Patrick Ward

The document, "Clear Vision, Future Ready: Strategic Pathways for Learner Growth," outlines the Valhalla Union Free School District's strategic priorities. It focuses on enhancing curriculum and instruction through professional learning, instructional coaching, and the integration of new technologies. Key priorities across its schools (Virginia Road, Kensico, Valhalla Middle, and Valhalla High) include fostering academic excellence and innovation, strengthening student support systems through targeted interventions, promoting robust community engagement and school culture, and ensuring fiscal responsibility. The plan emphasizes personalized learning, data-driven decision-making, and expanding opportunities for students and staff.

This strategic plan outlines routes for student development, aiming to prepare students for the future through a clear vision. Key areas of focus include curriculum and instruction enhancements, fostering instructional growth, providing specific student and socioemotional support, leveraging data-driven decision-making, and strengthening community and family partnerships. The plan seeks to advance academic excellence, promote student well-being, and cultivate strong community connections across all schools within the district.

The meeting included discussions and actions on various topics such as the review and approval of the board agenda, an executive session, superintendent's comments, a data presentation for 2024-25, and a second reading of Policy #8273 regarding computer network and technology use. The board also addressed personnel matters, including the acceptance of resignations, amendment of a start date for a teacher aide, approval of an agreement with an elementary teacher, and appointment of a long-term substitute teacher. Additionally, the board reviewed and approved the consent agenda, covering minutes, financial reports, co-curricular appointments, additions to the substitute teacher list, appointment of a NYSSBA Advocacy Liaison, adoption/deletion of policies, special education recommendations, and school business administrator recommendations, including agreements and contracts.

The meeting included discussions and approvals related to various topics, such as accepting grants from the Friends of the Arts, resignations from positions like Director of Facilities I and a co-curricular role, rescinding an appointment for a substitute teacher, and appointing a teacher aide. The board also approved an employment contract, unpaid leaves of absence, and adopted Policy #3421 concerning Title IX and Sex Discrimination. Additionally, the consent agenda covered items like the approval of board of education minutes, acceptance of financial reports, appointments for after school club advisors and winter coaching positions, amendments to appointment dates, additions to substitute teacher lists, annual co-curricular appointments, special education recommendations, and a speaking agreement with an author for a school visit.

The Valhalla Union Free School District Work Session/Special Meeting included a data presentation on student performance for the 2024-25 school year. The Board conducted a first reading of Policy #7440 regarding Student Voter Registration and Pre-Registration, and Policy #8273 concerning Computer Network and Technology - Acceptable Use. The board approved several unpaid leaves of absence and appointed John Fontana as a Long Term Daily Assignment Substitute Teacher. Additionally, Ida DeGiorgio was appointed as Secretary to Principal. The board approved a Supplemental Memorandum of Agreement (SMOA) between the District and the Valhalla Teachers' Association (VTA), as well as a SMOA with the Valhalla School Related Personnel Chapter of VTA. Bids for the District's 2023 Capital Project at Valhalla Middle/High School were awarded. The board also approved a change order for the 2023 Districtwide Capital Roofing Project. Furthermore, the board approved a Performance License Agreement with Tams-Witmark/Concord Theatrical, winter coaching appointments, and an amendment to the stipend for the Fall Game Day Coordinator. The meeting concluded with an anticipated executive session to discuss collective bargaining negotiations, matters exempt from Open Meeting Law - FERPA, and to receive advice from counsel.