Creativity, Flexibility, Cooperation, and Communication Have Been Key
By Linnet Tse
On Tuesday, April 13th, exactly one year and one month after our public schools first closed due to the pandemic, Dr. Barbara Ferraro (Rye Neck Superintendent) and Dr. Robert Shaps (Mamaroneck Superintendent) provided the Local Summit audience with an update on our public schools. Both superintendents were delighted to share that their districts had just resumed full-time in-person learning for all students/families choosing that option. (Families had the option of continuing remote learning.)
While this past year was undoubtedly one of the most challenging of their careers, both superintendents felt that it turned out to be a very good year, largely due to the creativity, flexibility, and dedication of their staff and the strong partnership between families, students and staff.
Both superintendents expressed deep appreciation for the support and advocacy in Albany provided by our elected state officials, Senator Shelley Mayer and Assemblyman Steve Otis. They further applauded Westchester County Executive George Latimer and his team for being “nothing short of extraordinary” with their weekly meetings and problem-solving assistance. Dr. Shaps also praised the Westchester County Department of Health.
Impact of the Pandemic on Teaching and Learning: Some Unexpected Benefits
Addressing a frequently voiced concern that the pandemic may have caused learning gaps, particularly for our most vulnerable learners, Dr. Ferraro and Dr. Shaps both assured the audience that staff in each district has been very closely assessing and monitoring student progress. Dr. Ferraro said that Rye Neck principals are currently considering ways in which to fill in some of the gaps that may have occurred, including tutorials, extended days, and summer session, either virtually or in-person.
Despite the many challenges, there have been some unexpected benefits which are likely to continue post-pandemic. While technology had been used extensively in classrooms pre-pandemic, remote classes required teachers to integrate technology into lessons in different ways, resulting in a “more blended approach” that “optimizes the use of technology.”
Technology has also played a role in other ways. Dr. Ferraro has found video-conferencing very helpful in engaging families, and anticipates this practice to continue. Dr. Shaps noted how students from across Mamaroneck’s four elementary schools were able to get to know their peers via technology. In another example, he explained that the innovative use of technology allowed Student Support Service teachers to improve the delivery of their services.
Dr. Shaps also pointed out that the pandemic encouraged an “innovation of practice” amongst the staff, causing them to constantly ask themselves “How do I adjust? How do I pivot? What skills do I need? How do I learn those skills?”
The pandemic-induced model of small learning pods also resulted in personalized learning. Teachers worked very closely with small groups of students, enabling them to get to know each learner well, formally assess them on a day-to-day basis, and target instruction to their needs. According to Dr. Shaps, the very targeted instruction and focus on literacy and mathematics resulted in the significant literacy gains observed in students of color and students of poverty.
Looking Ahead: Budget and Space
Looking ahead to the 2021-22 school year, Rye Neck’s proposed budget is “tax-cap compliant” for the tenth consecutive year, with a 2.17% tax levy increase. The budget reflects Rye Neck’s commitment to favorable class size, a breadth and depth of course offerings, and a variety of extra-curricular opportunities. It also includes budget allocations to support the new middle school gymnasium and a new science wing at the high school, slated to open to student use in the fall of 2021.
Mamaroneck’s proposed 2021-22 budget calls for a 1.63% budget-to-budget increase and a 1.99% tax levy increase. It restores programs reduced or paused by the pandemic and includes resources to support district equity plan initiatives and to fund new/expanded curriculum initiatives and extracurricular activities, including expansion of the Dos Caminos dual language program to the 8th grade.
In response to a question from the audience about space needs in the Mamaroneck District, Dr. Shaps indicated that the District anticipates stable K-12 enrollment in the near-term. In the meantime, the Board is continuing to work with a demographer and will be considering options to address potential enrollment increases.
In closing Dr. Shaps wished Dr. Ferraro well. Dr. Ferraro will be retiring at the end of this school years after 30 years of distinguished service in the Rye Neck School District.
This forum was co-hosted by the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Local Summit and LMC Media. The Local Summit is an informal community council that seeks to make life better for all in the tri-municipal area. To learn more about The Local Summit: https://www.localsummitlm.org/. To learn more about LMC Media: https://lmcmedia.org/. The next zoom program, entitled “The Alarming Threat of Cybercrime,” will be on Tuesday, May 11, 7:45 am. A link to register for the program will be available on the Local Summit website shortly.
