Issue October 2010 SAANYS – Your voice, your source, your association Vol. XXXIX No. 7 Highlights

The Teacher and Principal SAANYS Announces Executive Viewpoint Evaluation Law – New Mentor/Coach Program News Round Up What You Need to Know 2 To say that there is an abundance of – discussion and speculation about the new Teacher and Principal Evaluation Law (3012-c) is an understatement. Despite Annual Conference the fact that it will be spring before the State Education Department (SED) is expected to introduce 3 the regulations for the actual implementation of the law, educators want to know now what to expect and how to plan. – In response, SAANYS has developed the enclosed “What You Need to Know” brochure regarding the law. The brochure Board of Regents provides an overview of the law and important things that L to R (back row): Dave Rausch, Mike Robinson, Jim Collins, Chris Barry, Jim Cannon, Meeting Highlights members need to consider, including the effects of the law Geoff Grace, Jim Dillon, Gwen McKinnon, Marie Cianca, Jo Ellen Gibbons, and and impending regulations on contract negotiations. John Voerg. L to R (front row): Kate Sharpe (OPC Trainer), Frank Galizia (OPC Trainer), Mark Turner, 4 Members are urged to frequently visit the new page at Bonnie Tryon, and Mike Dawkins. saanys.org dedicated to 3012-c. There, members will find an – exhaustive guidance document from SAANYS’ director of SAANYS has a highly successful, multifaceted Professional government relations, updates from SED as they are released, Development On Demand Program that supports members’ Legal Update: and other resources as the regulations are developed. Find professional growth and development. From this work, this information by visiting the Members Only area at it became apparent that not all members had access to Fighting for Members’ saanys.org and watch for more from SAANYS on this issue. mentor/coaching programs in their districts, and across the Rights... and Winning! state, only some BOCES and large schools provided formal, research-based programs for their school leaders. As such, Contract Settlements October is National a gap existed. In addition, often times school leaders found themselves working with teacher mentors without having 5 Principals Month experienced the benefits of ever having a mentor/coach themselves. – To recognize the essential role that principals play in The SAANYS Mentor/Coach Program: The Roots of preparing today’s students for the challenges of tomorrow, Hence, “ Success the National Association of Secondary School Principals and ,” has been developed to fill a gap that has existed too Professional the National Association of Elementary School Principals long – the opportunity to grow from having a mentor/coach. Development Workshops have declared October 2010 as National Principals Month. Pictured above, are the 15 recently trained SAANYS mentors/ Principals are among the hardest working, yet often least coaches that will be working with mentees from 6 recognized individuals in education. Principals set the schools. The mentors have been trained by experts from the academic tone for their schools, and it is their vision, Ontario Principals’ Council and its internationally acclaimed – dedication, and determination that provide the mobilizing MentoringCoaching Program. The SAANYS Mentor/Coach Program is for all school administrators who feel that they force behind any school reform effort. National Principals Recycle Your Resources Month seeks to honor these unsung heroes for their tireless would benefit from the knowledge and guidance of someone who has successfully “been there, done that.” efforts in pursuit of excellence in education. 7 In tandem with the NASSP and NAESP declaration, the US If you are interested in learning more about the SAANYS Senate has passed S. Res. 607, a resolution introduced by Mentor/Coach Program, call Jim Collins at (518) 782-0600 – Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-SD) that honors principals for their and watch more details coming soon. contributions to student success and marks the month of October 2010 as National Principals Month. SAANYS 39th Annual Conference – Register online NOW! SAANYS 39th Annual Conference November 7-8, 2010

Keynote Speakers Alan November SPONSORED BY VIRCO

Allyson Knox, Microsoft

Commissioner David Steiner

Periodicals Postage Paid SAANYS Welcomes More New Units: Byram Hills Administrators Association, Region 4 – 20 members

Mayfield Administrators Association, Region 6 – 4 members

Plainedge Administrators Association, Region 2 – 14 members www.saanys.org (518) 782-0600 October 2010 others engaged in technical environment and will work. Moreover, anyone take questions directly 2 engaged in collective from the audience. Executive Viewpoint bargaining on behalf of their Workshop sessions Kevin S. Casey, Executive Director unit should be familiar with will cover a variety of this law, as it defers to the technology related issues, School Administrators negotiating process several curriculum development, Association of New York State aspects of the evaluation, assessments, and common Ongoing Support improvement plans, and the core standards. I urge you Vol. XXXIX No. VI appeals process. to join us at the conference SAANYS News & Notes for All Our Members to help yourself stay It is becoming clear that (USPS 025-346) is published current. monthly with the exception of June, education as a whole is July, and August, by the School undergoing a transformation. Additionally, SAANYS has Administrators Association of New In this edition of News impacts any administrator Just consider the adoption of developed a New York State, 8 Airport Park Blvd., & Notes we include an who evaluates teachers, common core standards, the Principals Institute to Latham, NY 12110. insert that provides a specifically requiring development of assessments assist new principals as Phone: 518-782-0600 summary of the Teacher evaluators, regardless of linked thereto, teacher prep they grow into their new Fax: 518-782-9552 and Principal Evaluation title, to undergo evaluation programs becoming more roles. Separate and apart, SAANYS is chartered as a Law, as well as directions training. I also expect that clinical in nature, the rise of we’ve announced a professional association by the New to access a page on the evaluators will be involved York State Education Department charter schools and merit mentoring/coaching Members Only section of in the appeals of those who and is affiliated with NASSP and pay systems, along with the program designed to NAESP. our website where more have been evaluated, and teacher/principal evaluation provide professional detailed information will need to be prepared to A copy of each issue of News & Notes law. SAANYS realizes it is support (see page 1), shall be sent to each SAANYS member. regarding the law resides. defend those evaluations. essential for us to develop regardless of title or $7.15 of each member’s annual dues This page will be regularly shall be for a year’s subscription to this The involvement of our supports for our members, years of service, and will publication. updated as the work of members does not end and equally essential for our continue to present free the statewide advisory Periodicals Postage Paid Latham, NY and there. There are proponents members to avail themselves anti-bullying programs additional post offices. committee advances, and of (to the extent possible) of those supports. around the state. We are POSTMASTER: Send address changes to implementing regulations extending negotiated working hard to provide News & Notes, SAANYS, are promulgated. There Keeping pace with 8 Airport Park Blvd., Latham, NY 12110. evaluation systems to all forums and content that are appropriate subject developing changes has members of a bargaining is helpful to you, while links, and both negotiating never been more unit, regardless of title, so being very mindful that SAANYS Officers & Staff suggestions and model challenging. We have as to avoid having multiple much of the benefit President, Peter Kruszynski* evaluation systems will be designed our annual evaluation systems for derived from this type of Lancaster CSD posted as the regulatory conference (November 7-8) administrators in the same programming comes from President-Elect, Fred Kirsch* details evolve. to be supportive in this bargaining unit. There will the interchange among Past President, Bonnie Tryon* regard. In addition to a I think it would be a be greater reliance on the colleagues. Please join us Executive Director keynote by Alan November, mistake to think that timeliness and sophistica- in helping each other grow. Kevin S. Casey Commissioner Steiner will among our members, this tion of our data systems, I hope to see you in Deputy Executive Director present an overview of law impacts only thereby impacting some of November. Don Nickson a changing educational Associate Executive Director principals. It directly our BOCES members and for Communications Michelle B. Hebert Coordinator of Publications Terry L. Schell Director of Corporate Services/ Advertising News Round Up Deborah Taylor Board of Directors Region 1 Jose Suarez, Jr. High-Need Schools Get a Boost Vincent Veglia The New York State Education Department is one of 62 Matthew Springer, executive director of the National Center Region 2 applicants to be awarded a portion of the Teacher Incentive on Performance Incentives. “These findings should raise the TBD Mark Barth Fund (TIF) grant competition from the US Department of level of the debate to test more nuanced solutions, many Region 4 Education. of which are being implemented now across the country, to reform teacher compensation and improve student Nadine Jackson-Ivey* The state will be allocated $19,816,409 for the first two Alan Alterbaum achievement.” years of the five-year program intended to strengthen the Region 5 John Etri education profession by rewarding excellence, attracting Visit www.saanys.org/membersonly/research_studies.asp Holly Eikszta teachers and principals to high-need and hard to staff areas, to download the study. Region 6 and providing all teachers and principals with the feedback. Michael Piccirillo New York State’s project will be led by a partnership Pay to Learn? Christine Foglia between SED; the New York City Department of Education; Parents in California are saying enough to a growing list of Region 7 the city school districts of Rochester, Syracuse and Yonkers; Andrea Miller fees being charged by school districts for such things as and by a non-profit organization to be selected. Lisa Silver participation in sports and arts, according to the American Region 8 Additional projects have also been awarded to applicants Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Southern California. Craig Ferretti from New York State: Frank Sutliff The New York Times reports that the ACLU has filed a suit Region 9 • NYC Department of Education ($36,489,532) – 75 schools against the State of California, claiming that the state has Joyce Carr will participate in the program. “failed to protect the right to a free public education.” The Lorraine Paushter suit, which names two anonymous student plaintiffs, points Region 10 • The Center for Educational Innovation ($9,412,900) – to 35 districts that advertise various fees for participation. James Werbeck will partner with six high-need public charter schools Dean Goewey in Buffalo. “What’s new here is that this is not about funding levels for Region 11 education, but about whether districts are charging kids Karl Thielking* • Center for Educational Innovation ($9,145,496) – will to get a public education,” said Michael Griffith, a school Bruce Gorman partner with seven high-need public charter schools finance analyst at the Education Commission of the States, Region 12 in New York City. Terrence Redman to the New York Times. “That’s a brand-new argument. I Jill Pellis • Achievement First, Inc. ($6,331,875) – to support wouldn’t be surprised to see groups in other states adopt Retiree Representative the Teacher Career Pathway performance-based the same line of reasoning.” Ron Black compensation model. Rochester City Tell the Kids ... College Pays Off Vicki Gouveia Does Bonus Pay Work? Study Says, No. Syracuse City Trying to convince your students to get on the college Arthur Grimes Rewarding teachers with bonus pay, in the absence of track? A new study from the College Board might help. NASSP Coordinator any other support programs, does not raise student test The recent report released Sept. 21, “Education Pays: The TBD scores, according to a new study issued by the National Benefits of Higher Education for Individuals and Society,” NAESP Representative Center on Performance Incentives at Vanderbilt University’s reports that college completion pays. The study found Stuart Pollak Peabody College of Education and Human Development in that people with bachelor’s degrees, on average, currently * denotes Executive Committee partnership with the RAND Corporation. member earn about 66 percent more than those with a high school Paying teachers bonuses based on their performance has diploma, during their lifetime, and about 42 percent more been a controversial issue nationwide since the 1950s, than those with an associate degree. The report also notes but until now the concept has never been scientifically that people with college degrees are far less likely than researched, according to Vanderbilt. others to experience unemployment or live in a poverty- level household. “We tested the most basic and foundational question related www.saanys.org to performance incentives – Does bonus pay alone improve Download the report at www.saanys.org/membersonly/ (518) 782-0600 student outcomes? – and we found that it does not,” said research_studies.asp. th SAANYS 39 Annual Conference November 7-8, 2010 October 2010 3 DATES to Remember:)

October National Principals Month

October 21 Are You Sure They Are Keynote Speakers Telling The Truth? Alan November Henrietta, NY Register online SPONSORED BY VIRCO Raffle Giveaways! www.saanys.org/events For Alan, it’s not the technology itself that is Prizes include: important; it’s the way we use it. He thrives on confirming and challenging educators’ thoughts November 7-8 about what’s possible in the world of teaching 2 iPads compliments of SAANYS Annual Conference and learning. More than anything, he is a Saratoga Springs, NY teacher at heart, with a wealth of experience teaching learners of all ages. November 14-20

American Education Week Allyson Knox, Microsoft SPONSORED BY CASTLE LEARNING ONLINE

Allyson manages Microsoft’s partnership with the November 17 Corporation for National and Community Service Education Support focused on the START (Service & Technology BOSE Entertainment System Professionals Day Academic Resource Team) project, and represents Microsoft on the Partners for 21st Century Skills Smart Response with 32 “clickers” board. This prize will be given away at the November 18

Commissioner David Steiner Pre-Conference session presented by SMART. National Parental Involvement Day Formerly the dean of the School of Education at the City University of New and a “Mixed Reality” York, Commissioner Steiner is best known for New Document Camera December 10 his leadership of the national effort to transform Are You Sure They Are teacher preparation and improve teacher quality. Telling The Truth? Brentwood, NY Workshop Descriptions: Register online • Mobile Learning Devices in the Classroom • Interactive Student Video Conferencing www.saanys.org/events Ed Garcia, Haverstraw School District Steven Orcutt, Monroe #1 BOCES As a national debate continues regarding the use of cell phones in Learn how students discover various forms of energy transformation schools, the North Rockland CSD has taken an innovative step in through hands-on activities and live communication with a science expert. using technology to show that mobile learning devices can motivate, engage, and enhance education while offering students learning • How to Work Less, Produce More, and Still Get the opportunities outside of their regular school day. Job Done in a Sensible School Week Malachi Pancoast, The Breakthrough Coach • 21st Century Leading and Learning with the Brain in Mind The methodology introduced in this workshop has been proven to multiply the time principals spend in classrooms by 500%, reduce their weekly work Steve Danna, Hadley-Luzerne Central School District load by 20 hours, and generate a corresponding rise in student achievement. Participants will learn how technology and 21st Century society are impacting how children’s brains process information and what we as • Guidelines for Various Technology Tools in K-12 leaders can do about it. Education Deborah Arlington, Erie 1 BOCES/WNYRIC • Online Learning for NYS High School Students – It’s About Time Learn the do’s and don’ts, tips and tricks from an experienced technology service coordinator on key tools used in school districts: e-mail, social networking, Jim Dailey, Erie 1 BOCES/WNYRIC and district websites. What can online learning do for students and is it cost effective? Is your school ready for fully online, blended, or online enhanced instruction? • Gen Y Students = Gen Y Classrooms: Redesigning This presentation will identify and examine online instruction for Instruction for the 21st Century Hyper-Connected students and the possibilities versus the pitfalls. Paige Jaeger, WSWHE BOCES • Tech Field Trips: From Sketch to Reality This session will present characteristics, cautions, and recommendations for Jim Dailey, Erie 1 BOCES/WNYRIC instructional redesign to reach today’s hyper-connected generation.

Add challenge and excitement to your school with cutting edge • 21st Century Innovative Curriculum Development technology, creative opportunities, and higher order thinking skills. Dan Drmacich, Rochester City School District • Using Assessments and Data to Take Common Core Workshop participants will experience a curriculum development process Standards to Extraordinary Levels that will facilitate student intrinsic motivations, teacher ownership and Eric W. Neal, ACT, Inc. creativity, and the teaching and learning of 21st Century Learning Skills that will prepare students for college, the world of work, and our society. This workshop will provide attendees with innovative, research- based solutions to better monitor and measure NY standards and promote college and career readiness at key transitional grade levels. Pre-Conference Sessions 00 OFF PER The Nine Strengths of a Resilient Leader Presented by Dr. Diane Reed, $25 PERSON Co-director, Educational Leadership Program, St. John Fisher College SAANYS 39th Annual Conference in cooperation with the NYS Association for Women in Administration for multiple registrants from the same district on Full Conference Registration Useful or Useless: Coupon must be submitted with the applicable conference registration forms and payment to qualify for discount. Identifying and Measuring Effective and Appropriate Use of Technology An interactive presentation by Smart Technology Coupon applies to Full Conference Registration ONLY. It cannot be applied to hotel registration or meal packages. Download registration forms at www.saanys.org/events. www.saanys.org Code: Oct.N&N (518) 782-0600 CAPITOL UPDATE 4 October 2010 Search Your Site saanys.org Executive Director Kevin Casey (second from right) is an September Highlights of the honored guest at a roundtable discussion and meet and greet with US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan during Duncan’s Board of Regents Meeting visit to NYSUT headquarters in Albany as part of his back to SAANYS’ website school tour. Other guests included (from L to R) Congressman Paul Tonko, Senior Deputy Commissioner John King, and has the information After taking its annual one-month hiatus, the board of Commissioner of Education David Steiner. regents convened in Albany on September 13 and 14. you need. A summary of the meeting’s discussions and actions follows: New page dedicated Federal Competitive Grant Application Programs to the Principal and Chancellor Merryl Tisch and Commissioner David Steiner Teacher Evaluation opened the meeting in a celebratory manner describing Law. Find it in the salient aspects of the Race to the Top (RTTT) and state assessment grant awards. Members Only pull New York State will receive almost $700 million through the down menu at Race to the Top program. The commissioner pointed out www.saanys.org. that only one state (Massachusetts) scored higher than New York, and that the state’s application was strong in all areas. Don’t forget that you can use School districts will be allocated approximately 70 percent Secretary of Education Arne Duncan (right) talks with the Custom Google Search at of the award, either directly or through separate RFPs. The education leaders in Albany on August 30. Kevin Casey the top right side of the page state education department is still awaiting information pictured far left. to find exactly what you’re from the US Department of Education regarding the year-to- looking for! year proportions of funds to be allocated over the four-year span of the grant, but overall the allocations are expected “A Critical Moment: to be “backloaded.” Senior Deputy Commissioner John King indicated that the department is involved in RTTT budget Child and Youth Homelessness discussions with federal government officials, expected to Welcome be completed by September 17. School district allocations in Our Nation’s Schools” are expected to be posted by November 22. The chancellor New Members described the award of the grant as “The beginning of a For the second year in a row, the number of homeless Doris Ainslie transformative moment and the beginning of a lot of work.” youth in our nation has increased significantly, according to a new brief from First Focus, a bipartisan child advocacy Jeffrey Alger The US Department of Education also set aside $330 million organization. The number of homeless youth (preK–12) grew Robert Amster for awards to two consortia states for the development from 679,724 students in 2006-07 to 956,914 students in 2008- Diane Arbes of new assessments, designed to provide teachers more 09 — representing an astounding 41 percent spike over that Colleen Armstrong frequent feedback on student progress. The assessments time period. And while an infusion of $70 million in federal Michael Baio are to include more varied and challenging items (as stimulus funds has helped some districts meet increased Laura Ballou opposed to “answer bubble” items), aligned with core demands, those funds will soon run out, leaving the future EvaDawn Bashaw standards. Commissioner Steiner indicated that the 26-state Michael Bennett of vital services in the hands of Congress. “Schools are consortium, in which New York is included as a “governing Mitch Bickman uniquely positioned to provide safety, structure, and state,” will receive approximately $170 million. He also Alison Bird services for homeless children,” said Bruce Lesley, president emphasized the expectation that state assessments will Christopher Borsari of First Focus. “Due to the continuation of the economic migrate from pencil-paper to multi-media platforms. Lori-Anne Brogdon crisis, it is imperative that Congress maintain the increased Kenneth Brown King pointed out that because the funds received through investments in programs assisting homeless children and Marty Buchnowski the two grant programs are largely categorical (for specified families.” Donna Bushey purposes), they cannot be used to address the department’s The brief, “A Critical Moment: Child and Youth Homelessness Deborah Bussewitz ongoing deficits for the state assessment program. (In fact, in Our Nation’s Schools,” analyzed data from the US Christopher Caban the use of the federal funds to support the current state Department of Education as well as a national survey Debi Cagliostro assessment program is expressly prohibited.) of more than 2,200 school districts. The districts most Marisa Capuano Ginene Carroll frequently pointed to the economic downturn as the reason Barbara Cesario Annual Professional Performance Reviews for the increase in youth homelessness, followed by greater Kenneth Chawgo school and community awareness of homelessness, and the The Board of Regents adopted an amendment of section Yannie Chon foreclosure crisis. Susan Clark 100.2(o) of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Suzanne Coletti Education relating to annual professional performance The double-edged sword of the $70 million in funds from the Kenneth Cotrone reviews for teachers. The regulation establishes American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) proved Daryl Cranston requirements for the inclusion of student performance data to be a growing concern among districts. According to the Nicholas Criscone in the evaluation of teachers, beginning with the 2011-12 survey, the stimulus funds more than doubled the number of Allison Curran school year. Commissioner Steiner said that a 43-member school districts receiving assistance through the McKinney- Robert Curtis Regents Task Force on teacher and principal effectiveness Vento Act’s Education for Homeless Children and Youth Shana Cutaia will advise the department in regard to implementation of (EHCY) program. However, that funding will soon dissipate Lawrence Dake the enhanced APPR requirements. See story on page one for the schools lucky enough to have been using the extra Christopher D’Ambrese and special insert to this newsletter. aid to increase academic support, provide transportation, Patti Davis expand outreach and identification efforts, and enhance Lisa Day Principal Preparation Pilot Programs relationships with community partners. Joseph DeMartino Barry Derfel During the discussion of this item, Commissioner Steiner Even with the ARRA money, less than one in five school Anthony DeRiso indicated that the department has received a substantial districts nationally received any support through either the Perry Dewey “push back” from the field regarding the establishment of stimulus education funds or the annual McKinney-Vento Maureen Dockery accountability procedures for school superintendents that funding. With inadequate funding severely impeding access Lauren Donohue correspond with the enhanced requirements being put in to services, many barriers remain to educating homeless Scott Exford place for teachers and principals. youth, districts reported. At the top of the list, districts Barbara Fagan-Zelazny cited a lack of affordable housing as the greatest hindrance, Mary Fayne Simpson Reporting Data Related to High School Graduation followed by difficulty identifying homeless students, Deanna Ferro transportation to the school of origin, and meeting basic The Board of Regents discussed but declined to act upon an needs. continued on page 5 item related to publishing graduation data by disaggregating the number and proportion of graduates who score 80 or First Focus and the National Association for the Education better on the mathematics Regents examination and 75 or of Homeless Children and Youth, who helped facilitate the better on the English Regents examination. The additional survey, urge Congress to maintain current funding levels for data display was intended to equate with the revised cut 2011. “Congress should appropriate at least $140 million — points implemented in July 2010 for the state assessments the combined amount for ARRA and EHCY appropriations,” www.saanys.org mathematics and ELA assessments administered in grades the brief stated. “This funding will allow school districts to (518) 782-0600 continued on page 6 continued on page 8 A member facing disciplinary charges sued his district LEGAL UPDATE in Region 11 (Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Seneca, October 2010 Wayne, Yates) for age discrimination. The member’s civil 5 suit was withdrawn in exchange for the disciplinary charges A Report From being withdrawn; a percentage of salary was retroactively New Members added to the member’s base salaries going back four years, continued from page 4 André Dalbec plus his collective bargaining increments; and, the member SAANYS Counsel was made eligible for the recent state retirement incentive. [email protected] Chris Fiorentino Upon the retirement of a member in Region 12 Carol Fisher Peter Fronk (Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Angela Garcia Niagara, Orleans, Wyoming), the member’s district Tammy Ghirardi decided not to fill the vacancy, but rather sought to Joseph Gilfus transfer the work to a “teacher on special assignment.” Kenneth Gilligan SAANYS intervened and the parties settled with the district John Goodson Fighting for Members’ Rights... recognizing “exclusivity of work” belonging to the unit. Rich Gray Marie Guilfu and Winning Michael Gulino Debra Heitman-Cayea A new member in Region 4 (Dutchess, Putnam, Lisa Hoffman Hot Off the Bench Steve Hoffman Westchester) was injured but able to work, however, the Tim Houseknecht superintendent demanded that the member not show up School Officials Not Entitled Regina Humphries to work until fully recovered. The superintendent also Robert Husain demanded letters from the member’s doctor as to her to Qualified Immunity in Strip Aaron Johnson condition, despite the fact that the member did not put Verdel Jones in for leave. Believing that she would be placed on forced Searches of Students Margaret Jones-Carey leave, the member sought assistance from SAANYS and was David Kasprowicz advised that the superintendent’s request of a note as to Stephen Kellerman At an undetermined date between 2005 and 2008, 11 the member’s health condition, when it was not required Marie Kish students sued an Ohio school district and several school of others, was improper. In the end, the district relented, John Patrick Klocek officials, asserting that the defendants violated the fourth apologized to the member, and made mutually acceptable Nicole Knapp amendment when they subjected the student plaintiffs accommodations. Kevin Kolakowski and other students (some 15 or 16 in a high school nursing Karen Kushnir In a contentious and very public battle, a tenured class) to strip searches when cash, gift cards, and credit Jamie LaBelle member in Region 10 (Cayuga, Cortland, Onondaga, cards belonging to two students were reported missing. William LaClair On the day in question, once a male and two female school Kim Lapple Oswego) was forced into early retirement, purportedly as a officials completed searches of the personal belongings Judith Liestman result of ‘restructuring’ administration. The member’s unit, and outer clothing of the 15 or 16 students, the male school Carol Lomascolo with SAANYS’ assistance, doubled its efforts by commencing official, acting on a report from a student that one female Carmelita Lomeo-Smrtic a grievance under a no layoff clause in the contract and student had secreted the items in her bra, directed another Jane Lourie demanding impact bargaining pursuant to the Taylor law, female teacher “to take the students into the restroom Cathelene Lyon as the work of the member was distributed among the one at a time and have them unhook and shake their bras Jessica Lyons remaining members. The parties settled just in time for the underneath their tops and take their underpants halfway Lorraine Malecki member to rescind retirement seamlessly and return to full- down their thighs.” In the process of these searches, some Lori Maloney time status. students exposed significant areas of their bodies, including Christine Mangiamele Vito Mannino continued on page 6 Chris Marino Margo Martin Monica Martinez Beth McCoy Michael McGrath Contract Settlements Michael McHarris Darlene McPherson-Burnham Reported settlements of negotiated agreements is arguably the most scrutinized section of News & Notes. And, one of the Sharon McTygue first questions SAANYS’ negotiators get in meetings with units to develop proposals is usually, “Will we get the 3 percent Phil Molnar or 4 percent our neighboring district reportedly received?” Or, “Why did District X get 4.5 percent in the second year?” The Chris Moraitis settlements profiled may seem too easy or too good to be true, yet often there is much more to consider than what appears. Tracy Mosher The negotiating environment remains different; it is difficult and rugged. All district negotiators are driven to be perceived Carol Muscarella by the public as holding down salary and benefit expenses, thus, real gains in the contract may not be those reported in the Abbey North salary percentage. Frequently, achieving a contract without having to give a benefit back may be the real gain. Michelle Notti Dorothy Novogrodsky SAANYS negotiators have salary and benefit comparison information that will enable units to make an accurate comparable Emily O’Brien assessment of settlements in the region. Read the settlement reports with an open mind, and ask for assistance from your Deidra O’Connor negotiator in making comparative conclusions. Jennifer Oravec Sue Osterhoudt Watervliet Administrators Association, Region 6 member will have received an effective salary increase Lisa Otero of 3.75 percent for each year. Nancy Ann Padrone The Watervliet Administrators Association, represented Mary Perrello by negotiators Janelle Yanni and Kirsten DeMeo with Beekmantown Administrators, Region 7 Erich Ploetz assistance from SAANYS Negotiator Steve Zahurak, Leah Pollack reached a contract agreement with the district for The Beekmantown Administrators’ Association, Richard Potter the period of July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2010. The assisted by SAANYS Negotiator Jennie Pennington, Lorraine Pourby salary agreement provides for a 3.5 percent increase has successfully concluded negotiations for a three- H. Evan Powderly each year of the contract. Longevity payments were year contract ending on June 30, 2013. The agreement Lisa Raggo-Ferraro restructured and reimbursements for graduate credits provides for a salary increase of 3.5 percent during Cheryl Randall were improved. Language was included that allows for 2010-2011, and increases of 4 percent during each of Ryan Reed a buyback of unused vacation days. the succeeding two years. Available by application is Michael Rehbaum an additional .005 percent of salary for completion of Maria Rigby Port Jervis Association of Principals, Region 5 mutually agreed upon goals. Included in the settlement Jeffrey Risener is more flexibility in vacation and work schedules for Stella Ritter The Port Jervis Association of Principals, assisted by 12-month employees and an improvement in the 403b William Roberge SAANYS General Counsel Art Scheuermann and SAANYS retirement contribution. Administrator contribution Terri Robson Nikki Slater Negotiator Steve Zahurak, reached a contract agreement to health benefits will increase from 15 percent to 16 Kerry Slocum for the period of July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2013. percent during the final year of the agreement. Negotiators were Donna Muro and Tom Bongiovi. There Duane Smith was no change in the health insurance language and South Glens Falls Administrators’ Association, Ronald Smith health and dental benefits for retirees were restructured. Deanna Springstead-Gonzalez Also, a procedure was included that would address Region 6 Melissa Stahl-Downey any changes made in health plans offered by the Greg Stowell The South Glens Falls Administrators’ Association Kevin Straub district. Language was included that will involve non- recently completed successful negotiations of a continued on page 8 tenured administrators to be collaboratively involved contract for the period of July 1, 2009–June 30, 2012. in developing their performance reviews. Clarification Provisions of the agreement include an amount of was inserted to better define responsibilities and $2250.00 added to the salary base of each member prerogatives of the administrative staff and the board of each year of the agreement (2.4%-4%) and benefit education regarding attendance at board of education contributions to remain at current levels. SAANYS meetings. At the end of the three-year agreement each negotiator Jennie Pennington consulted in the negotiation. www.saanys.org (518) 782-0600 Board of Regents . . . cont. from page 4 October 2010 Are You Sure They Are 6 3-8. Action on the item was withheld amid questions and concerns pertaining to test construction, ramifications for Telling the Truth? students with disabilities and English language learners, and the possibility of compromising public confidence in A workshop for School Administrators Just a the school system. It is possible that the item will be re- introduced for action prior to the end of the calendar year. Thought... State Aid In considering matters related to school district budgeting, Regent James Tallon urged that school districts disassociate Race to the Top funding with Foundation Aid and State Aid. As stated, the federal funds may not be used to address state aid reductions. Discussion also focused upon Foundation Aid, which will be frozen for a second consecutive year. Continued funding of the Foundation Aid formula at current levels for 2011-12 will be challenging as federal funding available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) is being applied by New York Register online: Ask a well-respected State toward Foundation Aid for 2010-11, and such federal www.saanys.org/events administrator in your funding is not expected to be available for the next year. district or county to be At SED James Baldwin was appointed to the position of chief a mentor to you. This of staff, effective October 14, 2010. Since 2002, Dr. Baldwin One Workshop – Two Locations served as the district superintendent and chief executive will serve you well. officer of the BOCES for Rensselaer, Columbia, and Greene October 21 • Henrietta or – Ruth King, counties. NYS Elementary School December 10 • Brentwood Principal of the Year Contact Jim Collins at December 10, 2010 October 21, 2010 cont. from page 5 SAANYS for information Hot Off the Bench . . . Brentwood UFSD Rush Henrietta on the new SAANYS Administration Center Transportation Center Mentor/Coach Program. their stomachs and/or their unclothed or slightly clothed pelvic areas. Participants will learn: In the fourth amendment action against the defendants, the • Specific strategies that will help indicate who is telling the Congratulations sixth circuit in late 2008 affirmed a decision of the federal truth during a non-accusatory interview. Retiring Members district court that the individual defendants were not entitled to qualified immunity from suit for damages, based • How to assess the credibility of accusation. on a case that it decided in 2005 where strip searches of MG. Najmah Abdulmateen students under sufficiently factually similar circumstances • How to persuade a student or another person to tell you Ronald J. Acerra violated the fourth amendment, and thus constituted clearly Charles Amo the truth about what they did. established law in the sixth circuit. However, the United Michael Andolina States Supreme Court vacated and remanded this case in • The difference between an interview and an accusation. Carol Anselmo 2009 after it decided that the strip search of a middle school Bill Atkins • Some verbal and non-verbal signs people give. student for Ibuprofen and Naproxen violated the fourth David Baez amendment (Safford Unified Sch. Dist. v. Redding, 129 S.Ct. John N. Bellini • The primary topics of the Reid Technique – behavior 2633 [2009]), directing the Sixth Circuit to reconsider its Linda Blankenhorn symptom analysis, behavior analysis interviews, and the decision in light of Redding. Greg D. Chase Reid steps of interviewing and questioning. Cynthia A. Christopher In essence, the federal appellate court reinstated its 2008 Grace Cincotta opinion, finding that the Redding decision did nothing Register online www.saanys.org/events John W. Cochol but affirmed what the Sixth Circuit had decided the year Ronald P. Cooper before. The Sixth Circuit in its earlier unpublished opinion M. Kerry Courtney held that, assuming that the searches were justified at their Roberta L. Crawford inception, they were nonetheless unreasonable in their Advertisement Tim DeMar scope given that the searches were highly intrusive and that Carol Denz the school’s interest in recovering missing money/credit/gift Dominic DiGirolamo cards was minimal. Along the way, the court rejected the Daniel Drmacich defendants’ arguments that the students consented to the Diane Eklund-Klein search by virtue of their knowledge of the school’s search Anthony J. Erena policy and by virtue of their lack of objection to the search Robert Foster at the time they occurred (in fact, the record revealed that Patricia Giltner at least one student objected); that the searches were not Patricia Good-Krueger unreasonably intrusive because students were not touched Vicki Gouveia and were not required to remove their underpants; and Richard Grizzanti that the defendants had individualized suspicion of each Georgia Hall student because all were in the room when the items came Doris R. Hart up missing. Given that the sixth circuit’s 2005 held in Beard v. Kathleen Helhoski Whitmore Lake School District, 402 F.3d 598 (6th Cir. 2005), that Candice Henlyshyn similar searches were unconstitutional, and that Redding Diana V. Hernandez did not disturb the Beard decision, the sixth circuit held that Gerardine M. Johnson-Carpenter Beard placed the Ohio school officials on notice that the Linda J. Kantor students in this case had a clearly established constitutional Joan Kent right to be free from the strip searches at issue, and thus the Suzanne Kovic school officials were not entitled to qualified immunity. Rita Lancy Knisley v. Pike County Joint Vocational Sch. Dist., 2010 U.S. App. Barbara Lightstone Advertisement LEXIS 9860 (6th Cir. May 14, 2010). Paul Lindsley Timothy Marong This article is a reprint from the Educational Research Service Ronald J. Marro e-Bulletin. For more information about ERS and its subscriber services, or ERS research and information resources, please Judith Marsh visit www.ers.org, or phone 800-791-9308. Anne B. McAndrew Gwen McKinnon P. Chris Michaels Brian Mochrie WE WON’T SELL YOUR INFORMATION! Robert Neumann Your membership and trust are of the utmost importance to us, continued on page 7 your staff. Please be assured that SAANYS does not now, and has never, sold its mailing list or e-mail list. Informational material from our corporate sponsors is mailed to you directly by SAANYS to protect your privacy. If you have questions or concerns regarding the information you receive, please contact Debbie Taylor, director of corporate services, at [email protected] or (518) 782-0600. www.saanys.org (518) 782-0600 Recycle October 2010 Your Resources . . . 7

Do you know of a website, a book, a grant, or other resource that your colleagues should know about? Share it in this column by emailing [email protected]. SAANYS Benefits SED Hiring for RTTT Implementation NYSED is seeking candidates to fill multiple professional vacancies – from entry level to management level – in its Office of P-12 Education and Office of Higher Education to carry out new responsibilities under the RTTT Program. SAANYS member discounts start at saanys.org /Member Only Area. Find over $4,000 of savings on travel, vehicles, Your key to Specific details regarding the duties, salary, minimum restaurants, cell phone service, appliances, tax prep, security and savings qualifications and application instructions are available at: and merchandise. http://www.oms.nysed.gov/hr/listing.html. Have your member ID number ready so you can quickly Benefit of the Month SED encourages highly-qualified individuals to apply as soon browse through this Members Only portion of the website. as possible. Professional Legal Services Comprehensive, aggressive SED Seeking 2-Year Fellows for Reform Projects representation on job-related David Steiner and Senior Deputy John King are pursuing SAANYS Offers Members matters, with no dollar cap. several core initiatives. These initiatives will be designed • Five in-house attorneys inside New York’s first state-level “education think tank,” Research Gateway from ERS that travel throughout a separate non-profit organization supported with private NYS, as well as field funds and staffed with fellows selected through a highly attorneys in Long Island competitive process. Each initiative will be led by a senior and upstate cities. fellow with specialized content experience and knowledge, In 2009, in-house and supported by one or more fellows who provide strategic attorneys answered planning and analytic support. Teams will evaluate policy over 1,200 first-time and design decisions, as well as implementation structures calls on topics ranging and processes, and deliver recommendations to the from termination and commissioner, senior deputy, and Board of Regents. transfer of responsibility to The core initiatives include: contract clarification and • Developing a K-12 statewide curriculum aligned to the Access the Research Gateway directly from the SAANYS negotiations. Common Core State Standards in ELA and math, then homepage! This new Gateway, which updates weekly, • Direct access to science and social studies. acts like a spam filter with a quality guarantee – ready attorneys by phoning to get you up to speed quickly. Experienced ERS • Redesigning the state’s K-12 assessment system. the SAANYS Albany researchers have combed the Web and electronic headquarters. • Implementing the state’s new teacher and principal libraries and databases to find the top 10 articles and evaluation systems and building online educator reports on the topics most important to school leaders. • A 24/7 pager for access effectiveness resources. Many of the articles are FREE! New topics are emerging to an attorney, even on often. evenings and weekends. • Developing teacher performance assessments. For members needing a more in-depth search or a What members say about • Building a virtual schools platform. custom search on a topic not listed within the Gateway, SAANYS’ Legal Services: • Transforming the State’s General Education Development SAANYS still offers the traditional ERS Info-Files. Members “We got a response from (GED) Program. receive a 10% discount on these searches and reports. attorneys way after hours.” Fellows will be based in New York City and must commit to a Visit saanys.org and click the tan “Research Service” “Thanks for giving us minimum of two years. Competitive salary and benefits will button on the homepage. your time, expertise, and be provided. Resumes will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, support.” but SED encourages applicants to apply as soon as possible. “I would not have been able Advertisement To apply, send a one-page cover letter and resume to: to defend myself and keep [email protected]. my job if it had not been for the high level of expertise Do Something! and commitment that I had DoSomething.org is one of the largest organizations in the from my SAANYS attorney.” United States that helps young people and the causes they care about. Every month DoSomething.org hosts a national campaign that supports a different cause with a simple call to action that everyone can participate in. DoSomething.org also offers community action grants that can help turn With attention to teacher evaluation requirements student community projects into reality. Retiring Members Visit www.dosomething.org. continued from page 6 David M. Patronil Sean Pogue Michael Ponticello Betty Rea Anna Rodriguez Steven Schafheimer William H. Scott Linda Smith Ruby Smith-McClendon Linda D. Stagles Lillie Stone Clinton V. Strickland Mary Waskie Theresa E. Williams Mildred Wilson Edward Yansen The National Safety Donna M. Zeolla Dian Zirilli-Mares Council’s Online Defensive Joanne T. Zito Driving Course

SAANYS Member Price $27.50 (reg. $44.95) For more information and to register, go to saanys.org. www.saanys.org (518) 782-0600 A message from a SAANYS corporate sponsor October 2010 Retaining Highly 8 Effective Teachers

Teacher retention is a perennial concern for school SAANYS districts – particularly when it comes to retaining highly Recognizes effective teachers. Approximately 750,000 students across the country each year are assigned to less-effective teachers 30-year Members following the departure of high-performing teachers. So, what can schools and districts do to improve retention of Empire State College offers motivated adults the Alene Abrams these teachers? opportunity to earn associate, bachelor’s and master’s Vance Agee degrees. Undergraduate students can pursue their studies Clement Aidone Shooting for Stars: in several ways. If they choose to study through one of Harold Anderson Cross-Sector Lessons for Retaining High-Performing Educators, our 34 New York State locations, they can take part in one- James Bartley by Joe Ableidinger and Julie Kowal, studies how to-one, independent study with a faculty mentor, group Nelson Beetow organizations in other sectors retain their high performers studies and residencies. Through our center for distance Edward Belbas and provides strategies for boosting the retention of learning, they’ll take online courses and can complete their Donald Brunswick high-performing teachers in schools. associate or bachelor’s degree entirely online. They can James Cannon combine any or all of these ways to study to earn their Francis Carnese Despite the widespread concern about teacher turnover, degree and reach their goals. Michael Christman education actually has lower turnover rates than most John Coughenour other professions. The real concern has been the inability of Many students have taken courses at other schools, or Charlotte DeMarco schools and districts to retain more of their highly effective have gained college-level learning from their work or life Lynn Dufort teachers, who have about the same retention rate as their experience. Once admitted to the college, they may work Donna Essegian average or less-effective peers. Improving the retention of with their faculty mentor to evaluate whether their prior John Fitzgerald these highly effective teachers benefits students and the learning can be used for credit towards their degree. Andrew Garuccio public education system as a whole far more than improving Graduate programs include master of arts in social policy, Ann Gibson retention of less-effective teachers, which is why districts labor and policy studies, liberal studies, teaching and an William Grobe and schools must make improving the retention of the MBA. These programs combine face-to-face, online studies Eugene Hannah highly effective teachers a priority. and residencies in a more structured way except for liberal Gary Heller The report examines research and case studies regarding studies where students have the freedom to design a highly Robert Herodes retaining high-performing employees in a variety of fields individualized, interdisciplinary program. Stan Hersh and suggests the following four key strategies to improve Richard Ives For more information, call 866-372-3181 or visit retention of high-performing teachers: Douglas Jank www.esc.edu. Douglas Johnson • Compensation matters more to high performers Diane Kelly than other employees. [See study on page 2] William Kennedy Advertisement • Promotions and opportunities for advancement R. Carolyn Lange boost retention of high performers. Larry Lazenby Roberta Love • High-performing employees value opportunities Carol LoVullo to take on new challenges that align with their Linda Melton Mann interests. Anthony Mistretta • Grouping high performers together improves Michael Mongin collective performance and lowers turnovers. Samuel Montello Robert Mountz The report also lists several additional strategies that Charles Novak show some success at retaining highly effective teachers Daniel Perrine and outlines the recommended initial steps for education Roger Phillips leaders who want to retain more great teachers. Joseph Podgorski George Raneri To Order Shooting for Stars: Dominick Sabatino Cross-Sector Lessons for Retaining High-Performing Educators, Dale Smith by Joe Ableidinger and Julie Kowal (24 pages), 2010, is Joseph Soury available free from Public Impact, 504 Dogwood Drive, Dennis Tosetto Chapel Hill, NC 27516. Phone: 919-928-9377. Fax: 919-928- Stephen Toussaint 8473. Web site: www.opportunityculture.org/images/stories/ George Welch shooting_for_stars_2010.pdf. David Zandy Salvatore Zito This article is a reprint from the Educational Research Service e-Bulletin. For more information about ERS and its subscriber services, or ERS research and information resources, please visit www.ers.org, or phone 800-791-9308. New Members continued from page 5 David Taylor Barbara Topiol Christine Treasure Find Angela Urbina Susan VanGalen local Joy Varley Duilio Viscusi school Christopher Walsh Gail Wehmann jobs Laurie Welch-Carlson Nadine Wheeler Jason Whipple Reginald White Robert White Jennifer Wiesman Anthony Williams Christopher Wojeski Csobanka Woodworth Fred Zamperetti SAANYS Career Center Searching for a job? Homelessness . . . cont. from page 4 Looking to fill a position? SAANYS Career Center is your destination for exciting job continue a minimal level of support to ensure that children opportunities in the field of school administration and the and youth who lose their housing do not also lose access to best resource for attracting qualified candidates within school.” the school leadership industry. Reprinted from the September 2010 NewsLeader, a publication of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), a SAANYS Go to www.saanys.org and click on the national affiliate organization. Find NASSP at www.principals.org. SAANYS Career Center logo on the right. www.saanys.org A great opportunity may be waiting. (518) 782-0600