A new school year also brings a new M-W schools chief

Ed Mehrhof begins his tenure expecting settlement soon with teachers union, By Nancy Kriz CENTRAL VALLEY - For the last nine weeks, as students and teachers have been busy enjoying their summer break from classes, Ed Mehrhof, the new superintendent for the Monroe-Woodbury School District, has been busy, too. Since he officially took the reins as superintendent of the 7,600-student district this past July 1, Mehrhof’s schedule has been a full one (administrators, principals and some staff work throughout the summer), and includes some announcements and decisions that might catch some by surprise. During the summer months, he’s overseen the district’s $12.1 million energy conservation project in its seven schools. In these last few days before school starts, crews are completing work. And as expected, Mehrhof has also been working with district administrators, principals and staff to ensure everything is in place in all schools for opening day on Sept. 2. But next Wednesday, during the district’s first Superintendent’s Conference Day, held the day before school opens, Mehrhof will announce to faculty that a tentative contract agreement has been reached with the district and its teachers union. “We’ve worked on the nuts and bolts of this over the summer,” said Mehrhof, who declined to discuss specifics until Ray Hodges, Monroe-Woodbury Teachers Association president, presents the details to union membership on Sept.1. “I didn’t want to start my superintendency with an open contract.” A vote is set for Friday, Sept. 3 and Mehrhof is hopeful it will be ratified. Additionally, with Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Carole O’Neill retiring on Aug.31 as part of an early retirement incentive option offered through New York State Teachers’ Retirement System, Mehrhof has made the decision to take over her responsibilities at least until the end of year, if not longer. “As a cost savings measure, I’ll be assuming this position during the next several months and possibly the year,” said Mehrhof. He won’t do it alone. During that time frame, Mehrhof added, he’ll have assistance with elementary level instruction responsibilities from Charlene Kelemen, principal of Sapphire Elementary School. Elsie Rodriguez, middle school principal, will assist with secondary level instruction responsibilities. ‘A part of this community’ Mehrhof, a 1978 graduate of Monroe-Woodbury High School, said he always felt a strong bond to the district, even when he worked elsewhere. “I do feel like I am home,” said Mehrhof. “I feel like I’m a part of this community. I am so committed to Monroe-Woodbury that my wife and I are going to be purchasing a home in the district. Our house went on the market over the summer. As soon as it’s sold, we’ll be buying. In the meantime, we’re looking to rent here. It’s important for the superintendent to be living in this district.” But at the forefront of his agenda is the education of district students. “I had a meeting the other day with newly hired teachers and they asked me what my education philosophy was,” said Mehrhof. “I told them the reason we exist here is to love our children, to protect our children and to educate our children. That’s what it’s all about.” Mehrhof referenced the recent decision by New York State education officials to recalibrate the results of the standardized tests taken this past spring, which they said will essentially lower passing grades and rates statewide. Harvard researchers found New York State exams have become even easier in comparison with national exams. “Our youngsters took the test and did well,” he said. “But we must improve our scores. We are going to have to raise the bar and set the bar higher. That’s our main challenge and I love a challenge.” Mehrhof spoke of enhanced staff development efforts which will focus on individualized instruction methods. “I really think our teachers do such a great job with the kids,” he said. “You’re going to see teachers so well-focused that they will have individualized lesson plans for each child to fit the needs of all children.” ‘More with less’ Aside from test scores, Mehrhof also stressed the importance of well-rounded educational opportunities. “There are other intelligences,” he said. “It’s not just academics. There’s the person who can hit a ball coming at him at 90 miles per hour with a bat, and the person who can take a paper and pencil and create a beautiful portrait or the person who can create music with an instrument.” Then, there’s the challenge of how to pay for education in light of New York State’s ongoing fiscal crisis. “This is a major concern,” said Mehrhof, who is an advocate of zero-based budgeting and reminded taxpayers the district prepares its budget using that methodology. “Last year, we lost $3.5 million in state aid. I expect further cuts in state aid. The paradigm has shifted. We must depend on the community to support the school district, not Albany, not Washington, D.C.” And Mehrhof knows district taxpayers are watching how he and the Board of Education are addressing the economics of paying for education. “That’s the challenge for our board and community,” he added. “We’ve been managing but we’re asked to do more with less.” ‘Steel sharpens steel’ Mehrhof said students and parents can expect to see him on a regular event at different district events, and he’s looking forward to building relationships with everyone. ”I’d like people to know that I’m very approachable,” said Mehrhof. “I’m a people person and I have an open door policy. We have a common cause and interest … the education of your children.” Mehrhof knows, like any superintendent, he has critics. He understands their passion. “I do not mind people questioning or criticizing,” he said. “Steel sharpens steel. I believe ‘give and take’ makes us smarter to solve the problem. That’s what we’re here for. We want people to be concerned. After all, you’re advocates for your children. I come to work here every day … and I expect everyone coming to work every day… to be the best advocates for our children.”

I had a meeting the other day with newly hired teachers and they asked me what my education philosophy was. I told them the reason we exist here is to love our children, to protect our children and to educate our children. That’s what it’s all about.” Ed Mehrhof, the new superintendent for the Monroe-Woodbury School District

There are other intelligences. It’s not just academics. There’s the person who can hit a ball coming at him at 90 miles per hour with a bat, and the person who can take a paper and pencil and create a beautiful portrait or the person who can create music with an instrument.” Ed Mehrhof, the new superintendent for the Monroe-Woodbury School District

A huge school district
As of July 1, Ed Mehrhof, the new Monroe-Woodbury School District superintendent, is responsible for:
$147.75 million budget for the 2010-2011 school year
A staff of 800, including 582 teachers
Seven schools with 7,600 students
High School: 2,483 students
Middle School: 1,680 students
Grades 2-5
Central Valley Elementary: 733 students
North Main Elementary: 579 students
Pine Tree Elementary: 929 students
Grades K-1
Sapphire Elementary: 383 students
Smith Clove Elementary: 677 students
Plus 131 students through BOCES
Source: The Monroe-Woodbury School District administrative office and its Web site