Ronald D. Valenti, Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools

April, 2008

Dear Staff, Parents and Friends,

              Some important information since my last e-mail…

NEW BLIND BROOK HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

              Scott Bersin, currently Assistant Principal at Great Neck North in Nassau County, emerged as the top finalist for the high school post.  Scott holds a J.D. degree and served as an Assistant District Attorney briefly before beginning his social studies teaching and administrative career at Great Neck North.  Scott brings 9 years of solid experience, energy and savvy to Blind Brook.

          Please join us at the May 5th school board meeting to celebrate his appointment.

MIDDLE STATES SAYS YES! TO BLIND BROOK ACCREDITATION

             The Middle States 10 member Validation Team voted unanimously to recommend K-12 Accreditation.

              In their 49 page report, available on our district Website, the Validation Team found clear evidence Blind Brook has developed a culture of accountability and vigorous commitment to student performance and organizational growth.  The Team was also impressed with our dedication to continuous improvement and a planning ethic that included all school and community stakeholders.

              The last Mid States evaluation was completed in March 1987.  Now, 21 years later, Blind Brook has a clear long term plan to focus on three key areas: K-12 Writing, Character Education and Personnel Retention/Development.

DEDICATION CEREMONY:  WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30TH

             You are cordially invited to join us for the formal dedication ceremonies of our athletic fields, community track and Middle High School new classrooms and science labs.

             On Wednesday, April 30th at 7:00 PM participants will be assembling at the entrance of our athletic fields.

             We would very much appreciate your celebrating with us this historic expansion of  facilities and fields for our students and staff.

BOARD CANDIDATES’ NIGHT:  WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30TH

             The League of Women Voters will conduct our Candidates’ Night at 8:00 PM in the BBMS/HS Auditorium

             Three candidates have declared for two open seats of three years each:

                                          Mr. Lawrence Engle

                                          Mr. Monroe E. Haas

                                          Mr. Glen Schuster

BUDGET ADOPTION

           The Board of Education has adopted unanimously a $38,220,030 educational plan for next school year that includes a 9-12 Computer Science program, Middle-High School Writing Center and a new General Music teacher for our elementary and Middle schools.

              The budget is both educationally sound and taxpayer sensitive since it keeps the budget increase to 4.9%.

               Please mark your calendar for the Tuesday, May 20th budget and school board election vote.

MAY SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS

           The school board meeting, originally scheduled for Monday, May 12th has been moved up a week earlier to Monday, May 5th in the BBMS/HS Library at 8:00 PM.  The May 12th meeting will be brief and fulfills the legal requirement of a budget public hearing.

               We will also hold our Annual Tenure school board meeting on Monday, May 19th at the BBMS/HS.  A brief ceremony recognizing the tenure recipients will be conducted for the families, friends and community at 7:30 PM in the High School Cafeteria, immediately preceding the 8:00 PM meeting.

Sincerely,                                     

Ronald D. Valenti, Ph.D.