As the 2012-13 school year draws to a close, the Board of Education’s last meeting focused on how far quality education district has come, and how far they still plan to continue to go.
Superintendent of Schools Maureen Bright held a presentation looking back on her district’s achievements over the past year while negotiating the many hurdles faced by New York schools, and highlighted the goals she and her administration have set forth for 2013-14.
“This year has been a most amazing year; we’ve been challenged on so many levels,” she said. “However, we have accomplished a great deal, and we will continue to do so as we raise the bar and achieve more goals with our students, staff, and school district.”
Among the district’s goals that were discussed during the presentation were preparation for New York State Skill Assessment testing; the adoption of the Common Core Learning Standards; Anti-Bullying policies dictated by the Dignity for All Students Act; the creation of fiscally responsible school district budget; the general upkeep of school facilities; and overall energy conversation, including the possibility of installing solar panels on some schools.
“It’s essential to continue to move our district forward and be responsible to our tax players and providing quality education,” Bright said. “I want to thank my teachers and administration for all their hard work.”
Board of Education President Susan Powell was also singled out by Superintendent Bright for her nine years of tireless dedication the Hicksville School District as a trustee.
“Susan has served as a board secretary, vice-president, and three terms as president of the Board of Education,” she said. “It has been my pleasure to work with you these past nine years; I appreciate the manner in which you’ve served and the effort you’ve expended as you continue to grow in your understanding of and commitment to the school district.”
After her speech, in which she sang Powell’s praises, Bright presented the board president with a commemorative plaque and a bouquet of flowers. Afterwards, Powell thanked both the trustees and parents in attendance for their support over the years.
“It’s been my pleasure to serve on the board,” she said. “I’ve tried to be fair and to keep my eye on the prize, which is education and fairness to all of our schools, and to all of our children. I hope I have succeeded, and I have certainly learned a lot, and I would like to sincerely thanks the administration.”
Despite the financial difficulties faced by many school districts in New York State, Hicksville schools’ sound monetary planning has enabled the district to survive, but actually thrive in many ways. One such way was illustrated this evening when the Board of Education granted tenure to 11 new teachers and one new administrator.
Superintendent Bright said that solid budget planning has enabled Hicksville to avoid the cutbacks and layoffs experienced by many other school districts in New York due to cuts in state aid, unfunded county, state, and federal mandates, and a strict tax levy cap.
“I’m very pleased that we’re able to award tenure to so many teachers, and that we’re able to hire new teachers to continue to strengthen our programs,” she said. “I congratulate each and every one of you; this is a great professional achievement for each and every one of you, and I wish you all continued success. This is just the beginning of a long and significant journey.”
