Tuxedo schools grow in 2019 with new six enrollments

TUXEDO — Six new students enrolled in the Tuxedo School District in January. This follows the November decision by the Tuxedo Board of Education to assure the future of the George F. Baker High School.
Not long after the November vote, the Board of Education established a Strategic Planning Committee, bringing together board members, school administration, teachers, in-district and out-of-district parents, students and local government representatives.
During their initial meeting on Jan. 10, subcommittees were created to focus on four main pillars the committee believes are essential for continued growth of the schools: student life, community engagement, marketing/public relations and the fiscal health of the district.
Goals: Enrollment, excellence, maximize revenue“The committee’s primary goal will be to help the district develop strategies to increase enrollment while continuing to offer excellent programs for students,” said Committee Chair Meg Vaught. “We will strive to enhance programming utilizing available funds and maximizing resources in the most effective and efficient way by suggesting measurable goals that ensure both progress and accountability.”
The Tuxedo School District is comprised of two schools. George Grant Mason Elementary serves grades K-6 and George F. Baker High School serves grades 7-12.
Located on Route 17 in Tuxedo, NY, convenient to many commuters from Orange County, the schools are also within easy walking distance to the Tuxedo Train Station, served by Metro-North Port Jervis train line. Tuxedo has attracted non-resident students from both Orange and Rockland counties.
Class size“Tuxedo is a small district offering a unique environment to students," Superintendent Nancy Teed said. "They enjoy small class sizes, which encourage personal attention from teachers. The school size also allows students to take part in the advanced placement and extracurricular activities without the limits often found in larger schools. We continue to offer scholarships and a non-resident tuition rate that is well below other districts. We welcome non-residents to come in and explore all that Tuxedo has to offer.”
School officials also said the Tuxedo School District is preparing to offer more community-based programs and events in the future. The support of the Tuxedo community for its school district is evident, and the district would like to give back to the residents by further engaging them and providing new opportunities for all stakeholders.
Current enrollmentTotal enrollment currently for the district is 228 students.
Teed said the new students are a mix of families moving into Tuxedo and nonresident status. There were three new students enrolled in the elementary school and three new students enrolled in the high school.
"Quite often nonresident students are coming in from their home districts where they may consider their schools too large," Teed said, "and they want the smaller atmosphere that comes with individualized attention from teachers.