NYS Gives North Merrick Schools a Passing Grade

The results of the 2011 New York State Report Card were revealed at this week’s North Merrick Board of Education meeting, and it turns out that the district has received a passing grade and then some.

David Feller, superintendent of North Merrick, held a presentation where he went through points like where the district ranked among other schools in terms state assessment testing in the areas of math, English Language Arts (ELA) and science. The Report Card covers students in grades three through six throughout the New York State and breaks them down into groups based on ability level and ethnic background.

Overall, North Merrick made an impressive showing in a crowded field, achieving an overall accountability status of "good" standing in math, ELA and science for the 2011-12 school year. This was something that Feller expressed great pride in, while at the same time pointing out that he believes there is more to a quality education than just doing well in state-mandated testing.

“The results we obtained for last year were truly outstanding, not just for a local perspective, but from a county and state perspective,” he said. “But while we are glad to see these results, we do not view ourselves as a district that just does well on state assessments. We pride ourselves on having a very well-rounded program in terms of the arts and character education as well.”

The proposed 2012-13 North Merrick school budget was also recapped in preparation for next week’s budget vote, slated to take place on May 15. In its current form, the budget clocks in at a total of $27,541,000 with a tax levy of 2.45 percent; this increase is within the boundaries of the newly-established tax cap mandated by New York State.

Also taking place on May 15 is the election of school board members.

The ultimate goal of any teacher is to achieve tenure after enduring the uncertainty of the trial period that comes beforehand. At this week’s meeting, this honor was bestowed upon three such teachers of the North Merrick district. Erika Moeller, a reading teacher, and Pamela Schloss and Angela Wehrman, both teacher assistants, were all granted tenure after unanimous votes by the board of education.

Board president Alyse Middendorf personally expressed her heartfelt congratulations to all three on their new status as full-fledged teachers in the North Merrick district.

“North Merrick has consistently attracted excellent educators,” she said. “It is obvious that you are excellent, and we are very pleased to have you, and we hope we have a very long future together.”

The next meeting of the North Merrick board of education is scheduled for June 12 at 8 p.m.

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