The Board's Duties
The
Board has legal responsibility for the operation of the entire
district. The Board established the policies under which the school
district is operated, and the Superintendent of Schools is responsible
for administering the school program within the context of these
policies. The Board's duties are derived from the State Constitution,
the laws of New York State, and rulings of the State Commissioner of
Education. The Board's four main areas of responsibility are to
establish all school district policies, to develop an annual budget for
public approval, to approve or disapprove the Superintendent's
recommendations regarding personnel matters and the many contracts the
district must enter into, and to act as a two-way communications link
between residents and the Superintendent. The Board encourages parents
and residents who have a concern about school matters to try first to
resolve the problem at the level most directly involved, which is
usually the classroom teacher or the principal. If a satisfactory
solution cannot be reached at this level, contact the Superintendent of
Schools.
Mission Statement
Providing a
challenging and motivating learning environment in which the unique
differences and inherent rights of all students are recognized and
respected. This learning environment reinforces high moral values,
ethical principles and academic skills. It instills an enthusiasm for
learning while preparing students to become critical thinkers, lifelong
learners and responsible contributors to society.
Philosophy Statement
In
preparing individuals to develop their fullest potential for living in
the society of today and tomorrow, the Board of Education and the staff
of the School District:
I. Recognize their responsibility to
help meet the physical, intellectual and emotional needs of children;
particularly the needs to inquire, learn, think, and create; to
establish aesthetic, moral and ethical values; and to relate
satisfactorily to others in social situations involving family, work,
government and recreation.
II. Accept primary responsibility for
giving students mastery of the basic skills of learning, thinking and
problem-solving using a continuous progress curriculum and a
developmentally appropriate program; for teaching them to use the
various media of self-expression; for instilling in them a knowledge of
the social and natural sciences; for acquainting them with the richness
of our heritage; and for stimulating them to productive work in the
various areas of human endeavor.
III. Acknowledge the importance
of their supplemental role to the home and other social agencies in
developing habits and attitudes which make for effective personal
living, the maintenance of optimum physical and mental health, and the
establishment of sound moral, ethical, and aesthetic values. Realizing
that education, as here defined is a lifelong process, the School System
seeks to orient its graduates toward various types of post-secondary
education and further formal training and study of many types; and to
provide educational opportunities particularly suited to the needs of
adults, both as individuals and as citizens in a democracy.
District Goals
Provide
quality experiences that support students’ love of learning, and equip
all students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to be responsible
and productive citizens. Improve student performance to meet and exceed
State standards at all levels. Provide a system for sound fiscal
management of the District’s resources to ensure a quality educational
environment for all students. Promote clear and open communications
between and among the Board, students, staff and community.