December 2008
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT
John T. Redman

December Meeting
     OCSBA members and guests were treated to an exceptional program at the December 3rd meeting on using technology in our schools.  Representatives from the Minisink Valley School District discussed how they are incorporating technology in their classrooms, Andrea Tejedor (BOCES) talked about how technology is affecting our 21st century learners, and Erich Tusch (Monroe-Woodbury) presented an outstanding summary statement for school board members. 

   This excellent program was eye-opening, informative, and very interesting.  Those in attendance felt is was an outstanding evernt, and they learned much from our presenters in a relatively short period of time. 

   We thank sincerely the presenters who took the time to speak with us about this important educational topic.  

Legislative Update
    At our December meeting, we discussed our legislative efforts for 2009.  In preparation for developing our platform at our January 7th meeting, we are asking our delegates to review NYSSBA's Report of the Task Force on Maximizing School District Resources (available on their website).  From the list of 55 ways schools can contain costs, please select 10 feasible mandates that if removed/changed would have a positive financial impact on your district. 

     We hope to use the lists of mandate relief as a basis for our legislative platform.  Please come prepared to discuss this effort at our January meeting. 

January Delegates' Meeting
      At our January Delegates' Meeting we will have a sharing session on school board operations.  We will discuss how we communicate
(televising meetings, newsletters, ets.) with our communities.  This will be the first part of our school board operations sharing session.  The second session on board operations will be held in March and focus on our school district budgets.  We hope you plan to join us on January 7th at 7:00 PM. 

     In case of inclement weather, please check this website (updates or upcoming events sections) for cancellation notices.  Also, if BOCES is closed, and our meeting is scheduled at BOCES, then we are automatically canceled.  
 

 COLSBA  
     COLSBA (Council of Local School Boards Associations) met during convention, and John Redman, Susan Doyle, and Bill Boss were in attendance representing OCSBA.  John has been serving on the statewide steering committee of this group for the past two years.  Along with three other county leaders from around NYS, John has worked to set agendas and programs for our county association leaders.

     During the steering committee election process at the October meeting in NYC, John was unanimously re-elected to serve another two year term on the steering committee.  Congratulations, John!  And many thanks for accepting additional school board responsibilities and extending your board service beyond the boundaries of Orange County. 
  

On behalf of the officers and staff of OCSBA,
we wish you a healthy, safe, and joyous holiday season.






 
 
 
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