax impact on school taxes for next year.  However, without a resolution of the matter with the Town in place, the district has no choice but to present a proposition to the voters indicating the need to bond the monetary shortfall between what it believes to be its fair and stated portion of the cost, and the financial effect of bearing the entire burden without the Town assuming any part of the expense.  This, unfortunately, will necessitate a tax impact to the school district taxpayers.  Further, due to the timeline to meet all requirements under the State Education Department guidelines regarding capital projects, the best-case scenario with voter support, would be to begin construction in February 2008, with an estimated completion date of August 2008.           

We have worked collaboratively over many years with a main focus on doing what is best for the children and residents in our community.  It is our hope that this will continue as we progress in attaining a satisfactory resolution of this difference of opinion.  It is important to note that if it is decided that the Town must pay half the cost of the project, it will not be necessary for the district to bond the project, thereby eliminating the need to increase taxes to the district’s taxpayers to cover for the costs of the bond.   

I will provide more information in the next two weeks on this matter, and invite any questions or comments you may have. 

Topics: 2007/2008 Budget | No Comments »

How can we use data appropriately to enhance instruction and give reliable information about our district?

By admin | April 7, 2007

Recently comparative data from Standard and Poors was presented to the Board of Education anonymously, as a counterpoint to the data slide presented in the Superintendent’s Preliminary Budget 2007-08 PowerPoint presentation. The information listed in the Superintendent’s power point presentation was taken form the Mid-Hudson Council Edition 2007, published document, Data Points, which is the fifth edition of The School District Almanac, developed and used by over 300 school districts across New York State, to assist in developing annual budgets based on fiscal, instructional, and accountability plans.  

This anonymous report attempted to compare our district to some of our neighboring districts using one year’s data on the 4th and 8th grade ELA and Math assessments.  The report was the type of report that you would use to decide what commodity you might want to buy.   This is not the type of information that could lead you to a judgment regarding the value of a district.  As the anonymous author stated at the end, “There are limitations to the information presented here: First, performance on state tests does not provide a complete picture of how well we are doing the job of educating and instructing our children.  Perhaps it is a better indicator or how successfully school districts prepare their students for the state examinations.”

Based on the author’s statement above, there is no disagreement.  We know that our children are not a commodity and their success should not be measured by one test administered on one day during their long career in our school.  We as administrators in our County have long concurred that this type of comparison is meaningless.  What can you conclude based on this data?  All of the districts in Rockland County are performing in the same range (a difference of 1-3% separates the school, no statistician would report this as a significant difference).  All of the districts in Rockland County are outperforming the State average in all areas.

We do use the data we receive on these tests to study individual progress over time.  But we always look at multiple sources of data before any summary conclusions can be made. The sources include student work, grades, IQ, classroom tests, other standardized measures, etc.    

There were also many statements made about our special needs students.  The anonymous report indicated that our district had the highest percentage of students with disabilities.  Many times we have been told that families with students with special needs move into our district because of the excellent reputation our special education program has earned.  This would help explain the percentage of students with disabilities.  It might also explain the other data.  We know that when you have a small cohort and you add one or two students to that cohort the results can be significant.  Yet, we would also not want to draw any general conclusions based on this limited approach to data.    

The anonymous author of the comparison also stated “Second, the education project is not just about English language arts and math, approached in a restricted way as simply skills.  It involves the formative development of individuals in the areas of basic and social sciences, the arts, physical activities and sportsmanship, it encompasses in important ways the development of critical and cultural literacy, so that one day we have adults who are economically self-sufficient, socially responsible, and healthy individuals, as well as caring and active participants in the construction of a more just, democratic social order”.        

How are any of these variables addressed in this data comparison? The measures of success of a human being are complicated, multifaceted and unique.  The anonymous author stated that the value of this data comparison was to inform decision-making and move us closer to realizing the mission of our public schools.  This data comparison does nothing of the sort.  Dialogue and debate are important but the data used as the premise for the dialogue should be comprehensive and not counterproductive to the process.          

We are constantly seeking more effective ways to collect and analyze student performance data for the purpose of informing our decisions regarding instruction and strategic planning.  This is one of our essential long-term priority goals.  We would welcome input and feedback regarding our practices.  We would also welcome a dialogue with anyone who would come forward and work collaboratively with us in this important endeavor.  To do this, however, it would be beneficial to know who our collaborators are.  I sincerely and professionally invite the author of this counterpoint report to contact me directly.  I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this matter further, in the best interests of continuous improvement, and increasing the performance of all our students.

Topics: 2007/2008 Budget | No Comments »

Q&A: Preliminary Budget for 2007-08

By admin | April 5, 2007

The following are frequently asked questions that we have received thus far since presenting the preliminary budget to the public on March 21st. I have listed the questions and have provided responses to address these questions.  As I receive other questions, I will post these for the purpose of clarifying issues and concerns presented to me regarding the preliminary budget for 2007-08.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1.  How are class sizes impacted in this preliminary budget?

The class size guidelines are as follows:

All IEP staffing ratios will be maintained at present levels, with improved student cap in Co-Teaching sections at grades 6 and 7, with six instead of eight classified students per section.

Note:  Class size guidelines have been consistent for many years and will remain in place in this preliminary budget.

2.  What changes are proposed for support personnel?

Note:  27 Teaching assistant positions will be reduced due reductions in enrollment and sections, changes in program models, and restructuring of support personnel.  We are currently reviewing the continued need to put back 6 positions, while we plan to review and evaluate our Co-Teaching model next year.  This is will discussed at the next board meetings.

3.  Are there administrative reductions in the proposed budget?

Yes -  there will be a reduction of a 1.0 full time Assistant Supt for Human Resources.  Remaining administrators  will share these responsibilities next year.

4.  Why are we reducing Music staffing?

All of the current music opportunities will still be in place in this preliminary budget.  There will be music at every grade level and instrumental lessons 4-12, and chorus 6-12.  The slight lesson staff reductions will mean slightly larger lesson groups.  The lesson groups will still be significantly smaller than our class sizes.  All of our staff are very talented and we anticipate that the students will continue to flourish academically and artistically.  All of the other opportunites for students such as advanced instrumental and choral groups will still be in place, as well as all of our theatrical and musical productions.     

5.  What are some of the programs that are maintained in this budget?

I continue to appreciate the input we have been receiving from students, staff, and community residents.  This allows us the opportunity to clarify and provide specific information on an ongoing basis.  Please continue to provide us with your questions and input.  Also, please take the opportunity to share this information with your neighbors as you deem appropriate, or refer them to me.

Thank you for your time in this very important endeavor.

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Appraisals of District Properties

By admin | April 4, 2007

On March 21, 2007, the Board of Education received the appraisal report from Mr. William R. Beckmann (please click here for the executive report).  The appraisals were done in response to the recommendation presented to the Board of Education last year, from the district’s Finance Council.  The Finance Council is a voluntary group of community members with financial backgrounds, established last year by the Board to serve as the independent Audit Committee, in accordance with the NYS Comptroller’s Regulations for all school districts in New York State. 

Over the past three months, there has been a considerable amount of angst over the appraisals of the district’s properties, with the perception from different community groups and residents that the Board and administration have planned and have deceptively schemed to sell properties such as the Palisades School and property, as well as the Cowboy Fields adjacent to the Tappan Zee Elementary School.  This perception has resulted in the misunderstanding on the part of residents in these areas of our school district community, as to the primary reasons why the Finance Council made its recommendation to the Board last year.

As I have listened to representatives from Palisades and Piermont over past weeks at Board meetings and at Civic Association meetings, I feel compelled to do everything I can, as Superintendent, to clarify not only the purpose of the appraisals, but also the long-term strategic planning that I have presented to the Board at the February 28, 2007 public meeting regarding the Five-Year Plan to address the District’s facilities.

First and foremost, in response to my presentation to the Finance Council of our long-term facilities’ needs over the next five years, I made it very clear that we have critical priority needs; including replacing the roof of every building over the next two years.  The cost for this scope alone is estimated to be approximately $ 20 million dollars, which is the obvious reason why this scope was not in our current Capital Project budget.  Funding scope of this and greater magnitude requires a plan and strategies separate from our annual operating budgets.  With this in mind, the Finance Council recommended that the Board assess all of its properties, as well as discuss other feasible long-term funding strategies to address the priority facilities’ scope in the next five-year plan.

The simple fact is that there are limited funding strategies that are feasible means to support multi-million dollar needs that currently face many districts in Rockland County, and other districts in New York State.

With this in mind, the Board is attempting to be fiscally prudent, through due diligence, by exploring all potential sources of funding to meet the fiscal challenges presented over the next five years.  These potential funding strategies include bonding the total costs over twenty years, using smaller bonds in conjunction with other capital raised over time through the Capital Reserve Fund, raising capital through potential sale of properties, and other alternative funding sources.  The options are varied and will depend on their feasibility and community support.

Over the next months, the Board will be discussing these critical matters.  The community will be invited to attend the meetings where these discussions will be held, and will be asked to provide input on the feasibility of funding options.  In my professional opinion, this is where the community needs to weigh in and provide input to the Board and administration on what the community feels would make sense regarding funding the priority facilities’ needs over the next five years.  The Board will need to know what the community will support regarding how to fund these needs.

In closing, I respectfully ask that residents come and listen to the discussions, as well as provide input to the Board in person, through email correspondences, or in responding to issues provided in this and upcoming blog entries. This is your District!  There is no attempt on the part of the Board or the Administration to deceive or take any action that will result in negatively impacting the community or its students.  I urge you to take an active role in continuing to support our efforts to provide an outstanding education for all of the children in our community.  We invite you to listen, provide your input, and help us to continue to make the South Orangetown Central School District an outstanding school district.

Topics: Property Appraisals | No Comments »

Preliminary Budget Q&A

By admin | March 30, 2007

Following the presentation of the preliminary budget for 2007-08, a number of questions were presented to the Board of Education by staff and members of the community.  One of the major questions presented focused on my decision to ask the Rockland BOCES Department of Special Education to partner with our district in an initiative, beginning next year, in the Middle and High School Cove programs.  I requested that Rockland BOCES partner with our district in establishing a Therapeutic Support Program (TSP) at Tappan Zee High School.  At the January 20th and March 14th Budget Workshop meetings, as well as the March 28th regular Board meeting.  I shared the following information with the Board.  This information was shared with our PTA units and during staff meetings over the past week.

What are the TSP and Cove Programs?  Who do these programs serve?

The district-based Therapeutic Support Program (TSP) at Tappan Zee High School will be established based on the successful South Orangetown Middle School model.  It will serve ninth to twelfth grade students with learning and emotional disabilities.  Students would, in most instances, be transitioning from the TSP program at South Orangetown Middle School.  All intakes for students will be reviewed with the Tappan Zee High School administration prior to placement in this program.

The class at Tappan Zee High School next year will be part of an extensive continuum of secondary options that offer a therapeutic support model.  It will integrate instructional and clinical components in a therapeutic educational environment.  The teacher and clinician (psychologist/social worker) work as an integrated team, supporting students throughout the day.  Students will have access to minimal mainstreaming that will include physical education and one elective.  Other mainstream opportunities are evaluated on an individual basis.

The COVE I program at South Orangetown Middle School, under the direction of the Rockland BOCES beginning next year, will continue to serve two of our middle school students, in addition to students from other Rockland School Districts who would benefit from this program model.  The COVE II program at the Tappan Zee High School will be a collaborative partnership, beginning next year between BOCES and the South Orangetown staff.  Two classes will be staffed by BOCES, serving current students from other Rockland Districts, and one class of 8 resident students will be staffed by South Orangetown Central School District.  Students will continue to meet the same profile of our present COVE II students.  The program is designed to realistically prepare the disabled student for the greatest degree of independence upon graduation.  The program will continue to have an integrated language component, as well as the services of a certified occupational therapist weekly.  Students will continue to be introduced to various levels of vocational training and actual job experiences.  Mainstreaming opportunities are coordinated as appropriate for each individual student.  There is an emphasis on day-to-day living skills with daily academic instruction in English, Math, Social Studies, Science and integrated language.  All intakes for student will be reviewed by the Tappan Zee High School administration prior to admission.

With careful planning and transition, we expect students in all three classes to continue to receive the same level of outstanding support, while continuing to be integrated as students in our high school, as has been the case over many years.

Why did we ask BOCES to partner with our district regarding the COVE and TSP programs?

As we proceed through the next few weeks, I will be providing more specific information regarding the preliminary budget proposal in response to questions from our community.

Topics: 2007/2008 Budget | No Comments »

Comments

By admin | March 29, 2007

We invite the community to respond to any blog entry.

Comments from the community in response to my entries are invited. While emails will neither be posted nor receive personal responses, I will address as many concerns as possible in subsequent entries.

Topics: 2007/2008 Budget | No Comments »

Welcome to My Blog

By admin | March 29, 2007

drzambito2.jpgWelcome to my blog.  I will be updating you on issues and events pertinent to the South Orangetown Central School District.

The site will be used as a valuable outreach tool for me to address immediate issues of importance and interest to the district of South Orangetown and the community it serves.

I feel this is an important and critical developmental step in communication and part of the district’s commitment in keeping you informed.

Dr. Joseph Zambito, Ed.D. 
Superintendent of Schools

Topics: 2007/2008 Budget | No Comments »

2007/2008 Calendar Adopted

By admin | March 29, 2007

I am pleased to inform you that the 2007/2008 school calendar was adopted last night at the Board of Education meeting.  You can view the calendar below.

2007/2008 Adopted School Calendar

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Board of Education Meeting Schedule

By admin | March 28, 2007

The following are upcoming Board of Education Meetings:

Wednesday, April 11, 2007 - This is a scheduled Meeting

Tuesday, April 17, 2007 - This meeting has been added to the schedule

Topics: Board of Education Meeting Schedule | No Comments »

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