Ogdensburg school discusses goals

OGDENSBURG — David Astor, the superintendent/principal, and Marilyn Cuykendall presented the school budget for 2016-17 year.
Astor opened the presentation by discussing the school budget priorities. He said one priority will be to focus on the academics and student well-being. A few other priorities is to closely monitor cost per pupil data, comply with the administrative CAP restrictions and Tax Levy Cap Law and balance the educational needs of the students with the means of the taxpayers.
Astor further discussed the 2015-16 accomplishments that Ogdensburg school enhanced writing prompt initiative; had effective online educational support; for example Sumdog and Lexia, etc.; maintained school choice program (a wide selection of programs offering students and their families options to publicly provided schools); had a strong PARCC participation and broadened green ribbon school activities and successful comprehensive character education activities.
The district objectives Astor explained to the Board of Education members, the faculty and the residents was to introduce STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs for students, to expand technology/professional growth opportunities for teachers, improve instructional technology in the classrooms which is an “ongoing goal,” enhance physical security in the school and Ogdensburg will provide their own certified Algebra I program, and eliminate the program provided Wallkill Valley Regional High School.
“This is not a negative reflection on Wallkill but a positive reflection on our faculty,” Astor said.
The next section Astor explained was the expectations for 2016-17 school year. One expectation is to expand the Green initiative, partnership with the community and maintain goals. Astor said that pertaining to instruction, the objective is to assess math scope and the sequences based on PARCC and Common Core alignment. Focus specific staff meetings discussing ELA, Math, Science/SS and other special areas.
Astor continued explaining the 2016-17 capital improvements for the school. The building and grounds issues that will be addressed are to upgrade the kitchen hood, the bridge and pavements are going to be repaired and replaced, repairs to the heating system and replacements of univents.
In addition Astor said that Phase 1 of the security plan will be implemented and cameras will be installed on the second floor. He also explained that the Board of Education is looking at different doors to increase safety of the school.