During Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Jonathan Raymond pledged to take action to provide deeper, comprehensive services to support students and youth in New Rochelle – and involve them in the process of creating those programs.
“Students are at the center of our work. We see them, we hear them,” he said. His comments reiterated his declarations at a Superintendent’s Town Hall earlier in the evening. That community discussion was scheduled in the aftermath of the tragic events of two weeks ago involving two city youth. Julian Oliveras was the victim of a fatal shooting on Jan. 25, and the Board of Education held a moment of silence in his memory Tuesday.
To highlight the dedication to students by New Rochelle schools’ faculty and staff, Raymond shared an incident that happened recently at a New Rochelle school. “One of our students lost a parent in the home while the other parent was traveling out of the country,” he said. The school served as a safe haven for the grief-stricken child and the educators in the building quickly rallied to provide comfort, safety and a sense of belonging. “That commitment is unwavering” throughout our school district, Raymond said.
Highlights of the meeting:
- To increase student voice in decision-making, the position of “student liaison” to the Board of Education was created. This will provide students with the opportunity to express their views and aspirations; provide the Board and students a vehicle to exchange information; broaden the base of information available to those ultimately responsible for educational decision-making; and develop an environment that encourages understanding and trust.
- Michael Galland, Principal of host school Columbus Elementary, gave a presentation on the school’s comprehensive efforts to address unfinished learning caused by the pandemic.
- Board member William Iannuzzi (pictured), who is Mascaro Clubhouse Director at Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle, was recognized by his colleagues for having received the National AfterSchool Association’s 2022 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders Award. He was one of 20 young professionals from around the country selected for their influence on programs, organizations, and communities.
- Several board members and audience speakers offered congratulations to Shelli Owens, appointed earlier this week to be the Interim Principal of the Barnard Early Childhood Center. She succeeds Dr. Nicolas Cracco, who now works as part of the district-wide leadership team.
The next Board meeting is Tuesday, Feb. 15 at City Hall.