HERB R. BROWN | ROBERT FENTER | JILL DEROSA | LOUIS S. FRONTARIO
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Superintendent of Schools hbrown@oceansideschools.org |
A Message from Your Superintendent of Schools
Don't Let A Tax Cap Become an Education Cap
A new school year always gives me hope for the future. It also brings new challenges.The district will face new fiscal challenges now that New York State has passed a tax cap. The tax levy is capped at a zero percent increase unless more than 50 percent of the voters cast a ballot for an increase. It can only increase more than two percent, or the Consumer Price Index (whichever is lower), if 60 percent of the voters vote "yes".
We all support lower taxes, but the State legislature and the governor have passed and signed this legislation without mandate relief. School districts are required to fulfill over one hundred mandates that cost millions of dollars. A tax cap without mandate relief will require difficult decisions about our educational program.
How will this tax cap affect our students? Our school district offers a rewarding, academically rigorous educational program that supports students’ intellectual, social and emotional growth. Our elementary school students learn to prevent bullying by forming “Caring Majority” clubs in each school. Middle school students create community during team spirit week and through fundraising activities all year long. High school seniors mentor freshman through our GEM program and have the opportunity to take life-saving courses for certification in CPR/AED. Teachers in all schools mentor "at risk" students through the AIM program. This list does not include the art shows, musical performances, theatrical events, as well as the 65 sports teams and dozens of clubs that promote students’ learning and growth.
How will we be able to continue to provide all of these important programs to our students? We will need your input now more than ever. Please attend our Board of Education meetings to stay informed and to let your voice be heard. The meeting dates and topics are listed in our newsletter and on our website. Please note that meetings will be held on Tuesday night. This is a change from previous years.
In Oceanside, our Board of Education has always balanced the needs of our taxpayers while maintaining a first-class educational program. The Board's efforts have led to:
• A lower tax rate increase than the Nassau county average
for eight years in a row
• A lower budget increase than the Nassau County average
for eight years in a row
• Spending-per-pupil among the lowest in the entire county
• Highest scores ever in Advanced Placement college exams
• Record high levels of Regents and Advanced Regents
diplomas
• Oceanside High School placed in top 1¼ percent of high
schools nationwide, based on a Washington Post survey of
27,000 schools
We have proposed extensive goals and objectives for the upcoming year, which are outlined in this newsletter. and will be discussed in more depth at Board of Education meetings.
Additionally, I would like to welcome our new administrative staff members, replacing retirees:
• Laurie Storch, Principal School #8
• Julie McGahan, Principal School #6
• Greg Sloan, Director of Guidance
Our staff is prepared for a productive school year and our buildings are in terrific shape. It gives me great pleasure to welcome back over 6,000 students and their parents for the 2011/2012 school year.
Please call me at 678-1215 or send an e-mail to hbrown@oceansideschools.org with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Herb R. Brown, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
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Mr. Robert Fenter Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction & Research rfenter@oceansideschools.org |
It is always exciting to begin another school year. With thousands of students and hundreds of teachers and staff returning, the quiet rooms and hallways of our schools will suddenly come alive with the sounds that remind us that school is a place of community, excitement, and learning.
Schools today face a number of challenges: tax caps, an economy in recession, and continued mandates from the New York State Education Department that are often unaccompanied by financial support. I believe that in Oceanside, we have the talent, energy, and leadership required to meet these challenges and to help our students to achieve their very best.
Our elementary math program, enVision Math, is in its second year and will continue to bring technology and critical thinking to our students as they study mathematical concepts in a thoughtful manner. Also, our students will experience a greater emphasis this year in the area of research and vocabulary development as they build their reading and writing skills. We will also continue our Social and Emotional Literacy program, our mentoring program, as well as a number of academic programs that provide our students with support.
On behalf of the curriculum office I would like to wish you and your family a productive and exciting school year ahead.
Sincerely,
Robert C. Fenter
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Assistant Superintendent for Special Education and Pupil Services. jderosa@oceansideschools.org |
It is with pleasure that I welcome you to the 2010-2011 school year. I am hopeful that this year will bring wonderful opportunities for our students.Our special education department provides students with the necessary supports in order to allow students to grow academically and socially. We offer a full continuum of services and closely monitor the individual needs of each child in order to ensure their success. Special education programs, speech/ language and hearing services, counseling, occupational and physical therapies as well as nursing services are provided.
Our Committee on Special Education is led by three highly competent professionals. Ms. Angela Gettens, Ms. Allison Ackerman, and Ms. Lynn Mazza work with parents and school based teams in order to develop Individualized Educational Programs that reflect the student’s needs.
Each member of our department takes great pride in the academic accomplishments of our students. Additionally, we are delighted that students are engaged in a multitude of extra curricular activities that foster social development and friendships. Our Best Buddies program at the middle school and high school are extremely active and all students involved benefit from this program.
I encourage parents to become involved in our school community. As partners, we can work collaboratively to provide the most rewarding educational experience for our children. Our SEPTA provides a wonderful opportunity to meet other parents as well as offering meaningful workshops on relevant topics.
I am confident that the 2010-2011 school year will be a rewarding experience. If I may provide assistance in any manner, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jill DeRosa
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Assistant Superintendent for Business lfrontario@oceansideschools.org |
Welcome back and much successful to all for the 2011-2012 school year!
The Business Office provides support for the wide breadth of instructional services and extracurricular activities afforded the students of Oceanside. In addition, the Business Office provides support for achieving the District's mission, its annual goals and objectives and its efforts to help students meet New York state assessments and graduation requirements. The Business Office is the center for many activities. It is the place in the District that administers the $136 million plus operating budget. Through the efforts of dedicated staff members, we oversee such functions as capital projects, payroll, purchasing, accounts payable, risk management and insurance programs, employee benefits, employee contract negotiations, employee relations, borrowing, investing and other cash management activities, transportation services, food services, State and Federal funded programs, E-Rate funding, as well as other initiatives.
The budget reflects, in financial terms, the needs, aspirations and visions of Oceanside's community. Our commitment is to get the most direct instructional impact for every dollar we spend. Oceanside provides superior education services, yet we spend below the county average to provide those services. I am very proud to be associated with the District and a community that places such a high value on the quality of its educational programs and services. Feel free to contact me if you should ever have any questions concerning the financial operations of the district.
HERB R. BROWN | ROBERT FENTER | JILL DEROSA | LOUIS S. FRONTARIO