Public School Update

Sadly the eight graders’ Proficiency Assessment test results were extremely disappointing. Only 30% of the 180 students enrolled were proficient or better in all three sections: math, science, and language arts.

The district now plans to provide two periods of math and language arts for the middle and high school students, starting this month. Hopefully, this will help the children get better scores in mandatory testing.

This summer the eighth graders, who were accepted to the Academies, were given intense courses in math and English. The students who are in the dual language program Somos Uno obtained higher test scores than other students.

Dr. Greico is expecting to receive more than $5 million in additional funding from the State. However, it is not known to date how these funds will be allocated.

The district needs more money for capital improvements (construction). We believe a referendum for several million dollars will be placed on the ballot in December or January. When it comes to construction plans, the voters have the final say. The Superintendent and the Board of Education are allowed to call for a referendum for capital improvements four times a year.

In 1998-99 when the Board of Education was politically appointed, the district had building plans at the cost of $92 million. Now, with an elected board we don’t believe they will be asking the voters for such an outrageous amount of money. Maybe this time the Board of Education will look into their own assets, lightening the tax burden on homeowners.

Ms. Lanfrank is the new director for the Special Education Department. She is replacing Peter Rosario and Barbara Berger. Mr. Rosario retired August 2002 and Mrs. Berger is now Principal of the Pre-kindergarten program.

The only way you can express your opinion and help our School Board make good decisions is by voting. It is important when the date of the referendum is set, that you are prepared to vote. If you are planning to be away in December or January please get an application for an absentee ballot. Don’t miss your right to vote!

The Superintendent and Board of Education should make sure that every student attending our public schools has absolute proof that he or she is a resident of the Englewood public school district. This important issue has not been properly resolved to date.

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