Dear New Rochelle Community,
Tonight, the Board of Education has accepted the final report from T&M Protection Resources on our use of online credit courses at New Rochelle High School. (See report below.) While the time it took this report to be finalized is longer than the board wanted, it is thorough and concise. This is the first step in rebuilding trust in an educational system that prides itself on the quality of the education we deliver.
The report uncovered some improper and unacceptable practices that took place with regard to grading students’ work. The systemic failure identified in the report is not tolerated. We commissioned the investigation immediately and insisted that the report be complete, thorough and honest.
The Board of Education has been advised by the Superintendent that she has initiated the statutorily mandated process to terminate the probationary period of the administrator identified as having made the grade changes. The process requires that written notice be provided to the probationary employee at least 30 calendar days prior to the Board meeting at which the recommendation to terminate will be presented to the Board. That notice has been provided. Accordingly, the Board will consider and act upon the recommendation of the superintendent at its meeting scheduled on January 8, 2019.
Further, the District and New Rochelle High School administration is putting in place a series of changes to ensure that our students are graded with absolute integrity and professionalism.
- Producing a handbook that clearly defines the use of on-line credit and independent study courses, including when they can be taken and when they must end.
- Clearly defined the role and responsibilities of the Online Coordinator.
- Ensure that multiple staff members are responsible for approving the process for each student who takes an online course. The Director of Extended Day and Continuing Education will meet with the New Rochelle High School Administrative Cabinet every month to discuss students and independent study course work.
- Make sure that all users of the new platform receive extensive training in it.
- Finally, we are writing Board policy for online credit courses and independent study.
The administration has put these measures in place in time to oversee this year’s online courses. The board has decided to send the final report to New York State Education Department (NYSED) for further review and to assess the proposed changes in for online services.
Our educators, administrators and support staff work their hardest to provide the highest quality education to our students in an environment that encourages a love of learning and inquiry. Graduates are – and should be – proud of their New Rochelle High School diplomas. Confidence in grading is the glue that holds it all together.
We thank you for your patience and support.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Hastie, President
New Rochelle Board of Education
T&M Protection Final NRHS Report
T&M Protection School Board Questions
T&M Protection Team Biographies