Mannella wants Malverne parents to vote on budgets
B. Allen Mannella, Malverne's new superintendent of schools, is currently finishing his term as assistant superintendent for student and community services for the Longwood school district. With the recent release of the state's report card on local middle and high schools for the 1999-2000 academic year, Mannella discussed his plans for Malverne.
"The state's statistics of Malverne are not unlike Longwood," he said. Both school districts are comparable in wealth and test score averages. "But it is unfortunate that the state is rating schools by a number."
According to the Department of Education report, 42 percent of Malverne's Howard T. Herber Middle School's eighth grade students met or exceeded state standards in English, and eleven percent did not meet state standards. Forty-six percent met or exceeded state standards in math. At Malverne High School, 57 percent of students passed the English Regents exam with a score of 65 or better, and 84 percent passed the Regents exam for Sequential Math I.
Mannella said that many different factors play a role in evaluation, such as diversity, student-to-teacher ratio and family income. He said student success depends on initial teaching strategies, which he plans to focus on. To improve exam performance, particularly math scores, he plans staff training regarding testing and teaching curriculum.
Another focus will be student support. When Mannella visited Malverne on Feb. 7, he began his day by meeting with high school students.
"They were very honest," he said. The students spoke of a need for more of a connection between the community and its school district, and how they have felt an inadequate support from the community. As superintendent, Mannella hopes to connect with residents and community groups such as civic associations to better inform the public regarding budget issues.
"We need to balance all considerations," he said, "but parents need to get out and vote. Lack of turnout is what turns down a budget." During Mannella's time at Longwood, two bonds issues were passed. One totaled $7 million, and the other $108 million.
Longwood officials say Mannella will be missed. He is scheduled to visit Malverne again on Monday, March 26, and will begin his new job on Thursday, April 19.
State releases school stats
Test score statistics for the East Rockaway and Lynbrook school districts have been released by the Department of Education.
Forty-eight percent of East Rockaway's eighth graders met or exceeded state standards in English, with a three percent deficiency. Forty-seven percent passed math. At East Rockaway High School, 74 percent passed the English Regents exam with a score of 65 or higher, and 75 percent passed the Regents exam for Sequential Math I.
Meanwhile, 69 percent of eighth graders at Lynbrook's North Middle School met or exceeded state standards in English, with no deficiency. Seventy-eight percent passed math. At Lynbrook's South Middle School, 66 percent of eighth graders met or exceeded state standards in English, with a four percent deficiency. Sixty-eight percent passed math. At Lynbrook High School, 94 percent passed the English Regents exam with a score of 65 or higher, and 89 percent passed the Regents exam for Sequential Math I.
Regents scores of 55 or better are currently being phased in as a minimum state standard for graduation. Presently, the a score of 65 or better is the minimum grade required for state Regents credit.
