NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The formation of the new Task Force on Reducing Violence in the Lives of Children and Youth is under way, with longtime education expert Dr. Jonathan Brice as its chairman.
Dr. Brice, an educational leader with 25 years’ experience, was selected to head the initiative last week, and the New Rochelle Board of Education has begun accepting applications from community members who wish to join the Task Force.
On Thursday, Dr. Brice visited the District, including New Rochelle High School and Isaac E. Young Middle School. He met with various District administrators and municipal officials.
“We want to take a holistic view and make sure that we are putting students in the best possible situation to be successful,” Dr. Brice said during his visit.
Dr. Brice’s experience as a teacher, school leader and district administrator in six large public school districts make him highly qualified to lead this effort. He currently serves as the Associate Superintendent for Student and Family Support and Engagement for Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland. He also brings a national perspective, having served as Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education for the United States Department of Education. In this role, he provided leadership for programming in several areas, including bullying prevention. He also helped the department launch its Family and Community Engagement Framework and develop its strategy.
“Dr. Brice’s background makes him uniquely suited to take on this important role,” said Board of Education President Rachel Relkin.
The Task Force is expected to consist of approximately 25 to 30 members, bringing together the city, social services, non-profit and faith-based organizations, law enforcement, community members, and the schools, including students.
For more information and to apply to be a member of the Task Force, please visit the designated page on the district website. The deadline to apply is Sunday, Feb. 18. Final selections will be announced on Feb. 22, and the first Task Force meeting will occur by the end of February.
