Recently, I sat down with Dr. Larry Licopoli to ask him about some of the big changes that are going on in our school district right now. Danielle Scozzafava joined me and you can watch our interview on the two videos posted on this site. (Part 1 is on this page, Part 2 is here.)  (The interview was extensive and rather than cut out Dr. Licopoli’s words we divided it into two parts. ) Some key points are summarized here; please watch the videos for more information. And you can find details of the reorganization plan here on the PCSD Web site.

There has been a lot of news recently about new positions for the administration for the district and within individual schools. Could you please tell us which positions are being vacated and by whom? Which are being eliminated? Any new positions?

Cut down five administrative positions to three

• In an effort to centralize the administration
• Saves money
• New Positions: Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education, Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education and Assistant Superintendent for Administrative and Grant Services
• Mr. Hutchinson, principal of the high school will resign at the end of June 2014
• Dr. Fine, principal of the middle school, will assume the position of Assistent Superintendent for Secondary Education as of July 2014 and will become Superintendent of Schools in July 2015
• Mary Foster, principal of Oakside Elementary, will take over as Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education
• Stacey Woodley, principal of Woodside Elementary will assume the principal position at Oakside

What processes are we utilizing to fill these positions? What kind of people are you looking for?

• Full national New York Times advertisement
• Recruiting from within
• Looking for  proven strong skill sets, candidates who are well equipped for diverse environments, an emphasis on encouraging minority and Spanish speaking/bilingual applicants

What do these changes mean for the students? How do you think they will be affected?

• Very visible changes at the secondary level
• Increased emphasis on English language learners (ELL)
• All will benefit from a more centralized administration

How have these changes affected our potential budget for the upcoming school years?

• Reduced two jobs; saves around $240,000
• Proposed budget has been organized where there will be no impact on class and athletic programs, no teacher/coach positions eliminated

Will there be any physical reorganization? If so, which buildings will be utilized?

• As of right now, grades will remain in the buildings they are now
• New idea for a “success for all academy” utilizing a portion of the Uriah Hill building (currently at 30% capacity) in an effort to assist “overage and under credit students,” or students who are sixteen and older with less than six high school credits
• Also thinking about better ways to help students who are English Language Learners
• A proposed BOCES  tech program in another part of the Uriah Hill building, if approved, can be implemented starting Fall 2014

Earlier in the year you mentioned an effort to encourage student involvement? To what extent has the administration achieved this? How do you see this continuing in the future?

• Believes there is a stronger student voice, especially with the high school and middle school student councils. There have been three symposia with a small number of the high school students.
• Notices an opportunity for a well-organized and sophisticated democracy in the high school student body
• Planning on having student committees for the choice of individual building principals; wants to include students in the hiring process
• Has implemented  a plan to survey students on what they’re looking for in their new principals

 Thank you Dr. Licopoli