June 28, 2012

Vol. 1, Issue 6

A Legislative Look Back...

     "Our major obligation is not to mistake slogans

 for solutions." ~ Edward R. Murrow

     So many things were disconcerting during the final days of the 2012 NYS Legislative session, but here are my Top 3:   

     1.)  Legislation that seemed to appear out of thin air, yet was then voted on within a few days: a prime example is A10722-A/S7722-A which "Relates to determinations of appropriate educational programs for certain students". This legislation, which NYSSBA compared to a voucher bill, goes well beyond the federal law, and will pose an array of legal, financial and procedural issues for school districts. NOTE: the Governor has not yet signed the bill.   

New WPSBA Board

We are pleased to welcome our new board members:

Louis Conte, Pleasantville Douglas Glickert, Peekskill

Abby Mendelsohn, Harrison

Jennifer Rosen, Briarcliff Manor

WPSBA board member Karen Zevin (Croton-Harmon), will now serve as  Vice President. 

We also thank our retiring board members for their service:

Linnet Tse, Mamaroneck

Lynn McBride, Mount Vernon Richard Rugani, Bronxville

Anna Sterne, Dobbs Ferry

For WPSBA 2012-13 Executive Board, CLICK HERE

Quick Links

"The school is the last expenditure upon which America should be willing to economize."
~ Franklin D. Roosevelt

On the Calendar

     Congratulations on the successful completion of the 2011-2012 school year! I want to thank everyone who attended WPSBA programs this year. We look forward to seeing all of you, and many new faces at future programs.

     One quick note, we will be sending out a survey to help us prepare our programs for the coming year. Please take a few minutes to share your opinion on topics you'd like to see discussed.  Happy Summer!

                            Kendall Egan, WPSBA President    

WPSBA NYS Mandated 6-Hour Governance Seminar

Saturday, September 8th from 8:00 pm to 4:00 pm

2 Westchester Plaza, Elmsford, NY 10523

Register through your District Clerk

Fee - $150 (includes training materials & meals)

This seminar fulfills the 6 hour governance training mandated by NY State. We encourage newly elected board members to attend this local training where they'll network with neighboring board members and learn about the key issues, while focusing on those issues unique to our area. Registration and cancellation deadline is August 24th.  

WPSBA celebrated "50 Years Strong for Education," with a Gala on May 31st at Crabtree's Kittle House Restaurant in Chappaqua. The evening was emceed by MSNBC reporter and anchor Alex Witt. Throughout the evening students entertained guests with fabulous musical performances. Awards were presented to US Congresswoman Nita Lowey and to NY Senator Suzi Oppenheimer for their long-standing service to public education.  Several legislators attended and presented WPSBA with proclamations.  As we move into the next 50 years, we thank all of our 54 school districts and our advertisers for their continued support of our association and the work we do.

To view additional photos, our "50 Years" slide show, the Commemorative Journal, or to read Lisa's Gala speech, please visit our website.

 A Cartoonist in Our Midst

WPSBA board member, Stephen Jambor (Brewster), is a man of many talents, one of which is cartooning.  Here are two of his creations:

A Fond Farewell

    As the school year draws to a close, we'd like to thank and acknowledge the dedicated service of the board members and superintendents who are stepping down this year: