M-W school superintendent outlines 2011-12 goals

After years of steady growth, student population drops to 7,200 CENTRAL VALLEY — Monroe-Woodbury Superintendent of Schools Edward J. Mehrhof outlined his goals Wednesday evening for the 2011-12 school year, which include negotiating contracts with three of the district’s four unions, assessing whether the district’s long-range plans make sense given the economy and preparing a 2012-13 budget that increases spending by no more than one percent. The school board is scheduled to vote on those goals next month. The vote could be delayed should board members disagree with any of the goals. That’s not expected. For the moment, though, there are questions that deal with detail and explanation. While some of that discussion was burdened by the jargon of education, some things are clear. School census drops For instance, Monroe-Woodbury’s census this year is 7,219 students, Mehrhof said. Three years ago, there were 7,600 students. A study commissioned by the district through Suffolk County BOCES a year or so ago estimated the district would continue to grow by as much as two percent through 2015 to 2017. That’s why Mehrhof wants to look at short-range goals (projections of five years or less) against long range goals (five years or more) to determine staffing levels, the use of classrooms and other school facilities and operational issues. The board also had what can best be described as an interesting discussion about New York State’s two percent cap on spending. Under this legislation from Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the state Legislature, all school districts and all municipalities must keep annual spending at no more than two percent. There are exemptions. For instance, capital projects, contributions to pension funds and related items are exempt from the two percent cap. That means an overall budget could exceed two percent with the exemptions. For instance, Monroe-Woodbury would like to see its debt for the high school labeled as a capital expense, and therefore exempt. School Board President Dr. Michael DiGeronimo acknowledged this as nothing more than “a shell game,” one which the district would play if the rules permit. Shelter during the storm The meeting, held at the Education Center on Route 32 in Central Valley, lasted about 70 minutes. No one from the public spoke. The audience was largely comprised school administrators, principals, staff and students. The tenor of the meeting was typical of new beginnings. There also was an appreciation for the district’s role in the community as well as the professionalism from among the district’s staff and employees, particularly during and after Hurricane Irene blew through the area just prior to the opening of school. “I had neighbors tell me what a wonderful thing it was that the high school was opened as a shelter,” School Board Vice President Erich Tusch said. “It was unsolicited comments - and we all know school board members never get unsolicited comments.” During the storm, the high school became the temporary refuge for as many as 100 people for two days. The district provided shelter, food and transportation. “When our community was in crisis, when helping hands were needed, the school district took a leadership role and touched the lives of many,” Tusch added. “I thank you as a school board member, and I thank you as a community member.” Tusch’s comments were echoed by many of the other school board members. Irene, followed by Tropical Storm Lee, disrupted many local roads, which given the boundaries of the Monroe-Woodbury School District, immediately affected school bus routes. “After the hurricane and the roads that were flooded, I wondered whether my son’s bus would arrive at 7:28 (a.m.),” said School Board member Theresa Budich. “And at 7:28 it was there.” As much as these actions are important, Mehrhof, DiGeronimo and several other school board members tempered the discussion when they talked about economy. “I’ve been on the board for four years, and each year is more difficult than the year before,” DiGeronimo said in his comments that closed the meeting. As he had for many months now, DiGeronimo talked about how the district - all school districts and municipalities - can no longer rely on Albany and Washington for the kind of historical funding that has marked state and federal aid. DiGeronimo said there was some comfort in President Obama’s jobs bill because it included money for education. But there’s a different story coming out of Albany, he added. At the same time state aid is reduced, the mandates from the state Education Department continue, often without funding. “There’s no doubt in my mind that things have changed,” he said, “and we all will have to adjust.” Added John Broderick, who is the second longest tenured member of the board after Budich: “Next year’s budget will be the most difficult of all.” But Broderick, DiGeronimo and Mehrhof noted that the steps the district has taken in the last several years, from a budget approach that looks at every item annually to a contract with the district’s faculty, its largest union - resulting in reductions in staff due to attrition rather than layoffs - as critical elements to offset the economic pressures all school districts, all municipalities and all households face these days. In other business Every year, the Mid-Hudson School Study Council presents awards to individuals from school districts in the mid-Hudson region who exemplify excellence in specific areas. This year, the award recipients from Monroe-Woodbury are: School Board member John Broderick, for excellence in Board of Education service. Dr. Charlene Kelemen, principal at Sapphire Elementary School, for excellence in Administration Mary Ann Zuvich, who works in the Office of the Assistant Superintendent for Business Administration, for excellence in Support Staff service The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on Oct. 12 at Anthony’s Pier 9.