The Manhasset Board of Education column will appear periodically throughout the year in the Manhasset Press. We hope to inform the community about the goals of the school district and the challenges of education in New York State. As we begin this endeavor, we seek and encourage community reaction and input for future column ideas to achieve our district goals. It is our hope that this column becomes a vehicle that provides you with the information you want and need to know.

Within the last several weeks Manhasset students completed Regents, mid-term exams and mid-year projects. The fourth grade English Language Arts test was given and we registered youngsters of the Class of 2014, next fall's kindergartners. The second half of the 2000-2001 school year is now under way.

While the all-important business of learning continues in the classroom, so does the business of governing the school district. The mid-year checkpoint provides the board an opportunity to encourage residents to attend a Board of Education meeting to learn more about what's happening in your schools. Meetings are generally held on the first and third Thursday of each month in the Secondary School Board Room beginning at 8 p.m.

In addition to official board business, board meeting agendas include reports from administrators and frequently, presentations by students, staff, board appointed committees, and school committees. As an example, February meetings included reports from: AP government students on the results of their November election day exit poll; officers of the Community Coalition Against Substance Abuse (CASA) on their efforts toward securing funding for hiring a community coordinator; and Barbara Barry, director of special education, on the goals of the department and the progress of the Committee to Study Special Education. Staff reports included a staffing update and a draft of the 2001-2002 calendar by Dr. Thomas Dolan, assistant superintendent for personnel; and a budget overview by Joseph Marchesiello, assistant superintendent for business.

In coming months, agenda items will include: a proposal to replace the CSMP Elementary Math Program; the District's State Report Card; Remedial Reading Program Report; Elementary Foreign Language Committee Report; and the Regents Requirement Review Committee Report. Meeting dates are listed in the school calendar, posted at each school building, and announced in the Manhasset Press, Schools in Action and Channel 72, the district's educational station. Copies of the agenda are available to the public on the Monday immediately prior to each board meeting. Call the Community Services Office at 627-4400, ext. 2100 for more information.

The board welcomes community participation at board meetings by providing two opportunities for public comment; one immediately following special presentations and another following reports and recommendations. Public comment cards are distributed to attendees on which questions and ideas can be submitted in writing to the board. If you are not able to attend a meeting, be sure to review the highlights of the agenda in subsequent issues of the Manhasset Press.

As a way to discern the needs and desires of the school district and its residents, and to allow for meaningful participation of the community, the board annually appoints citizens to advisory committees on school finance, continuing education, athletics and summer center. Ad hoc and special committees are also formed as required. While the ultimate authority for making decisions rests with the board, these committees contribute to the educational process. Their recommendations enhance the effectiveness of our decision-making.

In February, the board approved appointments to the Citizens' Advisory Committee on finance and heard the preliminary report on the 2001-2002 budget. These actions signal the beginning of the budget discussion and communication process in preparation for the May 15 budget vote. The CAC, whose membership includes local residents who are broadly representative of community interests, attitudes and backgrounds, will be meeting in February and March to review and study the proposed superintendent's budget. By April 5, they will provide a culminating report that advises the board as to the acceptability of the proposed aggregate budget change. During this time the board will be reviewing proposed staffing, curriculum and instructional initiatives projected revenues and capital projects.

As a board, we value the participation of residents, parents, staff and students at our board meetings as well as their service on district and school committees. Involvement of the community in the interest of children is a quality that makes Manhasset a unique and desirable place to live, work and raise children. Taken together, the positive efforts of the board, staff and community ensure that we provide a quality education for our children of all abilities and talents. Further, these collective efforts enable business efficiency while remaining accountable to the Manhasset taxpayers.

The board welcomes and encourages comments and participation from residents. In this way, we can be more effective in our role.