PCSD Board and District Goals

We commit to cultivating a thriving Pawling school community where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered. By fostering a culture of trust and collaboration among our leadership, faculty, staff, service providers, and community partners, we aim to create an inclusive and affirming environment that supports every student and promotes a profound sense of belonging.

• Enhance professional learning for recreation leaders and monitors for positive conflict resolution and inclusive recess management
• Provide information for families and enhance professional learning for staff on strengths, needs, and rights of neurodiverse students, as well as strategies for support of all students in an inclusive environment
• Enhance student voice and agency across initiatives
• Continue to expand restorative practices to complement traditional disciplinary procedures

We aspire to ignite a passion for learning by developing an innovative, dynamic curriculum that inspires students to become critical thinkers, innovative problem solvers, culturally competent, socially-emotionally competent, effective communicators, and global citizens. We intend to empower every student to pursue their passions and achieve their fullest potential through diverse and personalized learning experiences, tailored support systems and strategic partnerships. By promoting mental health, enhancing participation in co- and extracurricular activities, and integrating social-emotional learning, we’ll work to ensure that every student thrives. Finally, robust community partnerships, alumni networks, and real-world applications will expand STEAM and career opportunities, preparing our students for future success.

• Revamp existing academic intervention and instructional support team processes into a comprehensive, multi-tiered system of support for academic and social and emotional learning and growth
• Align curriculum development and review to Blue Ribbon Commission recommendations including the portrait components, CRSE framework, performance-based learning and assessment, and exploration of internship opportunities
• Enhance understanding of identity and diversity to build cultural competence and affirm students and families
• Enhance student understanding of fairness and justice while providing curricular opportunities for civic engagement and collective action
• Continue to review K-3 literacy practices and align with evidence-based strategies
• Support all elementary instructional staff with high quality professional learning across literacy instruction and support
• Enhance the work of literacy coaches through comprehensive training and clarity of expectations to all stakeholders
• Sustain our robust field trip opportunities and raise expectations for new curricular student opportunities across grades and subjects

We believe in the transformative power of community engagement. Our aim is to foster a dynamic educational ecosystem through open, respectful, and proactive dialogue with all stakeholders. We will foster a collaborative community environment that furthers the goal of empowering student success by being proactive with district communications and leveraging available media, to make information accessible and advocacy impactful to drive innovation and educational reform.

• Update the PCSD Vision through a comprehensive process engaging the entire community
• Maintain advocacy efforts in support of public education, including engaging all communities in Blue Ribbon Commission recommendations and the Portrait of a Learner
• Continue to enhance quality and timeliness of communication from schools, departments, and programs
• Migrate to a more robust community engagement platform

We commit to exemplary stewardship of our financial and human resources that builds a sustainable and environmentally responsible community. By hiring, supporting and retaining a best-in-class, culturally proficient and highly skilled workforce, formalizing best practices in facilities and maintenance, and ensuring that public education is well funded, we will sustain and enhance our campuses and educational programs.  This requires enhanced support of our employees, development of a budget that aligns with our district’s priorities and community needs, and making financially sound decisions that uphold our standards of excellence.

• Complete on-time negotiations with the Pawling Congress of Teachers that are mutually beneficial to the members, the District, and the taxpayers while continuing to enhance student experiences
• Enhance staff cultural competence and expertise through professional learning aligned to the Portrait of a Learner
• Identify and budget for additional universally designed and inclusive playground equipment
• Continue to assess programs for rider and vehicle location for district transportation and explore integration with other support functions such as food service
• Implement new maintenance and work order system
• Enhance District Office environment with effective air conditioning, carpet, paint, and regular cleaning
• Substantially complete phase 2 of the Capital Project; bid phase 4 of the capital project
• Maintain and enhance advocacy efforts related to school funding