MOTION was made by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mr. Recca and unanimously carried to go into executive session to discuss the employment history of a particular person and/or corporation (Stage 3 Grievance - CSEA Non-Instructional Unit).

7. ADMINISTRATIVE AND COMMITTEE REPORTS

7.1 Superintendent's Report

Mr. Giarrizzo reported on advocacy efforts to ensure what is in the best interest of our students and schools. Among the issues of concern are:

The fast pace in which NYS has implemented new tests aligned to the Common Core Learning Standards,
The lack of accessible data on test scores that would enable districts to positively impact the teaching and learning process,
The possible breach in the privacy of student data that may result from new state requirements,
The premature tying of these tests to teacher and principal evaluations, and
Continuation of unfunded mandates imposed by the State.

He also recounted the Port Chester forum recently held by Commissioner King at which he heard many voices asking the State Education Department to slow down and allow time to implement all of the changes they are mandating. Mr. Giarrizzo applauded Assemblywoman Amy Paulin and Representatives Thomas J. Abinanti and David Buchwald for the letter they wrote to Chancellor Merryl Tisch on why the current testing program has the potential to do more harm than good.

Reports/updates were also made by the Diversity Task Force, the Excellence and Equity Committee, Math and Social Studies Task Force, the Strategic Planning Committee, and the Facilities and Technology (Safety and Security Working Group).

Mr. Giarrizzo said that recently there was a drug sweep in the high school, the first of four planned for this school year. These are random and unannounced searches that will be conducted in the middle and high school buildings.

Mr. Giarrizzo spoke about the recent exciting weeks for our athletic program. He expressed pride in all of our athletes and specifically wished the boys' soccer team and their coach, Mr. Huvane, the very best on their upcoming game.

7.2 Board of Education Committee Reports

7.3 Benchmarking the Middle School Program

Dr. Steven Garcia said that tonight we will talk abut our great kids and the middle school program. He said that this report will benchmark the Pelham Middle School by looking at a wide range of “authentic learning experiences” that are grounded in the real world, are purposeful, provide the prerequisite foundation for high school and are reflective of the rapid developmental changes occurring in 10-14 year-old students.Principal Robert Roelle, Assistant Principal Lynn Sabia and the four curriculum supervisors/teachers presented the report that he said went beyond results on NY State assessments just as learning went beyond State requirements.

Mrs. kiernan said it was obvious that the presentation reflected the hard work of all and extended the Board's compliments to the administration. Mr. Giarrizzo said that the Pelham Middle School is alive with positive energy and and aire of seriousness about learning.

Nov 04, 2013 Regular Board of Education Meeting - Featuring: Benchmarking the Middle School Program

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