Dear Malverne School District Community,

As Superintendent of Schools, I believe one of the most important responsibilities of our school district is to maintain an open and ongoing dialogue with the community we serve. Our schools are an integral part of Malverne, and the perspectives, experiences, and ideas of our residents are an important part of helping us continue to move our district forward.

With that in mind, I am pleased to invite both long standing and newer members of our community to participate in an expanded Superintendent’s Advisory Committee.

The committee will serve as an in-person community forum where residents can come together to learn more about our schools and engage in meaningful conversations about the direction of the district. It will provide an opportunity for community members to share their thoughts, ask questions, offer suggestions, and provide input about the issues and opportunities that are important to them.

At our meetings, we will also share information about:

• Our schools and students – accomplishments, challenges, initiatives, and areas of focus;
• Academic programs and opportunities – including new and existing programs designed to support student success;
• District priorities and goals – and the work being undertaken to strengthen our schools;
• The district budget and finances – including the factors that influence our budget, financial challenges, and how resources are allocated; and
• Future initiatives and opportunities – providing community members with an opportunity to learn about and contribute to discussions before decisions are made.

This expanded committee is intended to bring together a broad cross-section of our community. Whether you have lived in the Malverne School District for decades, recently moved into the community, have children currently attending our schools, have children who have graduated, or simply have an interest in the future of our school district, your voice is welcome.

Our goal is not simply to provide information, but to create a forum for two-way communication. We want to hear what our community values, what questions you have, what you believe we are doing well, and where you believe there are opportunities for improvement. We also hope that by sharing more information about our schools, programs, and finances, we can foster a greater understanding of the work being done on behalf of our students and the decisions that shape our district.

I hope you will consider joining us for our first meeting of the school year on October 6^th at 6pm at the Malverne High School auditorium. A strong school district is built through a strong partnership between our schools and the community, and that partnership is strengthened when we listen to one another, share information openly, and work together toward a common goal.

We look forward to seeing you, and we hope you will be part of the conversation.

Sincerely,

Dr. Maria L. Rianna
Superintendent of Schools