SUPERINTENDENT
Welcome from Superintendent Cheryl Nuciforo
Welcome back! It seems each school year brings both a return of important traditions and the promise of new experiences and opportunities. There is a real sense of excitement in the air as the students return.
While the halls have been emptier during the summer months, the summer has been far from quiet. Teachers have been working on curriculum writing and professional development projects with the aim of strengthening our programs. We have completed the first phase of our capital project, including new generators at MED and the high school, a new transformer at MED, and new divider curtains in all gymnasiums. We have also worked hard to improve the instructional technology infrastructure in the district, with new networking equipment, increased bandwidth, and new computer stations.
This is an exciting and challenging time in public education. The federal government has awarded New York with Race to the Top monies, but with those funds comes the expectation that they will be spent on very specific reform initiatives. The Regents have embarked on a state level reform agenda, including raising the standards for success on New York State tests.
An important part of our work completed this summer is the development of District goals. Using input from several sources, the Board has developed some long term objectives and some more specific targets for this year. All are focused on providing the best possible experience for our students through responsible decision-making and wise stewardship of the District. The long term goals for the District are:
- Provide an educational program that promotes excellence and prepares students for success in the 21st century.
- Develop and support leadership at every level that promotes a positive school culture and supports student achievement.
- Develop a culture of long range planning that supports continuous improvement while addressing the impact of declining enrollment and economically challenging times.
- Develop a school system that has the flexibility to address the learning and developmental needs of individual students.
- As a Board of Education, seek and implement best practices in District leadership.
The federal, state and local agendas pose significant challenges for our district, but they also pose interesting possibilities. I look forward to continuing to work together as an entire school community in the best interests of our students.
Best wishes for a successful year.