The Binghamton City School District (BCSD) has faced many challenges and changes since the beginning of this school year.  The most recent change is the departure of Trina S. Newton, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Accountability.  Ms. Newton was recently chosen to be the Superintendent for the Geneva City School District.  We may be proud that a member of the BCSD achieved the position of superintendent.

Tonia Thompson will now lead our efforts in curriculum and instruction as the Assistant to the Superintendent.  Ms. Thompson has outstanding expertise in these areas and many years of experience in our district as a curriculum director.  She will lead us to meet the challenge of implementing the Common Core Curriculum for all students as put forth in the Regents Reform Agenda.

In addition to working on curriculum changes, we are progressing in negotiations with teachers and administrators on implementation of a new teacher / principal evaluation system as required by New York State and the Federal Race to the Top Program.

Work continues on meeting both the short term and long term needs of the MacArthur students, staff and community.  There are consistent improvements being made at the temporary locations while progress is being made in receiving the needed approval from the State Education Department and FEMA to fund a new school.  The Board of Education has begun to work with our architects on a vision for the future school.We are striving to keep the community updated through postings on the District website, regular progress reports presented at monthly Board of Education meetings and MacArthur PTA Meetings.

Adding to this year's fiscal challenges will be the implementation of the tax levy limit.  The detailed explanation of this new legislation was included in the November issue of the Heritage.  State Aid continues to be limited for schools.  As we do each year, we will present a budget to our taxpayers that is fiscally responsible and strategic in the long run.

As we meet challenges and manage change, we remain focused on achieving the District's priority goals established by the Board of Education.  At the elementary level, staff is focused on helping all elementary students achieve a reading level necessary for success in middle and high school.  At the secondary levels, there is a targeted effort to reduce course failures giving middle school students a positive start for high school and high school students the credits needed for graduation.

One thing that has not changed is our staff's dedication to the students and to meeting their needs.  Thank you to the parents, families and our community for your continued support of our school district and our students.  Working together, we will successfully meet these challenges to secure a positive future for our children.