District Resources
A Message from Dr. Marilyn C. Terranova, Superintendent of Schools
Dear Eastchester Parents and Community,
This week’s Journal News highlighted the Eastchester Schools as part of an extensive 5-part series on Education. Eastchester stands out as one of several districts that are providing a top-notch education, with high test score results, for a better price than many other districts in our area. For details on the series, go to www.thejournalnews.com. There are online articles, video clips, and pictures.
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| Dr. Marilyn C. Terranova Superintendent of Schools |
Being featured as one of the most successful school districts in the area likely comes as no surprise to those of you who have children in our schools. Parents tell me all the time how pleased they are with our academic programs and the opportunities for children to excel in the arts and athletics.
Success comes with a price. Educating children in today’s demanding and competitive world is an expensive proposition. While Eastchester is doing a good job at balancing cost and program, we still have a major issue to tackle – the increasing enrollment in our Middle School and High School.
These buildings are being used to capacity right now. We do not expect enrollment to go down, or to level off any time soon. In fact, we anticipate continued growth. An enrollment projection study commissioned by the Board suggests that moderate growth will result in a total student population of 3241 by the 2014-15 school year. Growth projected at a high rate will result in a total population of 3266. Our present enrollment is 3023. The complete study, and a cover sheet with highlights, will be available on our website at www.Eastchester.k12.ny.us.
Our Board of Education and our district administrative team continue to work diligently to find ways to resolve this issue. We most recently met on Wednesday, January 16 at a special Board meeting. There was a good turnout from the community. The Board heard comments from many residents about some preliminary renovation/expansion plans that the Board is evaluating.
The next step is for the Board to incorporate the input from the community, making any desired changes to a preliminary proposal made by our architects. The plans would outline suggested renovations and/or additions to the Middle School and High School.
I anticipate that the Board will work over the next few days to finalize a proposal to be shared with the public at our next Board meeting, Tuesday, January 22, at 8pm in the Library Media Center. Representatives from KG& D Architects and Andron Construction will be at the meeting as well.
Finally, I would like to remind you that while we are ever mindful of
the pressure on taxpayers, it is the fiduciary responsibility of the
Board of Education and this administration to ensure that all our children
are being educated in appropriate space. We have an excellent academic
program in place and it is our responsibility to maintain it for present
and future students.
Please stay involved as we continue to work together for our children.
I hope you will be able to attend our January 22 BOE meeting.
Sincerely,
Dr. Marilyn C. Terranova
Superintendent of Schools