Here are some of the things accomplished during my four years on the board:
•An increase in the number of social workers and mental health professionals.
•Restructuring of the Special Education Department with a knowledgeable department head in place to oversee the process.
•Updating of the district website with the ability to access it in all of the languages used by the majority of the families whose children attend school in the district.
•Institution of the District's table of organization leading to greater oversight and supervision.
•Discovery of several no-show jobs and other improper uses of overtime and corrective measures put in place to address such circumstances.
•Better practices instituted in dealing with improper purchase practices and the lack of inventory control.
•Better practices in overseeing School District hiring practices and a more uniform method of determining compensation.
•The completion of an audit of the School District's human resources department together with the formation of a plan to address deficiencies.
•The institution of the CTE program together with the development of partnerships with higher education institutions and large employers.
•The increase in the number of reading teachers and student assistance providers.
•Reduction of student busing issues.
•Development of improved budgetary management processes to control expenditures and prevent improper purchasing activities.
•Reduction in student teacher ratios throughout the district.
•Creation and launch of a text messaging system improving district communication.
•Settlement of all major labor contracts.
•Modification of student disciplinary process to include restorative practices.
•Inclusion of students at all school board meetings.
•Reestablished College Partnerships
•Service Employees International Union Agreement – (35-hour work week)
•Prioritized Early Childhood Education
•Created Central Registration Center
•Strategic Planning for Career and Tech Education (CTE) Regional High School
•Established Partnerships with Safe Schools, iCan, HMJ Consulting, Hillside Work Scholarship Connection, and OnPoint •For College to provide student centered Social Emotional Learning, Mental Health, College/Career Preparation through diverse, equitable and inclusive programming
•Utica Teachers’ Association contract ratified
•Salary equity for Utica Administrators’ Association
•Developed an Athletic Coaching hiring calendar
•Presented Board with Community Foundation
•Launched District’s Webpage - ADA Compliant and Language Translatable
•Launched dedicated District FaceBook page
•Established adherence to Collective Bargaining Agreement policies and procedures
•Created Director of Career & Technical Educational (CTE) to advance District initiatives
•Developed a District Organizational Chart detailing the various job titles/positions
•Cooperated with Human Resource Consultant on assessment
•Adjusted Parent Liaisons salaries to be competitive – recruitment and retention