Dear South Orangetown Students, Families and Staff,
It has been a busy fall in our District, with our schools continuing their work on the Profile of a Graduate–-key qualities and competencies that every student will be expected to achieve over the course of their K-12 experience. This district-wide effort encompasses curriculum alignment, the development of assessment rubrics, a focus on endpoint grades 2, 5, 8, and 12, and a plan for disseminating this information to staff, students and families. The final profile will include characteristics and skills students will develop to be successful academically, socially and in life.
Our 2024-25 budget development process has begun; the Board of Education held its first budget workshop on December 14. Consistent with years past, our leadership team is working to preserve the high-quality education our community expects and actively identify efficiencies to keep our budget within the tax cap and ensure long term financial stability. As we monitor revenue, expense and enrollment projections, our team is also looking at fiscally responsible ways to reimagine our educational program. One area we have begun to look at is scheduling at the secondary level, with the goal of efficiently optimizing opportunities for interest-based electives. This month, TZHS hosted its Elective Fair and high school students began visiting with SOMS students to share their experiences in various pathways. As we expand and extend interest pathways into middle school, students will be able to set goals and begin planning their intended course of study as they prepare to enter ninth grade, which will make it easier to predict course registration and staffing needs.
To help us develop strategic district goals as we move into 2024-25 and beyond, the District will launch its School Community Survey in January to gather input from parents, students, staff and community members. Your voice matters and I look forward to hearing from you.
In the meantime, the upcoming December Recess is a wonderful time to relax, reflect and surround ourselves with family and friends. Wishing everyone a happy and healthy holiday season!
Sincerely,
Brian Culot, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools