Ardsley Today

Power Outage at Ardsley Middle School Moves Math Regents to High School

According to an email from Superintendent Friedman, last night's storms caused a power outage at the Middle School this morning. Backup generators have kicked in and have allowed classes to continue for now, but, in an effort to provide optimal conditions for 8th graders to take their Math Regents test today, those students and their teachers are being transported to the High School.

The situation will continue to be monitored, according the the Superintendent, and should early dismissal be needed, another district-wide communication will be sent.

Official Statements from Board and Stephanie Marquesano

The Ardsley School Board just released the official announcement, from last night's meeting, of Stephanie Marquesano's resignation, as well as the text of a note she wished to be read into the official record:

Today, the Ardsley Board of Education received, and will formally accept at its next regular meeting, a letter of resignation from Trustee, Stephanie Marquesano.  We will accept this letter of resignation with the acknowledgement that Ms. Marquesano, in her short term of office, has served the Ardsley School District well in her actions as a Trustee of the Board of Education, making decisions that have only been in the best interest of the students, families, and staff of the district.  She has been a tireless community service volunteer who has devoted her time and energy toward the betterment of the school district, first as an officer in the district’s PTA, and then as an elected trustee of the Board of Education having received one of the highest vote tallies in the past decade.

Ms. Marquesano’s resignation is purely voluntary and not based on any violation of any provision of the law, neglect of duty, or willfully disobeying any decision, order or policy of this Board of Education. We, as her colleagues, recognize that she has determined that her action, at this time, is in the best interest of this School District.  Her decision to resign was done so to allow this Board of Education to move forward and to conduct its business of directing the School District toward providing the best possible educational program for all its students.”

In addition to receiving a one-line letter of resignation from Ms. Marquesano, she requested that a further statement be read for the record.  It is as follows:

“I have deliberately chosen to stay quiet for the past week or so, each day I reflect on both the painful moments and the moments that continue to give me faith in the humanity of my neighbors.  Why stay quiet you may ask when my words might provide answers? In the words of Thaddeus Golas, “The trouble with Evil is that it seduces us into trying to eliminate it,” and watching and hearing some of you in this community has convinced me that I simply should not take the bait.

I leave the Board proud of the many things that have been accomplished this year, and saddened that my choice will keep me from being a part of charting the course for the future of the Ardsley School District. Community service and volunteering have been a part of my life for all of my adult life, and there will be a void to fill. To the many people who have provided my family and me with much appreciated support and words of  encouragement during a time that I would not wish on anyone, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  I also want to thank my fellow Board Members and Administration for their guidance, cooperation, respect and friendship during my time on the Board.
   
Please remember, relying on rumors, distortions, half-truths or gossip, taking things out of context and using them as fact may be acceptable on a reality show, but we are a flesh and blood family living in this community. Just as important, not everything is always as it appears. No one is perfect, each of us has his differences, his flaws, his strengths and his weaknesses.  No outsider can venture to guess where someone has come from and what he is doing to make it to the next place successfully.

For our own future...in the words of Robert Frost, “In three words I can sum up everything I have learned about life: It goes on.”  And ours will too.”

Marquesano Resigns from School Board

According to multiple sources who were at last night's Ardsley School Board meeting, the board announced that they had received a resignation letter from Trustee Stephanie Marquesano and they had accepted her resignation. The announcement was made at the very end of the meeting and a short letter from Ms. Marquesano was read.

We will update this post as more information becomes available.

Ardsley School Board Agenda -- 6/11

Editor's Note: At the community meeting held on Monday night, June 9th, the members of the Board specifically requested that the community respect the fact that this board meeting includes agenda items meant to recognize the achievements of our students.

Anticipated Executive Session 7:00 p.m.
Regular Board of Education Meeting 8:00 p.m.
Middle School Library
Agenda
I. Call to Order - Mark Cohen, President
A. Designation of Emergency Exits
B. All cell phones silenced

II. Pledge of Allegiance

III. Acceptance of Minutes - April 29, 2008 and May 7, 2008

IV. Curricular Presentation
Middle School Science Olympiad Awards - Dave Ponterio
Middle School Mathematics Awards - Linda Nappi

V. Recognition of Audience (limited to approximately 30 minutes and to items on the agenda)

VI. Report of the Superintendent - None at this meeting

VII. Report of the Board President - None at this meeting

VIII. Report of Board Committees and Representatives - None at this meeting

IX. Board Action and Discussion Items
A. Committee on Special Education, Pre-School Special Education and Sub
Committee on Special Education - Resolution
Resolved: That the Board of Education agrees to arrange for the recommendations of the Committee on Special Education that were made at the meetings of: 2/4/2008 - ID# 6151; 3/13/2008 - ID# 10257; 3/27/2008 - ID# 11964; 4/10/2008 - ID# 10881; 4/10/2008 - ID#10474; 4/16/2008 - ID# 10121; 4/17/2008 - ID# 11766; 4/17/2008 - ID#12194; 4/18/2008 - ID# 11525; and the recommendations of the Sub-Committee of the Committee on Special Education that were made at the meetings of: 3/18/2008 - ID# 5426; 4/15/2008 - ID# 5875; 4/17/2008 -ID# 4170 4/17/2008 - ID# 10527; 4/17/2008 - ID# 5951; 4/18/2008 - ID# 4564; 4/29/2008 - ID# 6135; 5/6/2008 - ID# 5136; 5/6/2008 - ID# 4870; 5/6/2008 - ID# 11155; 5/6/2008 - ID# 10035; and the recommendations of the Committee on Preschool Special Education that were made at the meetings of: 3/13/2008 - ID# 12721; 3/18/2008 - ID# 12446; 3/18/2008 - ID# 12165; 3/18/08 - ID #12623; 3/18/08 - ID #12249; 3/20/08 - ID #12291; 3/20/08 - ID #12172; 3/20/08 - ID #12167; 3/27/08 - ID #12169; 3/27/08 - ID #12117; 3/27/2008 - ID# 12436; 4/01/08 - ID #12180; 4/01/08 - ID #12433; 4/01/08 - ID #12353; 4/1/2008 - ID# 12434; 4/3/2008 - ID# 12109; 4/3/2008 - ID# 12175; 4/03/08 - ID #12195; 4/08/08 - ID #12438; 4/08/08 - ID #12247; 4/08/08 - ID #12182; 4/08/08 - ID #12719; 4/10/08 - ID #12426; 4/10/08 - ID #12352; 4/10/08 - ID #12533; 4/14/08 - ID #12725; 4/17/08 - ID #12542; 4/17/08 - ID #12451; 4/29/08 - ID #12585; 4/29/08 - ID #12582; 5/01/08 - ID #100484; 5/01/08 - ID #12690; 5/06/08 - ID #12236; 5/06/08 - ID #12437; 5/08/08 - ID #12616; 5/08/08 - ID #12593; 5/08/08 - ID #12432; 5/08/08 - ID #12609; 5/29/08 - ID #12551.

B. Official Results of the May 20, 2008 Budget Vote and Election of Board Trustees - Resolution
Resolved: That the Board of Education acknowledges the official results of the May 20, 2008 Budget Vote and Election of Board Trustees and enter them formally into the record.
Budget Vote Results:
Yes 828 No 524

Proposition High School Cafeteria Results:
Yes 984 No 319

School Trustee Results:
Jason Sapan 612
Steven Kastin 848
Mark Cohen 957

C. Approval of 2008-2009 Board Meeting and Curriculum Presentation Calendar - Resolution
Resolved: That the 2008-2009 Board Meeting and Curriculum Presentation Calendar be approved.
Presentation/Special Event/Location
2008
July 10 - Reorganization Meeting
September 10 - 5:30 p.m. Tour of Facilities
7:30 p.m. New Teacher Reception
8:00 p.m. Opening of School Presentation by Principals
September 24 - Citizens' Budget Advisory Committee Study Session
(Role & Responsibilities)
October 22 - Guidance K-12 Study Session
November 5
November 19 - Early Academic Intervention Study Session
December 10 - Math Curriculum Update K-12
2009
January 7 - Study Session TBA
January 21
February 4 - Budget Workshop I
February 25 - Budget Workshop II
March 11 - Citizens' Budget Committee Recommendations
March 25 - Board Audit and Finance Committee Recommendations
Study Session TBA
April 15 - Public Budget Hearing
Board sets Budget for Required Annual School District Budget
Hearing & Budget Vote/Adopt Property Tax Report Card
April 28 - BOCES Budget Vote
May 6 - Required Public Budget Hearing
May 19 - Trustee & Budget Vote
June 10 - Award Meeting - Middle School

D. Letter of Intent
Resolved: That the proposal to approve the merger of the Ardsley Ski Interscholastic Program with that of the Solomon Schechter program be approved.

E. Approval of Proposed Trip for the Band and Orchestra Students - Resolution
Resolved: That the Board of Education approves the proposed trip for the Band and Orchestra students to travel to Spain and perform for audiences from February 12 to February 18, 2009.

F. Approval of Proposed Trip for the Spanish Language Students - Resolution
Resolved: That the Board of Education approves the proposed trip for the Spanish Language students to travel to Costa Rica in order to experience a cultural excursion from February 12 to February 20, 2009.

G. Future Agenda Items

H. Follow-Up Pending Agenda Items
Board Meeting - Agenda Item - Due Date
2/06/08 - Board Policy Manual - Ongoing
2/06/08 - Tri-States Report
4/09/08 - CBAC Study Session - 9/24/08
4/09/08 - Guidance Study Session - October 2008
4/09/08 - Early Academic Intervention - November 2008
4/29/08 - Math curriculum - 12/10/08

X. Board Analysis & Discussion Items
XI. Superintendent's Recommendations
A. Resignation - Resolution
Resolved: That upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education accepts the following resignation: Claire Cocco - Social Studies Teacher (HS) - effective 8/31/08
B. Appointments - Resolution
Resolved: That upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education approves the following appointments:
Catherine Behan - Initially Certified Mathematics 7-12 Teacher (HS) - two year probationary appointment in the Secondary Mathematics tenure area - Step 2 MA - effective 7/1/08 - 6/30/10
Michelle Genna - Professionally Certified Italian 7-12 Teacher (HS) - three year probationary appointment in the Secondary Italian tenure area - Step 3 MA+15 - effective 9/1/08 - 8/31/11
Tara Maloney - Initially Certified Social Studies 7-12 Teacher (MS) - three year probationary appointment in the Secondary Social Studies tenure area - Step 2 MA - effective 9/1/08 - 8/31/11
Christopher Minio - Initially Certified Spanish 7-12 Teacher (MS) - three year probationary appointment in the Secondary Spanish tenure area - Step 10 MA+60 - effective 7/1/08 - 6/30/11
Eric Petrone - Initially Certified Social Studies 7-12 Teacher (MS) - three year probationary appointment in the Secondary Social Studies tenure area - Step 2 MA - effective 9/1/08 - 8/31/11
Sean Cappiello - Initially Certified English Language Arts 7-12 Teacher - Leave Replacement Teacher (HS) - Step 3 MA - effective 7/1/08 - 6/30/09
David Ponterio - After-School Recreation Program Instructor - Spring 2008 Session
Stephen Crowley - JV Softball Coach - Spring 2008
Marissa Galloway - Pioneer Track Team Coach - Spring 2008
Marissa Galloway - Pioneer Volleyball Team Coach - Spring 2008
Amanda Mingione - Daily Substitute Teacher/Teacher Aide (CR) - effective 5/27/08
Tara Trapp - Daily Substitute Teacher/Teacher Aide (CR) - effective 6/2/08
Toni Ann Resendiz - Special Education 2008 Summer PE Teacher - 6 hours/day -ACT curriculum rate - effective 6/30/08-8/11/08, excluding 7/4/08 - one day per week
Denise Massaro - Special Education 2008 Summer Teaching Assistant - 6 hours/day - AAU rate - effective 6/30/08-8/11/08, excluding 7/4/08
Randi Boxer - Special Education 2008 Summer Teacher Aide - 5.5 hours/day - AAU rate - effective 6/30/08-8/11/08 , excluding 7/4/08
Melissa Fuller - Special Education 2008 Summer Camp Teacher Aide - 9 hours/day, 3 days/week - AAU rate - effective 6/30/08 - 8/8/08, excluding 7/4/08
Kathleen Diagneault -Foreign Language 7-12 Curriculum Leader - 2008-09 school year
Margaret Parsons - DW Physical Education Curriculum Leader - 2008-09 school year
William Zimmerman - Computer/Publications Coordinator - 2008-09 school year
Yvonne DiNapoli - HS Special Education Curriculum Leader - 2008-09 school year
Brian Gutherman - HS English/Language Arts Curriculum Leader - 2008-09 school year
Nina Fixler - HS Science Curriculum Leader - 2008-09 school year
Alyson Tina - HS Mathematics Curriculum Leader - 2008-09 School year
Linda Nappi - MS Mathematics Curriculum Leader - 2008-09 school year
Andrew Nappi - MS Social Studies Curriculum Leader - 2008-09 school year
Scott Ryan - MS Science Curriculum Leader - 2008-09 School year
Mary Westbrook - MS Special Education Curriculum Leader - 2008-09 school year
Suzanne Hoch - CR Social Studies Curriculum Leader - 2008-09 school year
Rosemarie Marcus - CR Mathematics Curriculum Leader - 2008-09 school year
Mary Sheerin - CR Special Education Curriculum Leader - 2008-09 school year
Cheryl Stroud - CR English/Language Arts Curriculum Leader - 2008-09 school year
Summer, 2008, Camp Positions at the pay rates approved on December 12, 2007
(Please note that hours may be less than or equal to the number of hours indicated.)
Cheryl Adler 205
Matt Albert 205
Kim Armogida 6
Sierra Asprea 205
Danny Barbone 205
Andrew Beames 214
Samantha Berlowitz 205
Daniela Briante 178
David Briante 178
Adam Froimowitz 205 Catherine Furst 205
Sari Goldmeer
Sean Grady 89
Eamonn Grant 205
Skylar Griffenberg 205
Jonathan Hubert 205
Arlene Jacobson 86
Ben Levine 205
Travis Lloyd 205
Melissa Magro 205
Michelle Mascetta 205 
Michelle McGahan 205
Karen McGeory 214
Matthew Modica 205
Jessica Morganelli 214
Michael Nugent 205
Michael Pearlroth 205
David Ponterio 214
Allison Richards 205
Brian Richards 205
Sarah Joan Rotholz 205
Jeffrey Rovenpor 205
Scott Ryan 178
Cynthia Salvatore 214
Alexandra Selig 205
Kevin Sheerin 205
Bonnie Sloofman 205
Jack Smith 205
Spencer Smith 178
Frank Squillante 178
Richard Stein 205
Hailey Still 205
Rei Suzuki 205
Jennifer Tracey 178
Daniel White 205
Drew Zeyer 205
William Zimmerman 250

C. Appointment Adjustments - Resolution
Resolved: That upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education approves the following appointment adjustments:
Daniel DeBeer -Initially Certified Students with Disabilities Generalist 5-9 Teacher (MS) - from LOA Replacement Teacher to two year probationary appointment in the Special Education Tenure Area - Step 3 MA - effective 7/1/08 - 6/30/10
Emilia Zujko Monzon - Initially Certified Students with Disabilities (Social Studies 7-12) Teacher - From Permanent Substitute Teacher (MS) - to LOA Replacement Teacher - effective 7/1/08 - 6/30/09
Martina Bingay - from Permanent Senior Typist to Permanent Senior Office Assistant (Automated Systems) (HS) - effective 2/1/08
Jeanne Marcone - from Permanent Senior Typist to Permanent Secretary (School Districts) (CR) - Step C7 - effective 2/1/08
Susan Lombardo - Teaching Assistant (HS) - 26 hours per week effective 5/5/08 - 6/13/08; 33.5 hours per week effective 6/16/08
Gabriela Muzzio - from Special Education 2008 Summer PE Teacher - one day per week to Special Education 2008 Summer Teacher - 6 hours/day - ACT curriculum rate - effective 6/30/08-8/11/08, excluding 7/4/08
D. Rescissions of Appointment - Resolution
Resolved: That upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education approves the following rescissions of appointment:
Lisa Boyd - Mentor Teacher - effective 4/30/08
Stacey Levine-Silverman - Special Education 2008 Summer Nurse

XII. Business Office Recommendations
A. Treasurer's Report - April, 2008 -Acknowledgement
B. Acceptance of Donation - Resolution
Resolved: That the Board of Education accept a donation from the PTA in the amount of $610.00 for the Shelley Cohen scholarship for a kindergarten child to be able to attend the Concord Road summer literacy program, with appreciation.
C. 2008-2009 AS-7 BOCES Contract - Resolution
Resolved: That the 2008-2009 AS-7 BOCES Contract with Southern Westchester BOCES be approved and the Board President is authorized to sign the contract document.
D. Facility Use Rates - Resolution
Resolved: That effective 7/1/08, the rental fees and custodial fees on the most recent School Facility Rental Fee Schedule be set as follows:
Community Use
$ 44.00 Classroom
88.00 Custodian
200.00 Large Room
Non-Community Use - without admission charges
$103.00 Classroom
88.00 Custodian
510.00 Large Room
Non-Community Use - with admission charges
$ 210.00 Classroom
88.00 Custodian
1,025.00 Large Room
E. Approval of Custodian/Maintenance Helper Rates - Resolution
Resolved: That the rates for Custodian/Maintenance Helper I, II, III, and IV, V, and VI be approved.
F. Appointment of Independent Contractor - Resolution
Resolved: That the Board of Education approve the appointment of the following independent contractor for the Spring 2008 After School Program:
Maggie Goldberg- Assistant Instructor
G. Acceptance of Internal Auditor Report - Resolution
Resolved: That the Board of Education accept the Risk Assessment and Accounts Payable reports by the Internal Auditors (Sanossian, Sardis & Co, LLP).
H. 2007-2008 Budget Transfers - Resolution
Resolved: That the Board of Education approves the following 2007-2008 budget transfers:

I. Approval of Bids - Resolution
Resolved: That the Board of Education award Bid # 2007-08 for HVAC to Unity
Mechanical.
Resolved: That the Board of Education award Bid # 2007-09 for Electrical to
Albright Electric.
Resolved: That the Board of Education award Bid # 2007-11 for the Thermal Pool
Cover to Lincoln Equipment, Inc..
Resolved: That the Board of Education award Bid # 2007-12 for the Turface MVP
Sports Field Conditioner Purchase to Seedway LLC.
Resolved: That the Board of Education award Bid # 2007-13 for the purchase of
ceiling fans for the Concord Road EXCEL project to Modern Fan Company.
Resolved: That the Board of Education award the NY Cooperative Bid for Audio Visual Supplies prepared by Educational Data Services, Inc. to the lowest responsible bidders meeting specifications as follows:
Vendor Amount
Camcor 86.98
Ray Supply, Inc. 232.00
Valiant IMC 1,480.23
Aves Audio Visual Systems, Inc 750.00
Resolved: That the Board of Education award the NY Cooperative Bid for Technology Supplies prepared by Educational Data Services, Inc. to the lowest responsible bidders meeting specifications as follows:
Vendor Amount
Brodhead-Garrett Co. 2,041.10
Paxton/Patterson 412.41
Satco Supply 565.06
Midwest Technology Products 753.87
Resolved: That the Board of Education award the NY Cooperative Bid for Library Supplies prepared by Educational Data Services, Inc. to the lowest responsible bidders meeting specifications as follows:
Vendor Amount
Highsmith Inc. 1,254.82
Resolved: That the Board of Education award the NY Cooperative Bid for Fine Art Supplies prepared by Educational Data Services, Inc. to the lowest responsible bidders meeting specifications as follows:
Vendor Amount
Dick Blick Company 1,779.65
Sax Arts & Crafts 13,756.51
Nasco 4,235.23
Triarco Arts & Crafts 2,059.82
Resolved: That the Board of Education award the NY Cooperative Bid for Home Economics Supplies prepared by Educational Data Services, Inc. to the lowest responsible bidders meeting specifications as follows:
Vendor Amount
S.A.N.E. 951.37
Nasco 2,193.90
Resolved: That the Board of Education award the NY Cooperative Bid for Physical Education Supplies prepared by Educational Data Services, Inc. to the lowest responsible bidders meeting specifications as follows:
Vendor Amount
Nasco 1,111.48
Passon's Sports/Sports Supply 782.36
Sportime 981.28
Resolved: That the Board of Education award the NY Cooperative Bid for Health & Trainer Supplies prepared by Educational Data Services, Inc. to the lowest responsible bidders meeting specifications as follows:
Vendor Amount
School Health Corp. 2,908.04
Henry Schein, Inc. 1,352.12
Resolved: That the Board of Education award the NY Cooperative Bid for Photography Supplies prepared by Educational Data Services, Inc. to the lowest responsible bidders meeting specifications as follows:
Vendor Amount
Peters Camera Shop 1,202.15
Valley Litho Supply Co. 3,259.58
Resolved: That the Board of Education award the NY Cooperative Bid for Copy Duplicator Supplies prepared by Educational Data Services, Inc. to the lowest responsible bidders meeting specifications as follows:
Vendor Amount
Paper Mart, Inc. 21,573.69
Resolved: That the Board of Education award the NY Cooperative Bid for Science Supplies prepared by Educational Data Services, Inc. to the lowest responsible bidders meeting specifications as follows:
Vendor Amount
RNJ Electronics, Inc. 81.99
Nasco 1,002.76
Carolina Biological Supply Co. 3,193.43
Fisher Science Education Co. 418.34
Frey Scientific Co. 6,985.32
Para Scientific Co. 1,205.16
VWR/Sargeant Welch 4,069.52
Science Kit, Inc. 2,357.83
Ward's Natural Science 353.08
Zams, Inc. 117.85
EAI Education/Eric Armin Inc. 34.20
Benz Microscope Optics Ctr. 38.02
Science Labs 337.54
Resolved: That the Board of Education award the NY Cooperative Bid for Computer Supplies prepared by Educational Data Services, Inc. to the lowest responsible bidders meeting specifications as follows:
Vendor Amount
Corporate Express 338.81
Resolved: That the Board of Education award the NY Cooperative Bid for General Classroom Supplies prepared by Educational Data Services, Inc. to the lowest responsible bidders meeting specifications as follows:
Vendor Amount
Cascade School Supplies 26,817.62
Resolved: That the Board of Education award the NY Cooperative Bid for Elementary Science Supplies prepared by Educational Data Services, Inc. to the lowest responsible bidders meeting specifications as follows:
Vendor Amount
ETA/Cuisenaire 62.50
NASCO 95.83
Resolved: That the Board of Education award the NY Cooperative Bid for Athletic Supplies prepared by Educational Data Services, Inc. to the lowest responsible bidders meeting specifications as follows:
Vendor Amount
Levy's , Inc. 359.80
Passon's Sport 901.52
Sportsman's 126.29
Cannon Sports, Inc. 811.60
ARC Sports 334.70
R&R Trophy & Sports 62.46
Massapequa Soccer Shop 76.95
Jish Inc./Bill Pearson Sports 204.40
DC Sports Inc. 864.50
Laur-Lee Sports Corp. 798.46

J. Approval of Instructional Services Contract - Resolution
Resolved: That the Agreement with Heartsong, Inc. for special education itinerant and related services for the 2008-2009 school year be approved, and that the Board President is authorized to sign the Agreement.

XIII. Future Board of Education Meetings
July 10, 2008 (Thurs.) Administration Building

XIV. Recognition of Audience

XV. Call for Executive Session

XVI. Return to Public Session

XVII. Adjournment

Opinion: Board Meeting Effective, but What Now?

We had to leave at around 9:30, so we can't speak to anything that may have happened after that, but we left thinking that the meeting went far better than we had expected walking in. There clearly appears to be a pattern of major mistakes being made, but we do have to say that, given the atmosphere in the Auditorium, things could have very, very easily gotten out of hand. That they didn't was a testament to both the Board Members present and (most of) the audience in attendance.

Yes, it was frustrating to sit through the lengthy explanation and re-explanation of how the evening would proceed. But for the two hours that we were there, the meeting was effective. People were able to have their say and their statements were articulate, cogent and in some cases downright heart-wrenching. The Board responses were basically what was expected.

Last night, a loud and clear message was delivered to the Board. Only time will tell what they choose to do in reaction to that message. If the board takes the attitude that "we've let the people have their say, now we can go on with business as usual" then last night's meeting will have been for naught. We sincerely hope that's not the case.

What did you think of the meeting? Are you satisfied with the Board responses? What should be our community's next steps? Please post a comment below by clicking the "comment" link.

Also, if you, or someone you know, made a statement at the meeting last night and have it in written form, please contact us at editor@ardsleytoday.com if you would like to have it posted to the site. Many of the statements from last night's meeting deserve to be widely distributed and readily archived as a marker to judge our School Board's progress. We would happily post them here for those very reasons.

Opinion: OMG! Ardsley Schools Needs to Re-Think Its Communications Strategy

As the parent of an 8th Grade student at Ardsley Middle School, I am well aware of the history behind this week's events. Before passing judgment on the actions or non-actions of the Administration and Board leading up to this week, I'd like to hear what they have to say at Monday night's forum meeting in the Middle School Auditorium. Like many Ardsley parents, I'll be there listening intently.

Moving past the past and into the present, I don't take issue with the hour to hour, day to day actions taken by the School and District Administration, starting with their actions on Monday morning and continuing throughout the week. They acted decisively, and they clearly kept the safety of the students as their to priority when taking action.

But, now that some time has elapsed and I've been able to reflect on the events of the week, here's something that's been evident. The policies and, particularly, the procedures that were considered effective -- and maybe even "airtight", even five years ago -- have been surpassed by recent developments and need to be reviewed and revised as they are woefully out of date.

In the last few years, the explosion of communications technologies has outmoded any thought that the District Administration can control a situation by attempting to control the flow of information. We now live in a connected world, 24/7. With laptops, Blackberries, and iPhones, parents are no more than seconds away from being able to connect, communicate and caucus. Meanwhile, an army of Envys, Chocolates and Razrs, backed up by continuously running IM clients, Facebook and Twitter, makes our children are even more connected than we are.

The flow of information can no longer be centrally controlled. When the Middle School was being evacuated on Tuesday morning, it took minutes for our children to dial their phones and let us know that something very serious was going on. And what did we do? We jumped in our cars and headed to the Middle School -- the very last thing that the Administration wanted or needed to ensure a quick and orderly evacuation during a tense and rapidly evolving situation.

The Administration deserves credit for trying to implement a communications system that utilizes email and text messaging to get the word out quickly. But on Tuesday, it wasn't quick enough. We were already at the Middle School clogging up the roads with other parents before the first "blast" ever arrived.

Additionally, the Email blast is inherently a one-way communications mechanism. In this day and age, that is no longer good enough. In the absence of a communications channel back to the School District, parents took matters into their own hands, showing up for impromptu meetings (News12 described it as parents "storming the school") that, it seemed, the Administration was not necessarily ready to hold.

Much of the stress of the past week could have been avoided had the School District been prepared to communicate quickly and clearly with parents and students. It's 2008. That means transparency is not only expected, it's mandatory.

• What should we think when we get more useful information from emails that were forwarded from the Chief of the Greenburgh Police Department to Paul Feiner to Mayor Leon to an unofficial message board hosted by Yahoo! than we get from the official email blasts of the School District itself?
• What should we think when News12 does two days worth of stories on matters in our school district before a single Administration member ever appears on screen to make a comment?
• How should we help our children deal with the rumors that arrive non-stop through emails, IMs and text messages?

I don't have the definitive answers to these questions, but I implore the School Board, Administration and parents to think about them before the next set of events overwhelms us. Uncontrollable events will happen. What we can control is how we react to them.

Superintendent Updates Community

The following note went out from the Superintendent of Schools today in an attempt to address ongoing concerns about this week's events:

I am writing to you in connection with recent news reports of incidents within the Ardsley School community. Paramount among the district’s concerns is the welfare of all of our students. The parents of the student at the center of the reports have requested that their child be placed on home instruction for the remainder of the school year at an offsite location. The Superintendent has agreed that this resolution is appropriate and believes that it is in the best interests of all parties. It is the district’s position that this resolution is satisfactory and the school community may now move on from recent events and continue the education of our children.

Sincerely,
Jason P. Friedman
Superintendent of Schools

Here at Ardsley Today, we've been thinking a lot about the event that have transpired this week and we hope to share our thoughts in an opinion piece later today. Please stop back this evening, or add your thoughts and comments any time.

Latest Communication from District Asks for Patience While Community Continues to Press for Action

UPDATE (2:39pm): Here's the News12 coverage of the meeting this morning.

In an email note sent out last night around 10pm by Superintendent Jason Friedman, the school district has acknowledged numerous requests for more information and action by residents and parents:

We have received numerous requests for information regarding follow-up and next steps to this week’s unfortunate incidents.

 

In the best interest of all students, we are in the process of working through a resolution to the current concerns at the Ardsley Middle School.  As we do this, we have taken steps to reduce the present and potential challenges to the teaching and learning environment in the current climate of the building.  While we understand and respect the community’s desire to know all the facts regarding a resolution, New York State Education and Federal Law prohibit us from sharing the details. As we continue to work through this matter, please know that the well-being and safety of students and staff is our paramount concern.

Meanwhile, many parents were planning to attend an impromptu meeting at the Middle School this morning at 7:30am. If you have information about the events of this morning's meeting, please feel free to post them in the comments here.

Middle School Evacuation Related to Bomb Website

UPDATE (6/4 -- 8:34am): See the WCBS TV coverage of the Ardsley Middle School evacuation here.

UPDATE (5:08pm): See the News12 Coverage of today's events here.

According to an email this morning from Greenburgh Police Chief John Kapica to the Greenburgh Town Board, the cause of today's evacuation was:    

"This morning three students brought to the attention of the Ardsley Middle School administration a web site relating to bombs and containing the picture of the student that was the subject of yesterday's concern.  School officials decided to evacuate the school for the day and we are presently assisting them with doing so."

The note was subsequently forwarded by Town Supervisor Feiner to Ardsley Mayor Jay Leon, who then posted it to an Internet Discussion Group today, shortly after Noon.

Ardsley Middle School Evacuated

It's been a long time since we've posted due to conflicting priorities, but the news of the last two days has been quite important. Following yesterday's visit to the Middle School by Greenburgh Police (see the Journal-News Coverage here and the News12 Coverage here), the Middle School was once again disrupted by an alleged threat against the school that caused the District Administration to immediately evacuate students and staff.

Students were immediately moved to the High School so the proper dismissal procedures could be followed. Questions abound about this latest development. Students were removed from the building at about 8:40 this morning and a district-wide email blast was sent at 9:08am. Reports by parents from both the Middle School and the High School have talked about a tense atmosphere with some parents yelling and generally acting frustrated by this turn of events.

If you have more information, feel free to post a comment here as the story develops.