West Babylon Schools Receive Funds from NYSED

The West Babylon Union Free School District was the only school district in Suffolk County to be awarded grant money from the New York State Department of Education under the Strengthening Teacher and Leader Effectiveness (STLE) program.

“It is a remarkable honor to have been selected as the only district in Suffolk County to receive grant money,” said Superintendent of Schools Anthony Cacciola in a statement.  “Our students deserve teachers and administrators who will strengthen their learning experiences and support their educational needs.

"This money will allow us to better support our staff to ensure that those needs are being met as effectively as possible.”

Over the next two years, it is anticipated that the SED will award $58,612,275 to strengthen the effectiveness of teachers and leaders in public and charter schools. During the period of Nov. 1, 2012 to June 30, 2014, West Babylon Schools are slated to receive $544,250 in grant money to strengthen educator effectiveness and subsequently, student success.

The grant money awarded to the district will fund additional training, professional development and materials such as texts and iPads for teacher facilitators and administrators in support of the new Common Core Learning Standards in literacy and math, as well as the implementation of APPR evaluations. Teachers will also be trained to become Building Effectiveness Team members and facilitate professional development for colleagues so that professional growth will expand without additional cost to the district. Teacher facilitators will also receive coaching during two days of summer training funded with grant money.

STLE grants were awarded to 17 school districts and charter schools in New York State, including Freeport in Nassau County. Districts will use these funds in the implementation of their APPR plans, as well as to help recruit, develop and retain effective educators at every level.