HFM BOCES news

HFM BOCES closes out challenging and successful year

BOE president: Changing world requires new ideas, fresh perspective

The final bell rang on Friday, June 24, bringing the 2010-11 HFM BOCES year to an end. That it interrupted District Superintendent Dr. Patrick Michel’s comments during the official closing day ceremonies did not seem to bother him.

“We are looking at a lot of change in our future, but let’s take care of the good stuff first,” he told the assembly of BOCES teachers and staff as he introduced those people who had clocked more than 20 years of service:

• Michael Jacob, Special Education Director

• Carol Ashley, Senior Account Clerk

• Craig Barker, Head Custodial Worker/Bus Driver

• Nancy Hayes, Interpreter for the Deaf

• Susan Washburn, Speech Therapist

• Christine Rocco, Teacher Aide

• Denise Brower, Senior Typist

• Diane Manners, Senior Account Clerk

All received enthusiastic applause as they were honored for 20 years of service.

Teacher aide Joyce Simek, who joined the BOCES staff in 1981, was honored for her 30 years of service.

Eight more were recognized and cheered as their retirements were honored:

• Gayle Noble

• Catherine (Anne) Kiffney

• Carolee Stoutner

• Emily Childers

• Margaret (Lisa) Lane

• Carol Pifko

• Michele Johnsen

• Claire Flanagan

Board of Education President Robert Townsend noted that it only took a couple of closing celebrations to appreciate just how many lives are changed by the work carried on at HFM BOCES, and he thanked the honorees for their dedication and service.

“Your many years of service to our BOCES, students and component schools are greatly appreciated. We are truly a richer organization because of your presence,” Mr. Townsend said.

Challenge and change

Mr. Townsend also acknowledged that the past year had been one of transition, hard work, many successes, and many challenges. Recognizing the contributions of Interim Superintendent Mark Vivacqua and especially Assistant Superintendent Dr. Lorraine Hohenforst, Mr. Townsend reflected on the transition in leadership after the death in April, 2010 of Dr. Geoffrey Davis.

“We knew the search for a new superintendent was going to be challenging and filled with difficult decisions. We are very fortunate that Dr. Michel has joined our BOCES,” Mr. Townsend said. “He brings new and different experiences, a new leadership style and fresh ideas to us and our community.

“From a program and student achievement perspective, we had a great year. You are a tremendous team that makes a difference in thousands of lives each year.

“However, the world around us is changing, and therefore changing us. Our BOCES, along with our component school districts, is struggling with the current state of education in New York. The state’s fiscal crisis, the two percent tax cap, lack of mandate relief, Regents reform, APPR (Annual Professional Performance Review), escalating health insurance and pension costs and the overall sluggish recovery of our economy have all made this a difficult year for education.

“This is causing public education to reinvent its mission, measurements and funding, and no one will be exempt from the evolution. We must be diligent in looking for opportunities to do more with less and to expand our services in order to prosper and grow.”

Mr. Townsend thanked the Board of Education, Dr. Michel and the entire HFM BOCES staff for their commitment, focus and leadership through the changing times.

“Enjoy your well deserved summer break. Take pride in what you have accomplished,” he said. “I know that this organization, as it has demonstrated so many times before, will rise above the current challenges and be a guiding light for excellence in our region.”

Effectiveness is spelled APPR

Dr. Michel picked up the changing times theme to introduce more information about the new requirements for APPR (Annual Professional Performance Review). “Your lives as professionals will change. This new model of evaluation will soon permeate the entire system.”

Dr. Michel explained how the qualifications emphasis of No Child Left Behind was being supplanted by a new federal focus on effectiveness. Evidence-based decision making will become the expected norm.

“We used to talk about the art and science of teaching. Today the art is taking a backseat. Experience and professional judgment means diddly-squat without evidence – data – to back it up,” Dr. Michel said.

He went on to explain how the APPR requirements will play out in teacher and principal evaluations, and the affect on the structure of contracts. He acknowledged that many questions remained, and no one was making their mark with useful solutions in the undefined areas.

“The APPR can be approached from a positive or negative perspective. I choose to look at it from the positive side,” Dr. Michel said. “If we are sincere and diligent, the end result will be improved leadership, teaching and learning.

“Right now the canvas is blank. We have a year to deal with this, but we would be dumb not to start now. We have the opportunity to create the model that others will copy. Our evaluation destiny is in our own hands.”