Board of Education President Laura Slack spoke in recognition of September 11, stating, "We appreciate you being here but we acknowledge the pain of this event and our thoughts are with those people who were affected." Superintendent of Schools Dr. Alvarez also extended condolences to those impacted on this day in 2001 and noted that many of the schools commemorated September 11 earlier in the day with lessons and tributes.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Alvarez presented a report to the Board of Education. He reported that the start of the 2012-13 school year was successful when schools reopened on September 5. He also highlighted several achievements including the following: AP Scholar Awards were presented by the College Board to a number of High School students and recent graduates, the Garnet & Black High School newspaper was awarded a silver medal by the Columbia Scholastic Press, and Midland and Osborn Schools were identified as "Reward Schools" under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act Flexibility Waiver. Dr. Alvarez also discussed summer initiatives that took place, including an administrative retreat, new staff orientation, and preliminary development of District Goals. With Student Achievement at the Center, the other goals are Teacher Effectiveness, Fiscal Responsibility, Culture of Caring, and Community Engagement. Lastly, Dr. Alvarez announced that he has started a Twitter page, which all are invited to follow, where he will be sharing District announcements and important news in the world of education.

The Board adopted the 2012-13 Annual Professional Performance Review plan, and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Dr. Mary Anne Evangelist discussed the plan in more detail. APPR is an unfunded mandate required by New York State, and this is its introductory year in the District. Dr. Evangelist noted that the development of the 2012-13 plan has been a lengthy process that began last spring, and involved negotions with and training of administrators and teaching staff. She expressed appreciation for all input received from staff members. Dr. Evangelist read the following introduction from the New York State Department of Education document, Guidance on New York State's Annual Professional Performance Review for Teachers and Principals to Implement Education Law Section 3012-c and the Commisioners Regulations:   

"The New York State Board of Regents has committed to the transformation of the preparation, support, and evaluation of all teachers and school leaders in New York State. Chapter 21 of the Laws of 2012 amended Education Law §3012-c to fundamentally change the way teachers and principals are evaluated. The purpose of the evaluation system is to ensure that there is an effective teacher in every classroom and an effective leader in every school. The evaluation system will also foster a culture of continuous professional growth for educators to grow and improve their instructional practices."

The Board approved a gift in the amount of $11,750 from the High School Parent Organization for a new sound system in the gymnasium, as well as a $4,000 gift from the Niehaus family for a Niehaus Family Scholarship renewal. 

Assistant Superintendent for Business Kathleen Ryan presented an update on summer facilities projects. She discussed some of the larger projects, particularly the new gas line that is being installed to provide lower-cost heating for the MS/HS, four student restrooms that were completely renovated at the MS/HS prior to the start of school, and completed installation of a new AC unit in the MS/HS Media Center. The design work for the science classroom addition and locker room renovation at the High School is in progress. The work to date is on target, although still in the very early stages.