Patch Recap: Highlights from the December Meeting of Valley Stream Central District Board of Education

The Board of Education for the Valley Stream Central High School District (V.S.C.H.S.D) held its monthly business meeting Wednesday night at Memorial Junior High School. Members of the Board and parents recognized the high achievements of students, addressed concerns from the public and bid farewell to the current superintendent.

Recognitions of AP Scholars

One of the most difficult tests a high school student can take is the AP or Advanced Placement Exams. These tests are designed by professors from the College Board and are graded by college professors. If a student performs well on these exams, they are eligible to receive college credit while still in high school.

While many people take these AP Exams, there are a limited amount of students that go on to become AP Scholars. Superintendent Dr. Marc Breinstein explained to parents that to become an AP Scholar a student must score a 3 or higher on at least three AP exams, which are graded on a 0-to-5 scale.

Breinstein proudly announced that as of June 2010 there were 214 AP Scholars in the Valley Stream Central High School District, a 25 percent increase from five years ago.

These results echo the district's goal to challenge each student to their maximum capacity.

Sixteen students from Valley Stream North High School, where many Malverne residents are enrolled, received AP Scholar awards from Assistant Principal David Trizano. Some students from North also received the AP Scholar with Honor award, which is bestowed to students who receive a 3.25 average for all their AP exams and earn at least a 3 on four or more of the tests.  One student received the AP Scholar with Distinction title for earning an average of 3.5 or higher on all exams taken and at least on 3 on five exams.

Recognitions like the AP Scholar awards demonstrate the hard work of the teachers and students in the Valley Stream Central High School District work. "I am very proud of all the students," Breinstein said.

The Farewell of the Superintendent

After seven years of service to the district, Superintendent Marc Breinstein will be retiring. Breinstein originally came into the district as an interim-superintendent for six months, however, it lasted longer than expected. The Board of Education was so impressed with Breinstein's work that they offered him a contract.

Breinstein said he was happy to serve as superintendent for the school district and accepted a plaque from the board members, who thanked him for his dedication and service.

As Breinstein leaves the V.S.C.H.S.D on Dec. 16, Dr. Thomas Torisi will replace him as the acting superintendent until Jan. 3, 2011, when an interim superintendent will be appointed. Robert Moarse from the Bethpage High School District has been selected for this position.

The district has hired a company to find a new superintendent. Board President Kenneth Cummings explained that the board would discuss the qualities they are looking for in a superintendent and would then seek the public's opinion. The district has hired School Leadership, LLC to conduct the search and will pay them $16,000.

A parent expressed concern about this price and questioned if this was a necessary expense during a time then there are many budget cuts. Board Vice President Jeanne Greco Jacobs explained to the parents present that they need this company's expertise, because they know who and where to go to find the right superintendent for the district.

In other news, the Board of Education also approved new courses for the 2011-2012 school year at the meeting, including AP Art History, Sports Markets, Internet Sales and Entrepreneurship, and College Marketing.

Continue to check Patch for more coverage of the Valley Stream Central High School District and Valley Stream School District 13 and its impact on Malverne residents.