Superintendent's Message

As the New Paltz Central School District enters a new school year, we feel confident that we are prepared to meet any challenges that lie ahead. At the same time, we look forward to opportunities for positive change and growth that will undoubtedly accompany those challenges. New York State Commissioner of Education John B. King, Jr. has said, “We are engaged in two very significant changes: implementation of the new Common Core Standards and the redesign of teacher and principal evaluation. Both of these initiatives are grounded in a desire to achieve even better learning outcomes for New York State’s students, and both present extraordinary challenges and opportunities.”

Over the past year, District staff and I have worked diligently to keep the basic purposes and core values upon which the school stands at the forefront of our understandings. We challenged ourselves to maintain “who we are” and “what we do around here” despite the onslaught of unfunded mandates and attempts by our State to refocus us on test scores rather than learning.

The academic achievement of our students is strong, garnering regional, state, and national acclaim. We have established strong collaborative relationships with SUNY New Paltz, our Parent Teacher Associations, and a variety of community and civic organizations. We are proud of the work that our Board of Education has done to maintain the quality education that New Paltz has become known for, even in these challenging times.

Also, we are greatly appreciative to the New Paltz community for the overwhelming positive vote of over 70% on the budget. As you may be aware, the budget for this school year is less than last year’s, and consequently reductions had to be made. Parents, staff, and community members have rallied to fill the gaps left by cutbacks through their generous donations and fundraisers.

These achievements result from a variety of factors, including our continued focus on learning and your efforts to work with us as partners in your child’seducation.

We are extremely grateful for your outpouring of support. It is this connection between school and home that we want to continue to strengthen in the coming school year. I am confident that there is no problem that may present itself that we cannot work together to solve. I look forward to meeting you and invite you to attend one of my Superintendent’s Coffee gatherings that are scheduled throughout the year, the dates of which are indicated in the on-line calendar.

I want you to know that we approach our responsibilities to your children with seriouspurpose, unflagging commitment, and with explicit goals for learning. All of us in the New Paltz school district community have rededicated ourselves to teachour students, your children, to be passionate about learning and to be empowered to achieve their dreams.

Maria C. Rice

Last Modified on March 22, 2013