Posts Tagged ‘Academic Excellence’
Thursday, May 5th, 2011
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As a candidate for Board of Education Trustee I stand for academic excellence above all else. My core values line up well with the core values of Briarcliff. Academic excellence must be preserved, promoted and supported for ALL students. The education and success of our children is my top priority.
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| Oddly enough, my wife and I bought a home in Briarcliff 14 years ago as DINKS (Dual Income No Kids). We did not plan children at all at that time. Our decision to buy a home in Briarcliff was never-the-less driven predominantly by the school district. We felt that the quality and reputation of the district made home ownership in Briarcliff a sound investment. |
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| The plan has changed and we now have two beautiful children. Both are currently attending Todd School. Anthony is in 3rd grade and Allison is in Kindergarten. As you can see, our dependence on the school district now extends to our two most valuable things – our children and our home. Of course, we are also tax-payers and similar to many in the district we seek maximization of our children’s educational experience as well as our property value while minimizing our tax bill. |
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Here in Westchester County the number-one driver of property values is the quality of the school district and its reputation for academic excellence. We have been through a difficult economic cycle. The economy is recovering. The job market is recovering. Securities markets are recovering. Home prices are not. Many say that real estate is all about location,
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| location, location. In Westchester it is all about school district, school district, school district. If we expect the value of our homes to recover we must support and embrace our school district. In fact, we would be wise to polish it until it shines like a diamond. |
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Property in Briarcliff has commanded strong premiums due to the quality and reputation of our school district. However, it may not surprise you that as of late realtors in other top performing school districts are already warning prospective buyers to avoid Briarcliff due to our prioritization of tax cutting over academic excellence and the overt sequential dismantling of our district. If this cycle continues we individually stand to lose tens of thousands if not hundreds of thousands of dollars in property values. Collectively, billions of dollars in property value could be at stake.
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Could we be stepping over dollars to pick up dimes? Could we be picking up nickels in front of a moving steamroller?
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We go to the polls shortly on May 17 to elect a new School Board Trustee and I shall hope to have your support.
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However, we are also voting on our school district budget. As a candidate, I feel the necessity to comment on the budget vote as there appears to be some controversy and an open community discussion around encouraging a “no-vote.”
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| I have mixed feelings about the budget. |
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• I support a budget of $48.4 million and believe this to be a solid, fiscally responsible and sustainable number.
• I am troubled by the “process” for the second consecutive year as well as how the budget will be deployed and spent.
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As you go to the polls on May 17, please remember that you are voting for the number ($48.4 million) and not the “broken process” or what the $48.4 will and will not be spent on.
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| A “no-vote” might send a message to our School Board, leaving us feeling vindicated in the short-run. However, it also sends a message to potential homeowners considering Briarcliff. A message that says Briarcliff no longer supports its schools. Buyers won’t take the time to understand what happened here and why. This could have a devastating long-term effect on the reputation of our district and our property values. |
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Here is a recent quote – used by permission – from local second generation realtor, Mark Seiden:
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“Never forget, here in Westchester County, actual market values of everyone’s properties are directly attributed to the perceived value of the school district and the community that supports or does not support the schools that property is within.
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Remember, the Briarcliff Manor School District has the reputation for academic excellence. Briarcliff Manor has the reputation of supporting academic excellence district-wide. Property values in Briarcliff are at a premium compared to many other districts due to this reputation.
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Property values could fall at an increased rate if the district becomes perceived as prioritizing tax cuts and budget reductions above academic excellence. Voting down a budget may be perceived as the community no longer supporting its school district.
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Empty-nesters seeking to sell their homes to downsize and partially finance their retirement with the equity that is left will be directly affected by the market valuations due to the perception of how the community supports its schools. Families that were depending on home equity to fund a remodeling project or finance their children’s educations could also be affected.”
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Please vote carefully and wisely on May 17 as you choose a new School Board Trustee and as you contemplate your support for our school budget.
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Tags: 10510, Academic Excellence, Briarcliff Budget Vote, Briarcliff School Budget Vote, Budget Vote, Firm Property Value, Jennifer Rosen, Jennifer Rosen Briarcliff, Jennifer Rosen Briarcliff Manor NY, Jennifer Rosen Briarcliff NY, Jennifer Rosen for Board of Education, Jennifer Rosen for BOE, John Gangi, John Gangi Briarcliff, John Gangi Briarcliff Manor NY, John Gangi Briarcliff NY, John Gangi for Board of Education, John Gangi for BOE, Mike Valenti, Mike Valenti Briarcliff, mike valenti briarcliff manor ny, mike valenti briarcliff ny, Mike Valenti for Board of Education, Mike Valenti for BOE, Property Value, Property Value Briarcliff, Property Value Briarcliff Manor
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Wednesday, May 19th, 2010
Below are the results of our school board election, as well as some thoughts: |
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| Budget vote: 998 Yes / 374 No |
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| Proposition to add a student to the board: 894 Yes / 367 No |
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| Election of TWO board members: |
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Sal Maglietta 789 Win
Rosella Ranno 755 Win
Mike Valenti 669
Lisa Jenner 425
Krishnan Chittur 279 |
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My congratulations to Sal Maglietta and Rosella Ranno . Both individuals bring rich and complementary skills to our school board. I am confident they will both provide excellent leadership to our District. Their addition to our board is a win for our community and, most importantly, our children.
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As for my candidacy, I feel like a winner this morning as well. The past four weeks has been one of the richest, most rewarding experiences of my life. I am richer today, by far, than I was just four weeks ago in many, many ways. I feel good about the platform I ran on, the conversations I started and participated in, the people I have met and who have befriended, supported and encouraged me. I will continue to remain involved and to make a contribution to the education of the children in our District in as many ways as possible. |
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Thank you for your consideration and, if appropriate, your support. I shall hope that my comportment throughout this campaign assured you of my personal INTEGRITY and the RESPECT that I have for this community and our school district.
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| Now we can begin to focus on what this election was really all about – our children. |
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| Respectfully,
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| Mike Valenti |
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Tags: 10510, Academic Excellence, BFF, Board of Education, BOE, Briarcliff, Briarcliff Manor, Briarcliff Teacher’s Association, Briarcliff Wins, Briarcliff’s Faculty for Families, Common Goals, Election Results, endorsement, Eric Bashford, Executive Search, Fair, Gangi, Guy Rotundo, Hope, Integrity, Izzarelli, Janet Marinaccio, Jen Rosen, Jen Rosen Board of Education, Jen Rosen Briarcliff, Jennifer Rosen, Jennifer Rosen Board of Education, Jennifer Rosen Briarcliff, John Gangi, Kim Izzarelli, Kim Izzarelli Board of Educationohn Gangi Board of Education, Kim Izzarelli Briarcliff, Michael Valenti, Mike Valenti, Mike Valenti Briarcliff, mike valenti briarcliff board of education, mike valenti briarcliff boe, mike valenti briarcliff manor ny, mike valenti briarcliff ny, Neal Miller, Neal Miller Briarcliff, Neal Miller Medina, Neal Miller Superintendent, Negotiations, Negotiator, Optimism, Optimistic, Political Action Committee, Property Value, Respect, Rosella Ranno, Sal Maglietta, Search Experience, Smart, Superintendent, Superintendent Search, Tax Rates, Taxes, Todd Parent, Vision
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Tuesday, May 11th, 2010
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It is with great pride and gratitude that I acknowledge the endorsement of the BFF (Briarcliff’s Faculty for Families). The BFF is the PAC (Political Action Committee) of the BTA (Briarcliff Teacher’s Association). In making their decision it was clear that, while many factors were considered, the most important factors were those related to what was best for our children, our school district and our community. It is clear that the BTA seeks a more collaborative, supportive relationship with the Board of Education and their endorsement is a means to that end.
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| Below please find the text, in its entirety, from a letter distributed today to the District faculty in support of my candidacy. |
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| Dear BTA Members, |
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The BFF, BTA’s political action committee, recently invited all candidates running for the Board of Education to meet with our organization. We wanted to get an idea of their vision for the district, insight into the kind of leaders these individuals might be, and the role they saw for the faculty and administration. Of the five candidates only Mike Valenti and Sal Maglietta accepted our invitation.
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During this meeting, we discussed the years of experience both have managing large organizations and multi million dollars budgets. They shared their ideas for creating a BOE that would include all factions of community, administration and faculty to create a positive learning experience for all students. They offered fresh ideas and approaches to our district’s budget process and spoke of their commitment to maintain the high quality of education Briarcliff is known for. Both men believe their communication and leadership skills will create a productive atmosphere for the Briarcliff School District.
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After conferring with the other members of the committee, we are proud to endorse the candidacies of Mr. Valenti and Mr. Maglietta. We believe they will work to foster a positive environment for both students and teachers.
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| Sincerely, |
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| Briarcliff’s Faculty for Families |
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Tags: Academic Excellence, BFF, Board of Education, BOE, Briarcliff, Briarcliff Manor, Briarcliff Teacher’s Association, Briarcliff’s Faculty for Families, Common Goals, endorsement, Eric Bashford, Executive Search, Gangi, Guy Rotundo, Hope, Izzarelli, Janet Marinaccio, Jen Rosen, Jen Rosen Board of Education, Jen Rosen Briarcliff, Jennifer Rosen, Jennifer Rosen Board of Education, Jennifer Rosen Briarcliff, John Gangi, Kim Izzarelli, Kim Izzarelli Board of Educationohn Gangi Board of Education, Kim Izzarelli Briarcliff, Michael Valenti, Mike Valenti, Mike Valenti Briarcliff, mike valenti briarcliff board of education, mike valenti briarcliff boe, mike valenti briarcliff manor ny, mike valenti briarcliff ny, Neal Miller, Neal Miller Briarcliff, Neal Miller Medina, Neal Miller Superintendent, Optimism, Optimistic, PAC, Political Action Committee, Property Value, Rosella Ranno, Sal Maglietta, Superintendent Search, Tax Rates, Taxes, Todd Parent, Vision
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Sunday, May 9th, 2010
One of the most critical challenges for our school board is the search to replace Fran Wills, our esteemed Superintendent of 16 years. This key, leadership position is of paramount importance to the direction of our District. In the Issues section of this website, you will find my thoughts on some of the qualities our new Superintendent might likely bring. |
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The focus of this article is to share my insight into searches in a global sense. As an individual who has run a number of large businesses – each with hundreds of millions of dollars in annual revenue – I have searched for, and hired, many key people. The elements of the executive search process are essentially the same, regardless of industry or occupation. In essence, an executive search for a CEO or key executive for a $50 million company is the same as a search for a key leadership position of a $50 million school district.
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Executive searches generally break down into three stages, or steps:
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Stage I
Stage I begins with a decision as to whether to use a search firm and, if so, whom to use. Unless an individual in the District possesses a national rolodex of potential candidates that is a true game changer, then it is unlikely that search experience within a specific occupation or industry is more valuable than general executive search experience. Additionally, notwithstanding such a rolodex of contacts, a search of this magnitude likely points to utilizing a search firm.
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Search firms, similar to attorneys and physicians, should be chosen based on their area of specialty. In our case, we would likely evaluate the search capability provided by BOCES which is available at no cost. However, we would additionally be compelled to evaluate and compare several search firms that specialize in the field of educators. There are a number of such firms nationally. The search firms should be presented with our situation and desires. Especially important at this juncture is giving the search firm a clear picture of the challenges they may face attracting candidates, given recent events in our District. The search firm should be asked to present to us several searches, as examples of their work, where they performed similar searches under similar circumstances. This portion of Stage I concludes with our collaboratively selecting a search firm.
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Next, we begin collaboratively building a candidate profile, together with the search firm, of the individual we seek. This candidate profile should be developed in a collaborative, inclusive environment, including members of the community representing a range of Todd, Middle School and High School parents as well as Empty Nesters and of course, the Board, Administration and Faculty. In addition, members in the community with executive search experience should be encouraged to step forward for inclusion. At this point the search firm should come back with a hard copy document that, with collaborative approval, becomes the marketing brochure for the search.
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Stage II
Stage II begins with a quiet period as the search firm begins their process of taking the best look at the widest array of appropriate candidates. The search firm’s job is to market the position to appropriate candidates, working methodically to identify four to seven prospective candidates for initial screening. Prospective internal candidates may also be identified and considered. This initial screening should include face to face interviews with senior recruiters meeting with candidates. This process continues – eliminating as well as adding candidates – with the goal of identifying a short list of three candidates. The search firm thoroughly vets the short list candidates, inclusive of reference checks as appropriate. At this point the search firm creates a hard copy document for us that, in essence, becomes the marketing brochure for each candidate. |
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The search now shifts a bit and candidate interviews are set. Interview committees collaboratively representing the Board, Administration, Faculty and Community are established. An order should be created for a candidate to advance from interviews with one committee to another. The search firm will serve as our consultant and sounding board throughout the interview process, training us all on appropriate interview techniques, how to properly vet each candidate and their accomplishments as well as methods for comparing and contrasting candidates. Ultimately, and with the guidance of our search firm, we will decide which candidate to make an offer to.
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It is essential that a decision be made expeditiously and an offer extended. This is to avoid any appearance that another candidate may have been our first choice – especially if that in fact turns out to be the case. A candidate should never know (or think) they were a second or third choice.
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Stage III
Stage III is the process of transition and retention. Once the laborious process of search and hire are behind us, the same individuals who worked so collaboratively to bring this leader into our District must now create a collaborative, supportive environment. Initially, working to acclimate our new leader to our District and our very special culture of excellence and achievement. Over the long-term, retaining the individual for many years to come. This is perhaps the most critical of the three stages, as continuity under the leadership of a truly outstanding Superintendent is something we all know from experience is valuable and desirable – for our children and for our community.
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Tags: Academic Excellence, Board of Education, BOE, Briarcliff, Briarcliff Manor, Common Goals, Eric Bashford, Executive Search, Gangi, Guy Rotundo, Hope, Izzarelli, Janet Marinaccio, Jen Rosen, Jen Rosen Board of Education, Jen Rosen Briarcliff, Jennifer Rosen, Jennifer Rosen Board of Education, Jennifer Rosen Briarcliff, John Gangi, Kim Izzarelli, Kim Izzarelli Board of Educationohn Gangi Board of Education, Kim Izzarelli Briarcliff, Mike Valenti, Mike Valenti Briarcliff, mike valenti briarcliff board of education, mike valenti briarcliff boe, mike valenti briarcliff manor ny, mike valenti briarcliff ny, Neal Miller, Neal Miller Briarcliff, Neal Miller Medina, Neal Miller Superintendent, Optimism, Optimistic, Property Value, Rosella Ranno, Sal Maglietta, Search Experience, Superintendent, Superintendent Search, Tax Rates, Taxes, Todd Parent
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Monday, April 26th, 2010
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I’m Mike Valenti and I am seeking to be elected as your representative on the Briarcliff Manor Board of Education. If elected to fill this Board position, my desire and commitment is to zealously represent all constituencies in the District, from parents with preschoolers to empty nesters. As a District, I believe we share three common goals:
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- Academic Excellence
- Firm Property Values, and
- Reasonable Taxes.
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Academic Excellence
Whether you are a parent of a preschooler, anticipating your child entering the District schools, A Todd parent, a Middle School parent, a High School parent or an Empty Nester, you recognize the importance of our District providing our children a world class educational experience.
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| Educational excellence must be maintained at all levels of the educational process. Our school district must maintain its standard of excellence and its position amongst the best in the County. To do this, we must work closely and carefully with the administration and the educators. |
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| We must allow them the autonomy they require to guide the Board. The Board must defer to the administration and the educators on the issue of maintaining educational excellence. |
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We all agree that our children should receive an unrivaled educational experience and emerge from our District in a position to compete for admission to the best colleges and universities. As parent who will have two children in Todd next year (Kindergarten and Third Grade), I am well aware that the building blocks of academic excellence begin at Todd and culminate in the High School. Thus, it is imperative that we maintain our strong, competitive program from K through 12.
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Please be assured that academic excellence is of the utmost importance to me on behalf of all children and families in the District.
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Firm Property Values
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The quality, competitiveness and reputation of a school district, especially in our county, correlates directly with the value of properties in that district. We have seen the value and desirability of property in our District rise firmly, on a relative basis to other communities in the county over the past several decades, in direct correlation to the rise in the competitive ranking and reputation of our school District.
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Each of us in the District, whether we still have children attending schools in the District or not, has a vested interest in maintaining the premium on our property value that is created by the association with a world class school district. We cannot allow any challenge, small or great, to impinge on the quality and competitiveness of our District schools.
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| Please be assured that as a fellow homeowner in the District, maintaining firm property values is of the utmost importance to me on your behalf. |
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| Reasonable Taxes
Nobody likes to pay taxes. We all work hard each year to contain our tax burden via our personal and business income taxes. We happily pay what is due – but not a penny more. We are in full control of our personal taxes and/or the tax situation of our businesses. |
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| Property taxes and school taxes, however, are controlled by others. This creates an uneasy feeling for many people. It is therefore vitally important that you have implicit trust in those who shape your property and school tax burden each year. |
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| Please be assured that my objective as a member of the Board of Education is an agenda of strict fiscal responsibility with regard to the District’s school tax burden. This agenda, of course, balanced by the agendas of academic excellence and sustainably firm property values. |
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| Please feel free to utilize the Contact Mike page of this website to reach out to me. |
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| Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration. |
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| I shall hope to have your support on May 18. |
Tags: Academic Excellence, Board of Education, BOE, Briarcliff, Briarcliff Manor, Common Goals, Michael Valenti, Mike Valenti, Property Value, Tax Rates, Taxes, Todd Parent
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