Dear
Friends, Below is an update regarding Superintendent Dr. Brian Monahan’s
proposed school budget for the 2017-2018 school year which was presented at the
Board of Education meeting this past Tuesday, February 7, 2017. Also
included is some important school news.
OUTLINE
OF THE TOPICS IN THIS EMAIL:
·
Summary of the Superintendent’s Proposed
Budget: February 7, 2017
·
Please Register to Vote: Link to Registration Form
·
New Superintendent: Dr. Eric Byrne will
start 7/1/17
·
Continued Service by Sheryl Goffman as
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum.
·
Teacher Contract Negotiations Resolved
·
“Win-Win” Business
Opportunity: Unpaid Rye High School Senior Interns Available this
Spring
·
Open Topics Forum Questions and Answers
·
RHS Faculty and Staff Met Anita Devlin,
Author of S.O.B.E.R.
·
Civil Rights Activist Explained His
Experiences to RMS 8th Graders
·
RCSD Participates in 2016 Hour of Code
(computer science learning)
·
Elementary Schools Celebrate Japanese
Culture
·
Mindfulness Training is Gathering Steam
·
RyeACT Survey is forthcoming
·
Links to Superintendent's Bulletins, to
Board of Education Meeting Videos, to Board of Education Meeting Minutes
·
Links To Charts and Data Demonstrating the
Strength of our Schools and Property Values
Summary of the Superintendent’s Proposed Budget, dated February
7, 2017
·
Tax Cap Compliant (50% plus 1 vote needed
to pass)
·
$86,930,075 (up $1.8M from last year’s $85,064,873)
·
Allows $2.1 maximum use of fund balance--if needed
·
77.05% = Salaries and Benefits
·
3.3% = Estimated Health Insurance Increase
·
Maintains all programs: No cuts
·
Supports math curriculum research and development
·
4 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) increases due to sustained
high (but stable) enrollment predicted at 3467 (same as last year)
·
2 FTE English as a New Language (ENL)
·
1 FTE Psychologist
·
1 FTE Occupational Therapist
·
2 FTE Music, FLES & Physical Education
·
.4 FTE American Sign Language (ASL) which has become very
popular and enables students to satisfy college requirements for 2 courses in
high school language
·
1 FTE RMS Additional Security
·
An override is not needed this year for
several reasons, including:
·
CPI was better than expected (the tax cap on school
budgets is the lower of CPI or 2%)
·
TRS and ERS costs lowered slightly
·
The District has been frugal
·
State aid increased slightly—by $26,193
·
The utility tax, county sales tax, tuition and charges
for use of facilities increased by about $72,000 over last year (though the
utility tax has not brought in as much as was hoped)
·
Cost: Estimated cost to homeowners of the
proposed school budget based upon home value ($1M-$4M):
|
APPROXIMATE
COST OF BUDGET FOR HOMEOWNERS BY ASSESSMENT AND HOME VALUE
|
|||
Approximate Home
Value based upon Assessment*
|
Assessed Home Value
Last year
|
Assessed Home Value
This year
|
Estimated School
Budget Property Tax increase
|
|
$1M
|
$15,400
|
$14,900*
|
$326.24
|
|
**$1.990,000
|
N/A
|
$29,650*
|
$649.20
|
|
$2M
|
$30,800
|
$29,800*
|
$652.48
|
|
$3M
|
$46,200
|
$44,700*
|
$978.72
|
|
$4M
|
N/A
|
$59,600*
|
$1304.97
|
·
**Current average home value in Rye is
$1.99M – Up from $1.89M last year.
·
Note that these figures relate to school property taxes
and not county- or city-imposed taxes.
·
*The assessed home values listed for this year per Rye
City Tax Assessor’s Office on 2/10/17: 914.967.7565
Please Register
to Vote! Our many new residents and those that have moved within Rye
should register as well as RHS seniors who will be 18 by May 16---Link to Registration Form
·
The good news is that our “yes”
votes have exceeded our “no” votes by more than 70% for 5 years now.
·
The bad news is that voter apathy
abounds—especially when the budget is tax cap compliant:
·
Less than 16% of registered voters voted last May
·
Almost 90% of residents age 30-39 (likely preschool
parents) did not vote at all
·
Of those that don’t vote—about 60% are men and about 40%
are women
New Superintendent: Dr. Eric Byrne will start 7/1/17:
·
Currently the Assistant Superintendent in Chappaqua with
23 years of experience in education
·
Selected from among 40 applicants using an expert search
firm
·
He has a strong curriculum focus and understanding of the
common core
·
A welcome addition to Rye Fund for Education, Inc.’s
Board because he has tremendous experience with Chappaqua’s very successful
school foundation (founded about 24 years ago).
·
Click this link for more information about Dr. Byrne: Letter from RCSD BOE President Katy Keohane Glassberg to
Parents and Guardians re Superintendent Finalist (2/9/17)
·
His appointment by the BOE is expected on 2/28/17, you
can meet him on 3/7/17, he will start on 7/1/17 and Dr. M will assist with his
transition.
Continued Service by Sheryl Goffman as Assistant Superintendent
for Curriculum. Sheryl Goffman
has served as Interim Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and
Assessment since July 2016 and the District is pleased that she will continue
in this role. For more information about Ms. Goffman’s background click this link.
Teacher Contract Negotiations Resolved:
·
Memorandum of Understanding Reached--Thanks to the
special talents of Dr. Monahan and the understanding and cooperation of Rye Teachers’
Association.
·
2 additional days of instruction are included in the
school calendar for next year.
“Win-Win”
Business Opportunity: Unpaid Rye High School Senior Interns Available
for 3+ weeks starting May 15-June 8, 2017: Could you use an
extra pair of hands to complete a business project? Do you need a tech savvy
person, perhaps to understand that social media connection everyone is talking
about? Would you like to share the passion you have for your business and
expose a teen to a new industry? Rye High School Seniors, as part of
the Senior Internship Program, are available to serve as unpaid
interns for 20 or more hours per week starting May 15, 2017 for school
credit. Contact the RHS Internship
Coordinator for more information: Mr. Joel Edminster at edminster.joel@ryeschools.org,
RHS English Teacher and Senior Internship Advisor, 914-967-6100, ext. 1247.
Open Topics Forum Questions and
Answers:
At the District’s Open Topics forum on November 15, 2016, questions from the
public were collected and you can read the District’s responses to each one at
this link: Questions & Answers from Board of Education Open
Topics Forum on November 15
RHS Faculty and Staff Met Anita Devlin, Author of
S.O.B.E.R. On
January 18,
2017, 40 faculty, staff and administrators gathered
in the Media Center to meet and talk with Anita Devlin, author of S.O.B.E.R.
S.O.B.E.R. is Devlin’s tale of her family’s recovery as a result of her son’s
addiction to pain pills in the wake of a sports injury. Interested faculty and
staff were provided with a copy of Devlin’s book and met in early December to
discuss it in small groups. High School Principal Patricia Taylor created the
book forum to raise awareness about and understanding of addiction.
Civil Rights Activist Explained His Experiences to RMS on
November 3, 2016. On November 3, 2016, RMS 8th
graders were visited by Luvaghn Brown, a Civil Rights activist during the 1960s
who described his participation at a sit-in at a Jackson, Mississippi,
Walgreens lunch counter, his subsequent
arrest and his travels to aid in voter
registration in Mississippi as a Field Secretary for the Student Non-Violence
Coordinating Committee.
National Hispanic Recognition Program Students.
On December 13, 2016, RHS seniors received the Rye Recognition of
Excellence award for being named to the College Board’s National Hispanic
Recognition Program. Students are admitted on the strength of their scores on
the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT)
taken during their junior year.
RCSD Participated in Hour of Code in December 2016,
an annual, worldwide initiative that uses a fun, one-hour activity
to demystify coding and inspire students to learn about computer science.
Elementary Schools Celebrate Japanese Culture. For over 16 years, third graders in the RCSD elementary
schools have been celebrating Japanese culture in a day or days set aside
particularly for that purpose.
Mindfulness Training is Gathering Steam. The aim is stress
reduction for staff and kids. Teachers at the Milton School are instituting a
new program of weekly guided meditation sessions, also known as “mindful sits,”
for faculty and staff, led by members of the Healing Arts Collective. The first
mindful sits were led by Kim O’Connor and Linda MacKay. Faculty members sat
mindfully for approximately 20 minutes before the start of the school day, left
feeling centered and grounded, and carried this state back into their
classrooms. Milton teachers who have participated in online mindfulness
training will also receive additional support in teaching students mindfulness
during monthly luncheons led by Ms. O'Connor. A multi-week, online
mindfulness training program for faculty is rolling out at the High School. An
"Evening of Mindfulness for Parents" was hosted by the Healing Arts
Collective at The Community Synagogue of Rye on January 18. Big thanks to
Jamie Jensen, Shari Balaish, Kim O’Connor and Linda Mackay for their
efforts! And thanks also to Julie Engerren and Samantha Tollinchi as
Parent event ambassadors!
RyeACT: The most recent survey data is forthcoming and our
schools have been adopted by friendly police officers! Please like RyeACT on Facebook.
Links to Superintendent's Bulletins are below:
If you can’t make Board of Education Meetings:
·
Here is a link to watch
the board meetings "on demand" or
·
You can also watch them on cable Cablevision
Channel 77 or Verizon FIOS Cable Channel 40 following each meeting
Links to Board of Education Meeting Minutes are Below:
For those who like charts with data demonstrating the strength
of our schools and our property values, here you go:
·
We have strong schools and nothing improves home values
more: Link.
·
Rye has a low tax rate and cost per pupil amongst all
Westchester School Districts: Link
·
Rye Real estate values are strong: Link
·
Private school cost comparison chart: Link
·
Pie chart illustrating the tiny percentage of
discretionary spending by the district: Link.
About Friends of Rye City School District: Friends of Rye City
School District ("Friends") is a non-partisan grass roots
organization dedicated to the educational excellence and fiscal responsibility
of Rye City schools. Traditionally a tiny group comprised of one parent
representative from each of Rye’s five public schools, Friends has expanded to
a broad network of pro-education and pro-Rye residents including parents from
all 5 public schools, parents from many of Rye’s preschools and other
residents. Funded largely by contributions from each of Rye’s 5 public school
parent organizations, Friends seeks to provide effective and efficient
communication regarding important school issues to the its members and the Rye
community. The Friends Council was created last spring as an effort to
ensure seamless coordination with each of our public schools and
preschools. We welcome feedback and ideas promoting the excellence and
fiscal responsibility of Rye’s public schools. Membership is free and any level
of participation is greatly appreciated. Email mpemery@verizon.net
if you would like to be added to Friends’ distribution list.
Sincerely,
Mary
Emery
11/19/16
DEAR FRIENDS, AS WE PREPARE FOR ANOTHER THANKSGIVING IN RYE,
THERE IS A LOT TO BE THANKFUL FOR! BELOW ARE SOME UPDATES FOR YOU.
WELCOME TO ALL NEW FAMILIES TO
THE AMAZING CITY OF RYE AND TO OUR WONDERFUL SCHOOLS! We hope you will
engage in the rewarding experience of volunteering in our schools and our
community.
·
Register to Vote: The all-important
School Budget vote is Tuesday, May 16, 2017. Please register to vote if
you are new to Rye or if you have moved within Rye: Click Here For A Voter Registration Form!
·
This marks the 5th year in a row that our
community has shown its commitment to education by a 70%+ yes vote
margin.
·
We are well on our way to establishing a
culture of voting—RYE VOTES!
RYE SCHOOLS REMAIN STRONG: Rye boasts of a
nationally top-rated and internationally well-known powerhouse school
district. Rye students receive an excellent education and families are
drawn to Rye from throughout the nation and around the globe.
·
Click Here to see a list of
Rye school accolades, along with an impressive
list of college acceptances (page 3).
·
On April 19, 2016, Rye High School was again ranked in
the top 100 schools as a “Gold Medal” School by US News & World Report among
over 21,000 high schools nationwide:
·
#1 in NYS & #4 in the nation amongst all open
enrollment schools (schools required to educate all kids within their zip
codes).
·
#10 in NYS & #85 in the nation amongst all schools
(including Charter & Magnet Schools employing acceptance/retention
criteria).
·
Statewide ranking amongst over 700 NYS schools - Click Here; Nationwide ranking amongst
21,000 schools - Click Here
STRONG SCHOOLS = STRONG PROPERTY VALUES AND RYE PROPERTY VALUES ARE
STRONG - CLICK HERE: The excellence of Rye’s
schools has a premium effect on our home values-whether or not we have children
enrolled in the schools…no other factor comes close. (Click this link to see
e.g., Nonlinear Effects of School Quality on House Prices, Abbigail J. Chiodo, Ruben Hernandez-Murillo and Michael T.
Owyang, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis Review, May/June 2010, 92(3)
pp. 185-204)
RYE SCHOOLS ARE FISCALLY
RESPONSIBLE:
·
Aaa Rating: Rye enjoys Moody’s
Triple A rating, a rating reserved for the most fiscally responsible entities
in the world.
·
Low Per Pupil Cost:
·
Several districts (including Harrison) pay $7K-10K more
per student and only 4 of 40 districts pay less per student than Rye:
§ Yonkers
§ New Rochelle
§ Ossining
§ Port Chester
·
Low Tax Rate: Rye has a lower
true value tax rate than all but 1 of the 40 school districts in the county - Click Here.
·
Efficiency: The District has
made cuts and other adjustments to realize efficiencies. In addition to
sustained enrollment growth (Click
Here), one other handicap for Rye schools is that they were already
leanly managed when the tax cap became law.
·
County taxes: Separate from
school taxes, about 20-23% of our property tax bill is attributable to the
county budget. Westchester is consistently ranked as one of the highest
taxed counties in the nation. Because communities pay a proportionate
share of the county budget based upon their relative real estate values, Rye
residents generally are required to pay a larger share of the county budget
than communities having lower property values.
Keep the Excellence Going--Please Support Rye Fund for Education:
·
Launched in 2014 with generous seed
money donations from its Founding
Donors, the Fund is a non-partisan tax-exempt,
non-profit corporation dedicated to ensuring that Rye City Schools continue to
provide the very best education for our children in the unfortunate context of
growing state and federal mandates and limited tax revenue imposed by the New
York State Tax Cap.
·
Donation Support: The Fund is
supported entirely by donations and is governed by officers and a board
comprised of volunteer private
citizens. Full disclosure—I am a board member and
though my youngest is now a senior at RHS, I remain committed to the Fund and
lend my full support!
·
Triple AAA Projects: The fund channels
donations K-12 to RCSD schools in the areas of Academics, Athletics and the
Arts. Some examples:
• Academics:
·
Provided all 96 elementary school teachers with books
and resources to support the District’s Literacy Initiative
·
Granted scholarships for summer work at Teachers
College at Columbia University
·
Underwrote summer seminars to support the professional
development of our teachers
·
Provided much needed special education resources to our
students
• Arts: Renovated
and upgraded the Band Room for our Middle School and High School students in
partnership with the High School and Middle School ParentOrganizations.
• Athletics: Renovated
the Deane Flood Fitness Center and Weight Room at the High School and equipped
it with all new state-of-the-art equipment for our students
• Academic
Courtyard: Partnering with the District, the Fund created the
beautiful Academic Courtyard: a landscaped, outdoor space for learning,
studying or unwinding between classes. The large decorative “G”
exemplifies Garnet Pride and is surrounded by pavers and benches, available
to commemorate our children, family members, alumni, favorite teachers and
coaches, businesses, corporations, etc.
·
The Fund Needs The Support of Our Entire
Community!
·
EVERYONE we know should shop AmazonSmile for
the Holidays and Beyond: It doesn’t cost a thing. You shop.
Amazon gives. Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible purchases
to Rye Fund For Education when you shop at smile.amazon.com. Same
products, prices and service as Amazon. AmazonSmile is the same Amazon
you know with the added benefit of supporting Rye Fund For Education. This link is good
for the Holidays and beyond! Our whole community and all of our friends
and relatives should do this!
·
Make a Courtyard Dedication: Dedicate any paver,
bench or other item in the Academic Courtyard to commemorate your children,
family members, alumni, favorite teachers and coaches, businesses,
corporations Click this link to: Get a Brick!
·
Mail a Donation. The Fund welcomes
donations from a variety of sources, including bequests, corporate and employer
matching, charitable trusts and gifts from corporations, families, alumni and
other individuals. To make a tax-deductible donation, simply print
out the attached Appeal Letterand mail it in. No donation is too small!
SCHOOL NEWS:
The Superintendent Search is underway: The Board has
retained the services of Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates, a consulting
firm that specializes in assisting Boards with the consideration of candidates
for Superintendent. A key step in this process is to identify the
characteristics we will be seeking in our new Superintendent. Members of the
community were invited to complete a survey and/or attend meetings to provide
their input and the search firm has received ample input. Click here to view
the search firm’s presentation at the last board meeting. The new
Superintendent will participate in hiring a new Assistant Superintendent of
Curriculum.
Special Education:
·
Parents are encouraged to start the process of
obtaining any necessary SAT/ACT testing accommodations early in order to ensure
the college testing companies (College Board and ACT) grant such
accommodations.
TEST
SCORES AND THE COMMON CORE:
Scores: RYE’s ELA and Math NYS Test Scores for last year are
lower than we expect as a community. Here is a nutshell.
What is the Common Core?
·
U.S. Has a Low Education Ranking
Internationally. Despite allocation of significant resources to
education, students in the United States are outperformed by students in many
other countries.
·
Common Core Developed in part to Improve
Education Rankings and Student Learning. State education
chiefs and governors in 48 states came together to develop the Common Core, a
set of clear college- and career-ready standards for kindergarten through 12th
grade in English language arts/literacy and mathematics. Today, 42 states and
the District of Columbia have voluntarily adopted and are working to implement
the standards, which are designed to ensure that students graduating from high
school are prepared to take credit bearing introductory courses in two- or
four-year college programs or enter the workforce.
Controversy.
·
NYS Adopted Common Core: NYS adopted the
Common Core standards and crammed them down hastily.
·
NYS Tied Student Performance to Teacher
Evaluation:
NYS added an especially controversial component for the Common Core by
tying student performance on state tests to the APPR teacher evaluation
process.
·
Implementation Disaster: Hurried
implementation in in New York was nothing short of a disaster:
·
Teachers were surprised and frightened and in Rye a few
teachers were implicated in improper student coaching allegations.
·
Parents feared stressful “over-testing” and “teaching
to the test.”
·
Opt-Out: A state and national movement for parents to
opt out as a signal of rejecting the testing took hold, with many parents in
Rye opting out and/or not favoring the testing even if reluctantly allowing
their children to participate. For example, 22% of NYS students were not
tested in 2016 and 20% were not tested in 2015.
·
New Standards are Not Evil—Hurried
Implementation Caused Huge Backlash. Improving
educational standards is a good idea, but the hurried implementation and cram
down as part of the teacher evaluation process sabotaged the effort.
·
Context: It is against this
backdrop that NYS Testing Grades 3-8 should be evaluated.
·
District’s Testing Presentation: Here is the report presented by Dr. Brian Monahan,
Interim Superintendent of Schools, Sheryl Goffman, Interim Superintendent of
Curriculum and Kerri Winderman regarding Rye’s test scores grade 3-12:
·
AP Scores: Of 1104 AP (college
level) exams taken, 80% scored a 3 or above, with significant percentages
scoring 4 or above in each subject (grade scale is 1-5)
·
Rye SAT scores/NY State Mean SAT scores:
·
Critical Reading: 592/489
·
Math:
614/508
·
Writing:
618/477
·
Rye SAT II scores = higher than the
national mean in all subjects
·
Regents Scores = 89-100% passing
rate in all subjects
·
Science scores:
·
Grade
4:
98% proficient
·
Grade
8:
97% proficient
·
ELA Scores grades 3-8:
·
Rye:
65% proficient
·
Weschester County:
46% proficient
·
NYS:
38% proficient
·
Math Scores grades 3-8:
·
Rye:
69% proficient
·
Weschester County:
48% proficient
·
NYS:
39% proficient
Strategy Regarding Grades 3-8 NYS Math and ELA Scores Going Forward:
·
Fierce Opposition: The district faced
fierce opposition by parents and teachers to the ELA and Math testing and the
national, state and local mood forbid “teaching to the test.”
·
Demand for Deemphasis on Test Scores: The district
concedes that it is possible that during this controversy (in some cases
hysteria) over the Common Core, purported over-testing and the full-fledged
opt-out campaign, test performance may have inadvertently been deemphasized a
bit too severely among teachers, students and parents. After all, the
test is one day in a school year of many days and there are many other valuable
measures of student assessment.
·
Demand for Higher Scores: Despite the strong
demand for deemphasis on testing and scores, following publication of Rye’s
test scores, parents are wanting to know why the scores aren’t higher.
The message to the district is somewhat conflicting—Please don’t stress our
kids out with testing, but make sure their test scores are high. As
always, the answer lies somewhere in the reasonable middle of these 2
extremes. Balancing parent demand for higher scores with parent demand
for social and emotional health will be of paramount importance.
·
Other Districts with Higher Scores: It looks like
despite all the national, state and local rhetoric, at least some schools in
Westchester (reporting higher scores than Rye) may have been “teaching to the
test” in Math and ELA--at least to a certain extent.
·
Outreach to Other Districts: Rye is currently
engaged in outreach to other high performing school districts to determine what
strategies they have employed to improve their students’ test scores and
overall learning in the context of the new and evolving common core
standards. In particular, as Edgemont has visited Rye because it is
curious about our implementation of full day Kindergarten, the District has
engaged Edgemont (a top NYS test score school district) with inquiries about
what strategies they have used to master the ELA and Math tests. Other
Districts are fully willing to share this information.
·
Some Familiarity With Test Taking Is
Desirable: While
no one is advocating “teaching to the test,” there seems to be consensus that
some student familiarity with the format and types of questions to expect on
the tests is appropriate. Classwork and homework will include
familiarizing with the test format and questions—but parents need to embrace
the value of this work.
·
Data Teams and Examining Test Performance to
Identify Areas for Improvement. Data drill down is planned.
Use of data teams can be done to help identify areas needing more or different
instruction, training, etc.
·
Examination and Evaluation of Program and
Curriculum:
In their respective roles as Interim Superintendent and Interim Superintendent
for Curriculum, Brian Monahan and Sheryl Goffman are scrutinizing where we can
improve the curriculum for testing purposes, but more importantly, for learning
purposes. The board appreciates their “fresh eyes” on the issues.
·
Literacy Initiatives Already Underway: Rye has already
been engaged in a literacy intiative and it is hoped that these efforts will
manifest in this year’s 3rd grade testing results. Training
and new books have been offered/provided to all ES teachers.
·
Math Expressions: This
elementary school math curriculum is being evaluated regarding whether or not
it effectively aligns to the Common Core as represented by the vendor.
·
AIS and Other Support: Academic
Intervention and other Support services have already been stepped up to address
the issues immediately while the curriculum review and any necessary changes
take place.
·
Full Day Kindergarten: This is the second
year of full day Kindergarten which could potentially help enhance learning in
the earlier grades as well as test performance See: Full Day Kindergarten Update (3/29/16)
·
Professional Development: Commitment to
professional development with its inherent costs will be critical.
·
Implementing a Formalized Curriculum Review
Process: This
will be done and can help ensure that curriculum is properly assessed regarding
overall effectiveness and effectiveness regarding meeting state standards.
·
Achieving Improvement: We
can always improve and your ideas for improvement are welcomed by the district.
As Dr. Monahan stated, there are many areas in which our students
have done extremely well and there are areas in which we can do better.
He also reports that the district is dedicating significant time and effort and
will shortly be outlining strategies to make that happen.
CURRICULUM
NEWS:
RCSD Strategic Priorities for 2016-17
(9/14/16)
Global History: Global History I&II Curriculum Update (10/18/16)
Web Journalism:
·
Web Journalism Curriculum (2/23/16)
·
Web Journalism students are developing a new online
source of RHS activities and events called garnet mine.
RMS/RHS Math Changes: Beth Naber, Department Coordinator of
Mathematics Grades 6-12 gave a very nice presentation on changes in the math
curriculum pathways for incoming ninth graders for the 2016-2017 school year.
Attached is the math pathways chart.
·
This year is the first year of a new mathematics
pathway, which begins in 8th grade and continues into 9th & 10th grades.
·
Algebra 1 & 2 have been combined to create a
two‐year algebra sequence (previously geometry intervened).
·
Students will learn the entire Common Core Algebra 1
curriculum within the two years, as well as the non-trigonometric topics from
Common Core Algebra 2.
·
The topics from Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 were shifted in
order to appropriately align with one another. This will allow students
to go deeper into these algebraic topics each year.
·
The Common Core Algebra 1 Regents exam will be administered
in June of the second year of Algebra:
·
By reorganizing the curriculum to go deeper into fewer
topics each year, not all of the Common Core Algebra 1 topics will be taught in
the first year.
·
Therefore, students will not be prepared to take the Common
Core Algebra 1 Regents Examination until the end of the second year.
·
All other courses will culminate in a
departmentally‐designed final examination.
·
Following the Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 courses, students
will take Geometry/Trigonometry.
·
By the end of three years, students will have completed
the entire Common Core Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 standards as before;
they are just being sequenced differently to maximize learning and promote
mastery.
·
The year-end grade earned by your child in this year’s
Algebra 1 course will appear on his/her high school transcript.
·
The Common Core Algebra 1 Regents Exam score will
appear on the high school transcript next to your child’s 9th grade Algebra 2
grade.
·
Per NYS standards, all 8th Grade students will also
take the 8th Grade New York State Math Exam in April.
·
Geometry/Trigonometry Curriculum (6/21/16)
Foreign and Sign Language:
·
Upper grade instructors are excited to have recently
revamped RCSD language curriculum because of the success of Rye’s FLES program
(Foreign Language Elementary School).
·
Spanish IV Curriculum (6/21/16)
·
American Sign Language II Curriculum (2/9/16)
·
With talk of improving test scores, it is important to
recognize that FLES is an integral part of our elementary school curriculum.
·
Research demonstrates there are cognitive and academic
benefits of FLES and continued foreign language learning aside from the obvious
positive cultural benefits (see attached sample of
research):
·
higher standardized test scores (including the SAT and
ACT).
·
enhanced ability to learn math
·
enhanced ability to learn ELA
·
enhanced problem solving
·
Benefits are seen across race and socioeconomic status
·
However, there is a limited early age window…after age
10-12 the opportunity to achieve these benefits is largely lost
·
FLES not only provides immediate benefits to ALL of our
elementary school children… but it is a wise investment in the future success
of both RMS and RHS students.
·
Like Math, ELA, Science and Social Studies, foreign
language learning is curricular and should not be competing with baseball or
any other after school activity on student calendars
·
While targeted improvements in both ELA and Math
instruction in our lower grades is underway, eliminating FLES to allow more
time for such instruction could worsen the situation.
·
Just as we would not tolerate relegation of Math and
ELA to after school activities, the same should be true for FLES and other
language instruction.
Non-Exhaustive List of Student Commendations: Congratulations to
All!
·
Academics:
·
National Merit Scholar Semifinalists: 6 Rye High School
seniors were named National Merit® Scholar Semifinalists in September.
The students earned their spots by scoring well on the PSAT test taken in the
spring of their junior year : Thomas Hager, Arthur Burke, Allison Hufford,
Aarsh Desai, Alexander Hu and Keaton Mueller.
·
National Merit Scholar Commended Students: 16 Rye High School
seniors were named National Merit® Commended Students in September. Commended
Students placed among the top five percent of the more than 1.6 million
students who entered the 2017 competition by taking the PSATs during their
junior year.
·
Music:
·
NYSSMA: 3 students will represent Rye High
School at the NYSSMA Conference All-State in Rochester, NY, December 1-4:
Senior Nicholas Creus (alternate, Jazz Guitar) Junior Aidan Pasquale (Double
Bass) and Junior Esther Yu (Violoncello)
·
Sports:
·
Soccer: The Varsity Soccer Team was covered
on Fios News in connection with sports nutrition: See this link.
·
Field Hockey: Senior Fusine
Govaert was named the 2016 Northeast Region Pre-season Player of the Year
in field hockey and recently scored her 100th goal.
·
Football: Senior Brett Egan
was named the winner of the Christopher D. Mello award at the annual Rye
Harrison game.
·
Sailing: The RHS Sailing
Team placed second in the fleet qualifiers in September.
·
Tennis:
·
Senior Nathalie Rodilosso was named the First Singles
2016 girls regular tennis season all-star by a panel of five local high school
tennis coaches.
·
9th grader Jocelyn Stone and Senior Isabel Abt were
named 3rd Doubles all-stars by the same panel.
District Staff and Teacher Commendations: Congratulations!
Additions and Renovations: Thank you!
·
Technology:
·
Board member Blake Jines-Storey reports that the
District’s Technology Committee plan is in year 2 of 5 and includes extensive
infrastructure and bandwidth improvements to date.
·
High School and Middle School were rewired and many PCs
upgraded, etc.
·
Google Custom Search: The District is now
using Google Custom Search to find content within its website. Click on the
Google Custom Search link on the top.
·
A new website is planned for the District complete with
a custom-designed mobile app.
·
Expanded use of Google Classroom is occurring.
·
New Online Sport Clearance
Registration Coming For All High School And Middle School Athletes: Click:
Online Sports Clearance
·
InfoSnap Online Student Registration Links:
·
New Student Registration Link - Use this
link for Committee on Pre-School Special Education (CPSE) or first time
district enrollment
- Returning Student Registration Link - Use this link for currently enrolled start of year verification, anytime information update
- For registration questions, contact Janet Gray at 914-967-6100, ext. 6282 or gray.janet@ryeschools.org
·
For more information about the district’s technology: Click Here
or contact Blake or Kaitlyn Sassone
·
Water Testing: The district has
already made (ES) or is now making (RMS/RHS) all the water fountains either
safe or inoperable and sinks are appropriately labeled if not for drinking.
Bottle fillers are all safe to use.
·
RCSD Water Testing Results (9/16/16)
·
RCSD Elementary School Water Testing Results
(10/17/16)
·
RCSD High School/Middle School Water Testing Results
(11/18/16)
Culture of Caring: All of our schools are committed to
fostering a culture of caring. As just 2 of many examples:
·
RHS administrators are hosting a breakfast for faculty
and staff at RHS before Thanksgiving. Everyone is asked to write on small
paper leaves something they are happy about or grateful for at RHS. These
will be posted and are intended to help create a bond that can continue to help
the administration and teachers grow as colleagues.
·
Last week, the RHS “Be the Change” committee
posted over 1,000 post-it notes on student lockers with positive sayings like:
"have a great day" "smile, you are important.”
Students arrived in the morning to find one on their locker.
RYE/ACT Coalition: In the context of a nationwide epidemic of
opioid abuse and other substance abuse, Rye residents Nancy Pasquale and Julie
Killian have worked very hard to form a community-wide coalition entitled “RYE
ACT” which is dedicated to Rye’s children and teens and prevention of substance
abuse.
·
Funding: The coalition
received funding in the form of a 5-year $125,000 per year federal grant for
its programs. This is great news--Congratulations!
·
2nd Student Survey administered in
Mid-November by the School District: Letter from Dr. Monahan to Parents of Students Grades
7-12 re ISA/Pride Survey (11/2/16)
·
School Health Curriculum Review Underway
Targeting Substance Abuse and Other Health Issues: Health Curriculum Update (9/27/16);
completion of review expected 12/31/16 with presentation to the Curriculum
committee and BOE early next year.
·
Mindfulness and Stress Reduction: A new healing arts
collective has formed which is focused on partnering with the school district
to help reduce student and teacher stress. For more information contact
parents Jamie Jensen or Kim O’Connor.
·
Community Policing: The Rye Police
commissioner Michael Corcoran is working hand in hand with the coalition.
As part of Mr. Corcoran’s agenda, each public school has been “adopted” by one
or more police officers. The idea is that students can get to know
officers in a non-threatening environment to promote safety and security.
The word is that the officers who adopted RHS love Rosa’s egg sandwiches too!
·
Facebook Page: Rye-ACT has a Facebook page with tips for parents hosting
parties and tips for safeguarding your children and lots of other
information.
·
More Information: An informative
meeting was held in May 2016 to kick off the coalition and if you missed it,
you can view the video by clicking here: Town hall
meeting
·
Click here to see the updated School District Code of Conduct
RYE YOUTH COUNCIL: The Rye youth Council has
been matching local students with employers and community service opportunities
for almost 20 years. Presently, they have a bunch of people (mostly local
moms) looking for part-time help requiring a driver's license, but not enough
students matching that criteria. Students looking for work are
encouraged to update their files/register with RYCES or to stop by RYC office
in the high school during lunch hours M-Th.
Students can register at www.ryces.org
MORE NEWS AVAILABLE…
·
Board of Education Meeting Minutes:
·
Superintendent's Bulletins:
HOPE THIS IS HELPFUL AND HAVE A
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Sincerely,
Mary
Emery
8/2/16
DEAR FRIENDS,
WE HOPE YOU ARE ENJOYING
THE SUMMER! The moving trucks are arriving—new families are excited
to join our wonderful community! Please feel free to pass this note on to
your new neighbors so that they can be informed about our schools! Welcome to Rye to all of our new families!
THANK YOU for all of your efforts in getting this
year’s tax cap compliant budget passed by 76% (1165 yes to 365 no) and the
Osborn Furnace bond passed by 80% (1224 yes/300 no).
·
This marks the 5th year in a row that our
community has shown its commitment to education by a 70%+ yes vote
margin.
·
We are well on our way to establishing a
culture of voting which will come in handy next year for the anticipated
override budget!
ADMINISTRATION CHANGES:
·
We say goodbye and A HUGE THANK YOU to
Dr. Frank Alvarez, Superintendent of Schools, and wish him well in his
future endeavors! Click this link for a Letter
from Dr. A and Katy Glassberg.
·
We welcome Dr. Brian Monahan as Interim
Superintendent of Schools effective August 1, 2016. Click
this link for Dr. Monahan’s bio.
·
We welcome Sheryl (Sherri) Goffman as Interim
Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, effective July 1,
2016. Click
here for more info.
SCHOOL BOARD CHANGES:
· Katy Keohane Glassberg was re-elected School Board Trustee and she continues to expertly lead the School Board as President. Thank you Katy!
· Jenn Boyle was elected to her first term (hopefully of many) as School Board Trustee!
· We thank Nicole Weber for her dedicated service on the School Board over the past 3 years!
NEW FRIENDS OF RYE CITY SCHOOLS COUNCIL!
·
Expanding Leadership: Given the fiscal
constraints on schools (tax cap, etc.), we are excited to broaden Friend of Rye
City Schools leadership to a council structure.
·
Representatives from Each School Will Serve
as Councilmembers.
·
Strong Team So Far: We have assembled a
very strong team so far and the work load should be lighter with more
coordination liaisons representing each school.
·
New Recruits Welcome: We could still use
council representatives for Milton Elementary School and the Preschools—if you
have ideas, please let us know!
·
SAVE THE DATE: Tuesday, May 16,
2017 is the budget vote next year.
IMPORTANT NEW RYE ACT COALITION: In the context of a
nationwide epidemic of opioid abuse and other substance abuse, Rye residents
Nancy Pasquale and Julie Killian have worked very hard to form a community-wide
coalition entitled “RYE ACT” which is dedicated to Rye’s children and teens and
prevention of substance abuse.
·
Mission: Rye ACT is a
coalition of local organizations and individuals committed to promoting
long-term health and wellness by inspiring youth, parents and community leaders
to foster healthy behaviors and reduce youth substance use.
·
Community-wide: The coalition will
be collaboration between many sectors of our community in which each group
retains its identity but all agree to work together toward a common goal. The
different areas of our community that will be involved include: parents,
businesses, media, schools, youth serving organizations, law-enforcement, civic
and volunteer organizations, religious and fraternal organizations, healthcare
professionals, state and local governments, substance abuse organizations and,
of course, youth.
·
Funding: The coalition is
seeking outside funding which they will know more about this summer.
·
Schools: Our schools already have meaningful
substance abuse programming, but additional curricula are being considered this
summer.
·
Police: Through an “adopt-a-school”
program, Rye’s new Police Commissioner Michael Corcoran has assigned Police
officers to serve as liaisons for each of our public schools.
·
Town Hall Meeting: An informative
meeting was held in May 2016 to kick off the coalition and if you missed it,
you can view the video by clicking here: Town hall meeting
PLEASE ENCOURAGE YOUR NEW NEIGHBORS TO REGISTER THEIR SCHOOL-AGE
CHILDREN WITH THE DISTRICT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO FACILIATE ENROLLMENT
DECISIONMAKING. With the moving trucks arriving, please help spread the
word that early school registration helps the School District assess hiring
needs and proper class sizing. Last minute registrations necessarily
wreak havoc with class sizes and hiring decisions and should be avoided if
possible.
·
Kindergarten Registration Materials:
OTHER NEWS:
·
New
Online Sport Clearance Registration Coming This July For All High School and
Middle School Athletes (7/8/2016)
·
Lots of good news in the Superintendent's Bulletins:
RYE SCHOOLS REMAIN STRONG: Rye boasts of a
nationally top-rated and internationally well-known powerhouse school
district. Rye students receive an excellent education and families are
drawn to Rye from throughout the nation and around the globe.
·
Click
Here
to see a list of Rye school accolades, along with this year’s impressive list of college acceptances (page 3).
·
On April 19, 2016, Rye High School was again ranked in
the top 100 schools as a “Gold Medal” School by US News & World Report among
over 21,000 high schools nationwide:
·
#1 in NYS & #4 in the nation amongst all open
enrollment schools (schools required to educate all kids within their zip
codes).
·
#10 in NYS & #85 in the nation amongst all schools
(including Charter & Magnet Schools employing acceptance/retention
criteria).
·
Statewide ranking amongst over 700 NYS schools - Click
Here;
Nationwide ranking amongst 21,000 schools - Click Here
STRONG SCHOOLS = STRONG PROPERTY VALUES AND RYE PROPERTY VALUES ARE
STRONG - CLICK
HERE:
The excellence of Rye’s schools has a premium effect on our home values-whether
or not we have children enrolled in the schools…no other factor comes close.
(Click this link to see e.g., Nonlinear
Effects of School Quality on House Prices, Abbigail
J. Chiodo, Ruben Hernandez-Murillo and Michael T. Owyang, Federal Reserve
Bank of St. Louis Review, May/June 2010, 92(3) pp. 185-204)
RYE SCHOOLS ARE FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE:
·
Rye enjoys Moody’s Triple A rating, a rating reserved
for the most fiscally responsible entities in the world.
·
Rye spends less per student than 87.5% of school
districts in the county - Click
Here.
Several districts (including Harrison) pay $7K-10K more per student and only 4
of 40 districts pay less per student than Rye:
·
Yonkers
·
New Rochelle
·
Ossining
·
Port Chester
·
Low Tax Rate: Rye has a lower
true value tax rate than all but 1 of the 40 school districts in the county - Click
Here.
·
The District has made cuts and other adjustments to
realize efficiencies. In addition to sustained enrollment growth (Click Here), one other
handicap for Rye schools is that they were already leanly managed when the tax
cap became law.
·
County taxes: Separate from school taxes, about 20% of
our property tax bill is attributable to the county budget. Westchester
is consistently ranked as one of the highest taxed counties in the nation.
Because communities pay a proportionate share of the county budget based upon
their relative real estate values, Rye residents generally are required to pay
a larger share of the county budget than communities having lower property
values.
RYE SCHOOLS CONTINUE TO FACE
FISCAL CHALLENGES AND A VOTING CULTURE IS THE SOLUTION--PLEASE REGISTER TO
VOTE! Click Here for a
voter registration form
MORE
DETAIL: 2015-2016 SCHOOL YEAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING MINUTES:
June
7, 2016
|
|
June
21, 2016
|
|
November
10, 2015
|
June
30, 2016
|
November
24, 2015
|
July
1, 2016
|
THANKS AGAIN AND ENJOY THE
SUMMER!!! AND AGAIN, WELCOME TO RYE TO ALL OF OUR NEW FAMILIES!
Sincerely,
Mary
Emery
5/12/16
Dear Friends, There is a lot going on--yard signs are up,
car magnets are on, advertisements are placed and/or published, but we still
need your help with the school budget and Osborn furnace bond vote on Tuesday,
May 17!
FIRST AS ALWAYS,
SOME GOOD NEWS:
·
Click this link to
see that RYE HOME VALUES REMAIN HIGH! · One realtor mentioned an increasing number of Scarsdale residents are looking for homes in Rye because our schools are great and our property taxes are lower.
· Click here to see our low true value tax rate and low cost per student among 40 school districts in Westchester—note that Scarsdale pays $6006 more per student than Rye and Harrison pays over $7300 more per student. Only 4 districts pay less than Rye per student: Yonkers, Port Chester, Ossining and New Rochelle.
· There is no factor more important to home values than school quality (see attached article).
GETTING THE VOTE
OUT: The tax cap
compliant budget and the bond each require a majority vote (50% plus 1 vote) or
they will fail!
PLEASE HELP: Kids Needed For Train Platform Duty. Please sign
your kids up to help out. Click here for SignUp Genius. We need
kids to help remind residents to vote on Tuesday, May 17. It’s easy—we
have a “Please Vote Today” poster and there are several 1-hour shifts to choose
from at Rye Train Station on Tuesday:
·
4:15-5:15pm
·
5:15-6:15pm
·
6:15-7:15pm
·
7:15-8:15pm
PLEASE HELP: We need Personal Email Letters From You. As
always, letters from Friends members to their friends are extremely
persuasive. Please take a few minutes to prepare a brief personal email
note ready to send to your friends to encourage them to vote and to get their
spouses and kids to vote! Send them out this weekend or on Monday if you
can!
· PLEASE
HELP MAKE SURE RYE VOTES: Please set a
quick voting reminder on your calendar and/or smart phone for Tuesday, May 17
to make sure everyone you know in Rye votes:
·
You· Spouse
· Rye resident children age 18 and over
· Neighbors
INFORMATION
ABOUT THE VOTE:
·
Both Budget and Bond
Require a Majority Vote (50% plus 1 vote) to pass: If the budget fails
twice--0% is our budget and we obviously don’t want to go there! · Look for the Osborn Furnace Bond in a Second Question: This year's ballot has two questions--the first is the school budget and the second is for the Osborn furnace bond.
· School Board Candidates are Uncontested: There are two candidates running for two open Board seats—Jennifer Boyle and current School Board President Katy Glassberg--they are not running against each other.
· Absentee Ballots are Due by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17, 2016. Complete & return your ballot by mail or personal delivery to Elaine Cuglietto at 411 Theodore Fremd Ave., Suite 100S, Rye, NY 10580 so that she receives it by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17, 2016
· Voter Registration Information: Register to vote by completing this Voter Registration Form and submit it to the Westchester County Board of Elections:
·
By U.S. Mail, but it must be received and recorded by the County
by Monday May 16, 2016; Mail completed form to: Westchester
County Board of Elections, 25 Quarropas Street, White Plains, NY 10601; or
·
By personal delivery
to the County up until Monday, May 16, 2016; Personal delivery of
completed form to 25 Quarropas Street, White Plains, NY 10601.
NOTE: late registration in
person is the least desirable as it takes more time to cast your vote because
your name will not be in the election roll book and the District Clerk must
call Westchester County Board of Elections to verify registration on the day of
the vote; Note that such a call may only be made before the County Board of
Elections closes at 5:00p.m. on the day of the vote.
CONTINUING RYE’S
CULTURE OF VOTING:
·
Vote “Yes” Yard Signs
are up! Thank you to Laura Kovacs, Karen Meyers, Jannine Moran and
Erika Lee! Again, we collect and reuse these signs so please do not throw
them away! · Car Magnet Bumper Stickers are On! I have just 3 left and I put them on my front porch if anyone wants one or you can check with your Parent Organization Presidents to see if they have any left—there are 250 in all.
WARNING: PLEASE REMOVE THE BUMPER STICKER FROM YOUR CAR BEFORE GOING TO VOTE! Per NYS law no political banner, button, poster or placard is permitted within a 100 foot radius of the entrance to Rye Middle School gym (the polling place).
· Advertisements are Placed and/or published. See attached Ads and thanks to Jenn Boyle!
· Blog (Click Here) and Facebook (Click here) are still going strong and will be updated periodically. Please “Like Us” and share with your friends!
QUESTIONS ABOUT
THE BOND AND/OR BUDGET? Click this link or feel free to email
us with any questions.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Boyle and Mary Emery
5/5/16
Dear Friends, The School Budget and Osborn furnace bond vote is 12 days away on Tuesday, May 17 and we need your help Getting the Vote Out! We must continue cultivating a culture of voting in Rye. Here are some things going on and some things we still need help with:
· Questions about the Bond and/or Budget? Click this link for our last newsletter or feel free to email us with any questions.
· Preschools. Jenn Boyle and Jane Anderson are coordinating with Rye’s preschools to disseminate budget, bond and voting information to the parents of younger kids in Rye. However, please help spread the word to your friends and neighbors at these schools and/or in your neighborhood.
2. Return completed application by mail or personal delivery to RCSD's District Clerk, Elaine Cuglietto at 411 Theodore Fremd Ave., Suite 100S, Rye, NY 10580 so that she receives it by:
· Spouse
· Rye resident children age 18 and over
· Neighbors
That’s it for now—stay tuned!
4/15/16
Dear Friends, The School Budget and Osborn furnace bond vote is 12 days away on Tuesday, May 17 and we need your help Getting the Vote Out! We must continue cultivating a culture of voting in Rye. Here are some things going on and some things we still need help with:
·
Good News Updates:
·
Updated US News & World Report Ranking of
Rye High School: Two
weeks ago, on April 19, 2016, Rye High School was once again ranked in the top
100 schools as a Gold Medal School by US News & World Report among over
29,000 high schools nationwide. Rye’s 2016 ranking:
#1 in NYS amongst all open enrollment HS (schools required to educate everyone
in their zip code)
#4 in the nation amongst over 29,000 open enrollment schools (schools required
to educate everyone in their zip code)
#10 in NYS amongst all HS (including charter and magnet schools having
admittance/retention criteria)
#85 in the nation amongst over 29000 HS (including charter and magnet schools
having admittance/retention criteria)
Click Here to see the statewide
rankings
Click Here to see the
nationwide rankings
·
Strong Schools = Strong Property Values: The excellence of
Rye’s schools has a premium effect on our home values-whether or not we have
children enrolled in the schools…no other factor comes close. Research
shows that strong schools mean strong property values. (See the attached
article: Nonlinear Effects of School Quality on House Prices, Abbigail J.
Chiodo, Ruben Hernandez-Murillo and Michael T. Owyang, Federal Reserve Bank of
St. Louis Review, May/June 2010, 92(3) pp. 185-204).
·
College Acceptances List for the Class of 2016:
Attached
is a current list of college acceptances for the Class of 2016 so far.
· Questions about the Bond and/or Budget? Click this link for our last newsletter or feel free to email us with any questions.
·
Kids Needed For Train Platform Duty. We will need some of
our cuties to encourage voters to vote on Tuesday, May 17. Jane Anderson
is expertly organizing 4 1-hour shifts on May 17 at Rye Train Station at
4:15-5:15; 5:15-6:15; 6:15-7:15 and 7:15-8:15pm. We will have a “Please
Vote Today” poster rather than handouts (we are missing one set of our posters
from last year, so please let us know if you have them!). Please sign
your kids up to help out. Click here for SignUp Genius.
·
Vote “Yes” Yard Signs are on the Way. Laura Kovacs, Karen
Meyers, Jannine Moran and Erika Lee have graciously agreed to take over
ordering and coordinating placement of Vote “Yes” yard signs again this
year. If you have had a sign in your yard in the past, these gals will be
contacting you to confirm your permission again this year. We collect and
reuse these signs so please do not throw them away—we’ll come pick them
up!
·
Car Magnet Bumper Stickers Available! We have 250 car
magnet bumper stickers like the one below: “Vote Yes Rye May 17.” We
distributed some to each of the schools so check with your school’s PO
President to get one!
WARNING:
PLEASE REMOVE THE BUMPER STICKER FROM YOUR CAR BEFORE GOING TO VOTE! Per NYS
law no political banner, button, poster or placard is permitted within a 100
foot radius of the entrance to Rye Middle School gym (the polling place).
Advertisements. Jenn Boyle has been
working hard to coordinate our advertisements in the Rye Record and the Rye
City Review. Look for our first ones coming soon!
· Preschools. Jenn Boyle and Jane Anderson are coordinating with Rye’s preschools to disseminate budget, bond and voting information to the parents of younger kids in Rye. However, please help spread the word to your friends and neighbors at these schools and/or in your neighborhood.
·
SchoolBee. With the gracious approval of
all 5 Parent Organizations we will continue to send messages out on SchoolBee
to alleviate crowding of messages on the five school list serves.
·
Blog (Click Here) and Facebook (Click here) are still going strong and will be updated
periodically. Please “Like Us” and feel free to post positive happenings
at your schools or notes of interest on our Facebook page and share with your
friends!
·
Personal Email Letters From Friends
Members. As
always, letters from Friends members to their friends are extremely persuasive.
Please take a few minutes to prepare a brief personal email note ready to send
to your friends to encourage them to:
·
make sure they vote on May 17 (7:00am-9:00pm at RMS Gym);
·
get their kids (including college kids and high school
seniors of age) to vote; and
·
get their spouses to vote (see absentee ballot
application information below)
·
Voter Registration Information: In order to vote in
school budget, bond and/or other elections (including the Presidential election
this fall!), register to vote by completing this Voter Registration Form and submit it to
the Westchester County Board of Elections:
·
By U.S. Mail, but it must be received
and recorded by the County by May 16, 2016; Mail completed form to: Westchester
County Board of Elections, 25 Quarropas Street, White Plains, NY 10601; or
·
By personal delivery to the County up until
Monday, May 16, 2016; Personal delivery of completed form to 25 Quarropas
Street, White Plains, NY 10601.
NOTE: late registration in person is the least
desirable as it takes more time to cast your vote because your name will not be
in the election roll book and the District Clerk must call Westchester County
Board of Elections to verify registration on the day of the vote; Note that
such a call may only be made before the County Board of Elections closes at
5:00p.m. on the day of the vote.
·
Easy Absentee Ballot Voting For Busy Spouses
& College Students:
1. Print &
complete the absentee ballot application by Clicking Here.2. Return completed application by mail or personal delivery to RCSD's District Clerk, Elaine Cuglietto at 411 Theodore Fremd Ave., Suite 100S, Rye, NY 10580 so that she receives it by:
a. May 10,
2016 to receive ballot by mail; or
b.
May 16, 2016 to pick up ballot in person from Elaine
Cuglietto; &
3
3. Complete & return ballot by
mail or personal delivery to Elaine Cuglietto at 411 Theodore Fremd Ave., Suite
100S, Rye, NY 10580 so that she receives it by 5:00 p.m. on May 17,
2016.
*Valid reasons for using an
absentee ballot include absence from the City of Rye on the day of the vote due
to one of the following reasons: Duties, Occupation, Business, Vacation,
Education & Temporary Illness at Home or in the Hospital.
· Please Set Voting Reminders: Please set a quick
voting reminder on your calendar and/or smart phone for Tuesday, May 17 to make
sure everyone you know in Rye votes:
·
You· Spouse
· Rye resident children age 18 and over
· Neighbors
That’s it for now—stay tuned!
Sincerely,
Jennifer
Boyle and Mary Emery4/15/16
Dear
Friends, This past Tuesday night, April 12, 2016, the Rye City School
District adopted a tax cap compliant budget which will require a majority vote
to pass on Tuesday, May 17, 2016. In addition, the District is asking the
community to support a bond for up to a $1.8M to replace the failed Osborn
furnace. Car magnets and yard signs, etc. cometh and we need your support
on both propositions. Set forth below is information which we hope you
will find informative regarding the success of our school district and the
upcoming Budget and Bond Vote. A quick Summary
is followed by More Detail.
SUMMARY:
THIS
YEAR:
GOOD NEWS: RYE SCHOOLS REMAIN STRONG: U.S. News & World Report ranks Rye: #2 in New York State and #4 in the Nation (amongst all open enrollment schools)
BUDGET 101:
· Tax cap compliant increase: $82,884,603 to 85,064,873 = +$2,180,270 or 2.63%
· $2.3M use of reserves leaving a balance of $7,950,445
· Maintains all current programs, including writing mentor expansion, literacy initiative, improved technology and security, two RMS modified sports teams and full day kindergarten.
· Supports class size guidelines at all schools—no changes.
· Reallocates and adds staff to address increased enrollment of 21.5% since 2004 ~See this enrollment Chart
· Continues the STEM Initiative (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
· $73.15 per year tax increase for a $1.89M home or potential tax decrease if your assessment hasn’t changed since last year ~ See this Chart
OSBORN FURNACE BOND 101:
· 60 year-old Osborn furnace is inoperable and must be replaced this summer.
· $1.8M bond referendum is necessary (actual amount may be lower).
· Bonding one-time capital expenditures with low interest rate and Aaa rating is prudent.
· Cost estimates are forthcoming and cost will occur in 2017 tax bill.
WE NEED A MAJORITY OF YES VOTES TO PASS THE BUDGET AND THE BOND ON
MAY 17, 2016
(50% plus 1 vote)
PLEASE REGISTER TO VOTE: Click this link for a voter registration form.
PLEASE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EASY ABSENTEE BALLOT VOTING FOR BUSY
SPOUSES, COLLEGE STUDENTS, ETC.: Click
this link for an absentee
ballot application.
NEXT
YEAR:
·
FISCAL CONSTRAINTS FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
CONTINUE
·
AN OVERRIDE BUDGET IS LIKELY NEXT
YEAR
GOOD
NEWS THIS YEAR, NEXT YEAR AND BEYOND:
·
THE KEY TO CONTINUED SCHOOL SUCCESS IS A
STEADFAST COMMITMENT TO A CULTURE OF VOTING—LET’S DO IT!
MORE DETAIL:
THIS YEAR:
GOOD NEWS: RYE SCHOOLS REMAIN STRONG:
·
U.S. News and World Report ranks Rye:
·
#2 in New York State amongst all
open enrollment high schools; and
·
#4 in the nation amongst over
29,000 open enrollment high schools.
·
For 2016 Niche.com ranks Rye Schools with
an A+:
·
Rye High School is ranked #4 amongst all NYS
Public High Schools and #19 nationwide;
·
Rye’s Teachers are ranked #7 in NYS; and
·
RCSD is ranked #2 amongst all Public School
Districts in NYS (behind Jericho, but ahead of all other Westchester Districts)
and #8 in the Nation.
·
Rye High School has 4 National Merit Scholar
Finalists and 26 National Merit Scholar Commended Students.
·
From the class of 2015 there
were:
·
218 students were named
Advanced Placement Scholars (4.12 average score)
·
17 National AP Scholars
·
62 AP Scholars
·
55 AP Scholars with Honor
·
101 AP Scholars with
Distinction
·
132 students were in inducted into the National
Honor Society last fall
·
Rye Fund for Education used funds donated by
generous community donors for these Triple AAA Projects this year:
·
Academics: Columbia Teacher’s College-led
literacy initiative for K-8 featuring reading enrichment books for all
classrooms and a Summer Training Institute to enhance teaching excellence in
reading and writing.
·
Arts: Thanks to the generous arts-targeted
gift from Founding Donors Peter and Gwen Rukeyser, the Fund contributed to full
restoration of the band room, complimenting gifts from the RHS and RMS Parents
Organizations and other generous parent donors and benefitting all RHS and RMS
students.
·
Athletics: Thanks to the generous targeted
donation of Founding Donors Gina and Glenn Giordano, our schools now have a
gorgeous and much needed new fitness center for all RHS and RMS students to
enjoy.
·
Click this link to learn more about Rye’s new Athletic
Director: Michael R.
Arias Named Director of Health, Physical Education & Athletics
·
Perhaps most importantly, our students continue to
receive an excellent education at Rye schools and families are drawn to Rye
from throughout the nation and around the globe.
·
More good news in and around our school district
is available at these links:
Superintendent's Bulletins
|
Board
of Education Meeting Summaries
|
Board of Education
Meeting Minutes
|
|
BUDGET 101: Here are the details regarding the proposed budget
adopted by the school board on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 for the 2016-2017 school
year:
·
The increase is from $82,884,603 to
85,064,873 =
+$2,180,270 or 2.63% budget to budget increase over last year.
·
The District projects use of about $2.3M
of reserves this year leaving a reserve balance of almost $8M ($7,950,445): Despite the
low CPI imposed upon budget growth by the tax cap, in response to community
concerns, the District is using reserves to avoid seeking another override
budget for the 2016-2017 school year. The projected use of reserves is
$2,330,000 leaving a projected balance in reserves of just under $8M
($7,950,445)
·
The proposed budget:
·
maintains all current programs, including writing
mentor expansion, Literacy Initiative in reading and writing, improved
technology and security, two RMS modified sports teams and full day
kindergarten.
·
supports class size guidelines at all schools—no
changes to class size guidelines.
·
Reallocates/adds staffing to address sustained
increased enrollment by over 21.5% since 2004 (See this
chart regarding
enrollment data):
·
reallocates faculty for Rye Middle School
enrollment increases;
·
adds faculty for sustained Rye High School
enrollment increases;
.4 FTE Math
teacher
.2 FTE
American Sign Language teacher
·
continues the STEM Initiative (Science, Technology,
Engineering and Math): 1.0 FTE Project Lead The Way teacher.
·
Cost of the budget for homeowners:
·
Potential tax decrease: Due in part to
increased taxes paid by new homes in Rye, if your individual assessment has not
increased from the previous year, you may experience an overall tax decrease.
·
Small tax increase for newer
assessments: For
homes with newer assessments, the expected increase in taxes for a home worth
approximately $1.89M ($29,150 assessment) is about $73.15
annually or about $6.00 per month.
APPROXIMATE
COST OF BUDGET FOR HOMEOWNERS BY ASSESSMENT
*individual
assessments that have not increased from the previous year will result in an
overall school budget tax bill decrease
|
|||
Approximate
Home Value based upon Assessment
|
Assessed
Home Value
|
School
budget property tax increase
for homes
which have been reassessed upward since last year
|
School
budget presents probable property tax decrease
for homes
for which individual assessments have not increased since last year
|
$1M
|
$15,400
|
$38.64
|
$0 or decrease
|
*$1.89M
|
$29,150
|
$73.15
|
$0 or decrease
|
$2M
|
$30,800
|
$77.29
|
$0 or decrease
|
$3M
|
$46,200
|
$115.92
|
$0 or decrease
|
*Current average home value in Rye –
Up from $1.67M last year.
Note that these figures relate to
school property taxes and not County- or City-imposed taxes.
OSBORN FURNACE BOND 101: The School
Board voted to put forth a small bond for the Osborn furnace of up to $1.8M:
·
Furnace inoperable: Installed when
Osborn School was built in 1956, the 60-year old furnace has been deemed
inoperable and must be replaced before Osborn School can open in September
2016.
·
$1.8M bond necessary: On May 17,
2016, the District will request the community to support a bond not to exceed
$1.8M (the amount needed may actually be less, but the District must seek
approval for the upper limit).
·
Look for a second proposition on the
ballot: This
request will appear as a second proposition on the ballot after the proposition
for the 2016-17 school district budget.
·
Fiscally prudent: School
districts typically bond as the most fiscally-prudent means of funding one-time
capital expenditures for long-term assets as bonding enables the District to
borrow money at a very low interest rate and allows it to be paid back over
time.
·
Bond rating: Bonding for
capital expenditures also helps preserve the District’s Aaa bond rating which
in turn helps keep debt cost low.
·
Support needed: As one person
aptly stated, we all need to support this small bond or our elementary class
sizes could get really large!
·
Cost: Estimates
will be forthcoming, but due to the timing of bonding, the cost will not be
realized until the 2017 tax bill.
WE NEED A MAJORITY OF YES VOTES TO PASS THE BUDGET AND THE BOND ON
MAY 17, 2016:
·
Majority vote required: By law, the
school budget must be voted on by the taxpayers of Rye each and every year; It
is the only budget taxpayers DO vote on – they have no direct vote on city,
county or state budgets. Taxpayers must also vote upon the bond referendum;
The school budget and bond must both be passed by a 50% plus 1 vote majority.
·
Budget failure consequences: If the budget
does not pass, the School District must bring forward a second, reduced budget;
if it fails a second time the automatic increase is 0%.
·
Bond failure consequences: If the
bond fails, the School District will likely use additional reserves to install
a furnace for heat at Osborn School and it may need to also redirect other
funds earmarked for other important, but less urgent facilities needs.
·
Voting in person will continue to be
more efficient: more
parking, space, machines, workers, etc.
·
Set a quick voting reminder on your
calendar and/or smart phone: Remind yourself, your spouse, your
tenants, your Rye resident children age 18 and over and your neighbors (old and
new) to vote.
·
Please spread the word: everyone must
vote May 17! Spread the word so that no one assumes the bond
and the budget will pass without their vote!
·
Polls Open 7am-9pm @ Rye Middle School
Gym @ 3 Parsons Street.
PLEASE REGISTER TO VOTE: Everyone eligible must register to
vote. Any Rye resident who has changed their address, homeowners,
renters, parents, college kids and high school seniors!
·
To confirm voter registration call: 914.995.5700
·
To register to vote, you must:
·
be a US citizen;
·
be 18 years old by the end of this year;
·
not be in prison or on parole for a felony
conviction; and
·
not claim the right to vote elsewhere.
·
Register to vote by completing this Voter
Registration Form, and submit it by the
following means and deadlines:
·
To the District:
·
By U.S. Mail or personal delivery, but it must be
received by the District Clerk on or before Tuesday, May 3, 2016; Mail or personal
delivery to: RCSD Election Clerk, Elaine Cuglietto at RCSD district offices,
411S Theo Fremd, Rye, NY;
·
Note the District’s extended registration hours
from 4-8p.m. on 4/19/16; or
·
To the Westchester County Board of
Elections:
·
By U.S. Mail, but it must be received and recorded
by the County by May 16, 2016; Mail completed form to: Westchester County Board
of Elections, 25 Quarropas Street, White Plains, NY 10601; or
·
By personal delivery to the County up until
5:00p.m. Monday, May 16, 2016; Personally deliver completed form to 25
Quarropas Street, White Plains, NY 10601.
·
Note: late registration in person is the least
desirable as it takes more time to cast your vote because your name will not be
in the election roll book and the District Clerk must call Westchester County
Board of Elections to verify registration on the day of the vote; Note that
such a call may only be made before the County Board of Elections closes at
5:00p.m. on the day of the vote.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EASY ABSENTEE BALLOT VOTING FOR BUSY SPOUSES &
COLLEGE STUDENTS, ETC.…
1. The voter must complete the application; you may
print the absentee ballot application by Clicking
Here.
2. Return completed application by mail or personal
delivery to RCSD's District Clerk, Elaine Cuglietto at 411 Theodore Fremd Ave.,
Suite 100S, Rye, NY 10580 so that she receives it by:
a. May 10, 2016
to receive ballot by mail; or
b.
May 16,
2016 to pick
up ballot in person from Elaine Cuglietto; &
3.
The voter must complete and return the ballot by mail or personal delivery to
Elaine Cuglietto at 411 Theodore Fremd Ave., Suite 100S, Rye, NY 10580 so that
she receives
it by 5:00
p.m. on May 17, 2016.
*Valid reasons for using an
absentee ballot include absence from the City of Rye on the day of the vote due
to one of the following reasons: Duties, Occupation, Business, Vacation,
Education & Temporary Illness at Home or in the Hospital.
NEXT
YEAR:
FISCAL CONSTRAINTS FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS CONTINUE: Last year we
passed the override budget with a record turnout and a 70% Yes vote--10% higher
than that needed for passage. We can all feel proud that Rye supports its
schools so passionately. However, passage of the override budget last
year did not correct 3 NYS-imposed financial constraints creating a collision
course for public schools:
1.
Tax cap continuation: Mandated lower
of 2% or CPI-based tax cap; This year the CPI is ridiculously low (.12%) which
means the allowable tax cap is much lower than expected last year; the cap
applies regardless of enrollment and cost increases, for example: our
enrollment has increased 21.5% since 2004 and this year alone healthcare
increased by about 3.14%.
2.
Unfunded mandate continuation: Mandated
increases in costs--this year alone state mandated pension costs increased by
about 3.5% despite CPI capped budget growth rate of .12%; and
3.
Withholding of state aid: Since 2010, we
have been shorted about $2.3M through the state’s Gap Elimination Adjustment
(GEA); Thanks to advocacy efforts spearheaded by Dr. Alvarez and Mindy Grigg, a
small portion of state aid has been restored this year ($157,000); however the
huge sums owed to Rye for past deprivation of state aid are not forthcoming; We
understand that the $2.3M owed to Rye is being permanently withheld and that
full restoration of GEA will not occur.
AN OVERRIDE BUDGET IS LIKELY NEXT YEAR.
·
Fiscal Constraints: Passing the
override budget last year was a huge success for the entire community, however,
the three state--imposed fiscal constraints outlined more fully above remain
unresolved:
1) NYS mandated
expenses;
2) NYS tax cap
tied to CPI without an enrollment or a pension exemption; and
3) NYS
withholding of education aid in arrears.
·
Forecast last year: Last year the
District provided a conservative forecast for a tax cap compliant budget for
next school year (2016-2017).
·
CPI unexpectedly low: However, the
tax cap law allows a growth rate in the budget of the lesser of 2% or CPI and
CPI this year allows a only a growth rate of .12%.
·
Use of reserves this year: By using an
estimated $2,330,000 of reserves, the district will honor its promise to
propose a tax cap compliant budget this year for the 2016-2017 schoolyear.
·
Need to close the gap: Given the gap
between revenue and expenses, which was only partially closed by passage of the
override budget in May 2015, it seems very likely that an override budget will
be necessary in May 2017 for the 2017-2018 budget.
·
Reserves: This year’s
budget brings the District’s reserves to $7,950,445 (down from $10,280,445; An
override budget for the 2017-2018 school year would help preserve the remaining
district reserves and such preservation helps maintain the District’s Aaa
rating which is in turn important to keeping the District’s debt costs as low
as possible.
·
Predictions are difficult: It is
difficult to predict how often an override budget may be necessary—especially
with growing enrollment, mandated costs and the tax cap being tied to an
uncertain CPI.
·
Future override budgets: If the tax
cap and uncontrolled state mandates continue and if Rye’s enrollment continues
to increase, and if the state continues to withhold state aid, we may
reasonably anticipate the need for override budgets on a more regular
basis.
·
All districts impacted: Many more
school districts are seeking passage of override budgets this year because of
the constraints of the tax cap law as tied to CPI.
·
Good news: We can have
the excellent educational programming we desire; the tax cap law only supplies
the margin of voter approval required to achieve our educational standards:
·
a simple majority of 50% plus 1 vote for tax cap
compliant budgets; and
·
a supermajority of 60% for a budget overriding the
cap.
·
Informed voters should look past the
terms “compliant” and “override”: The terminology chosen by Albany was
obviously chosen to make it more difficult for school districts to pass
override budgets because the connotation of the word “override” is
negative. However, informed voters should look past the labels to see the
illogic in the math of the tax cap formula. Because only the margin for
voter approval is dictated by the tax cap, informed voters can take back
control of the quality of their schools by voting in greater numbers.
GOOD
NEWS THIS YEAR, NEXT YEAR AND BEYOND:
STRONG SCHOOLS = STRONG PROPERTY VALUES AND RYE PROPERTY VALUES
REMAIN HIGH: SEE THIS CHART.
Research
has shown that there is no factor more important to home values than school
quality. (See e.g., Nonlinear Effects of School Quality on House
Prices, Abbigail J. Chiodo, Ruben Hernandez-Murillo and Michael T. Owyang, Federal
Reserve Bank of St. Louis Review, May/June 2010, 92(3) pp. 185-204).
RYE SCHOOLS ARE FISCALLY STRONG:
·
Rye continues to enjoy a low true value
tax rate and low cost per pupil amongst all 40 other Westchester School
Districts. SEE THIS CHART
·
Only 1 of 40 Westchester public schools has as
lower true value tax rate than Rye (Pocantico Hills).
·
Only 4 of 40 Westchester public schools pay less
per student than Rye: Port Chester, Yonkers, New Rochelle and Ossining.
·
87.5% (35 of 40) of Westchester public schools pay
more per student than Rye, including:
·
Byram Hills
+$9878 more per
student;
·
Briarcliff Manor +$8957
more per student;
·
Irvington
+$8467 more per student); and
·
Moody’s rating. The District
enjoys a Aaa Moody’s rating attesting to its fiscal responsibility.
·
Prior cuts. The District
has already made cuts and has taken other actions toward prudent fiscal
management, including cutting the equivalent of 62.5 staff and teacher
positions.
·
Reserves. Since the
financial meltdown of 2008, the District has been using its reserve funds
(similar to a savings account) to make up budget shortfalls and keep tax
increases low, even before the tax cap went into place.
·
Refinanced debt. The District
refinanced debt terms to realize debt service savings.
·
Efficiencies in scheduling and staffing. The
District realigned faculty schedules to maximize middle and elementary school
classroom teacher time.
·
Collective bidding. The District
joined collective bidding consortiums to help lower costs.
·
Lowering contract and rent costs: The District
renegotiated contracts and rents on District facilities to lower costs.
THE KEY TO CONTINUED SCHOOL SUCCESS IS A STEADFAST COMMITMENT TO A
CULTURE OF VOTING--LET’S DO IT! It doesn’t matter what label we
put on our school budget, we can have the quality schools we have come to
expect and take back local control of our schools if we vote and continue to
nurture a culture of voting! Once again on May 17, 2016, let’s stand
together to support the excellence of Rye’s five public schools and the
strength of the Rye community. Please help us spread the word--all
homeowners and parents benefit by passing the budget and the bond—ONCE AGAIN…LET’S DO IT!
Sincerely,
Jennifer
Boyle and Mary Emery
2/22/16
2/22/16
From: Friends of Rye City School District [mailto:friendsofryecityschooldistrict@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, February 22, 2016 8:30 PM
To: Friends of Rye City Schools New York
Subject: Friends of Rye City School District Winter Update Feb 2016
Sent: Monday, February 22, 2016 8:30 PM
To: Friends of Rye City Schools New York
Subject: Friends of Rye City School District Winter Update Feb 2016
Dear Friends,
We are fully into the winter
of 2016 having just completed the February break and below are a few
updates. Budget season has kicked off in preparation for the 2016 vote in
May, there are new advocacy efforts happening around the state focused on
reinstating aid dollars and the voices of Rye's community have the opportunity
to be heard, and lastly reminders about where to find information about all the
wonderful student, teacher and administrative happenings going on around our
district.
2016-2017 Budget Proposal
and Vote
This years vote is on Tuesday
May 17, 2016. You can find Voter Registration and Absentee Ballot
information here.
Dr. Alvarez and the Board of
Education discussed the initial set of budget recommendations during the 2/9
BOE meeting. The proposed plan is to keep all programs the same with no cuts
and minimal changes to increase staff where it is essential. Due to the small
increase in the rate of inflation (less than 1%) the Tax Cap compliant
increase for Rye Schools this year will be 1% or approximately $750,000.
This leaves us with a shortfall of approximately $2.5 million dollars.
The Administration and Board stressed their commitment to NOT ask the community
for anything above a tax cap compliant budget so the proposal to make up the
difference will be to use an additional $2.5 million of our reserve
funds. This is particularly important when looking ahead to 2017/2018.
Unless changes are made at the State level we will be faced with a similar
shortfall that may not be able to be filled by reserve funds.
More budget discussion will be
happening over the next several weeks including an open forum for small group
questions and discussion. If you cannot make the BOE meetings, you can
watch each meeting on demand, see reports/presentations to the board on all
topics curriculum, budget etc, all under the District and Board of Education
tab at Rye City School District.
Advocate Change to the
State NOW
Many of you have already
received information about the Advocacy effort to eliminate the GEA (Gap
Elimination Act), a key issue being discussed at the State now.
This Act was put into place in 2010 to address NYS budget deficit and it
withheld funding from public school districts. NYS has made up their
deficit and has a budget surplus of $2 billion dollars, yet this year Rye will
be underfunded by $116,883 and since 2010 Rye has lost $2.3 million dollars.
These are all dollars that would help fund our budget and decrease the amount
of reserves needed this year. Make your voice heard to end the GEA and
restore the funding we have lost since 2010. Click on this link and find the letter from Dr. Alvarez or use the
attached word document to cut and paste the letter and send it to all emails
provided. This decision is being made now so it is important to act
quickly.
Lastly, there are many great
happenings occurring all over our district and they are easier than ever to
find out about all on the Rye City School District website. Check out the Superintendents Bulletins and other
newsletters to get an overview.
The next Board of Education
meeting is Tuesday February 23 at 7:30.
Consider getting involved in
Friends. It is a great way to be a part of your school district and keep
excellence in our schools. Email us atfriendsofryecityschooldistrict@gmail.com.
Sincerely,
Mary Emery and Jennifer Boyle
