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Curriculum & Instructional Services 29
PROFILES IN SUCCESS: Christine Drysdale
Christine Drysdale is on her second career. Or perhaps, more accurately, her third. And BOCES is playing a valuable part in ensuring it’s a success.
A former corporate communications professional, Drysdale turned to education when her three children were young. She obtained a master’s in education and became an English Language Arts teacher at Somers Middle School, and later, the high school. When the school was working toward its International Baccalaureate certification, Drysdale was invited to open and run a college-style writing center, adjacent to the school library, to help students develop the necessary writing skills.
Proximity to the library sparked another interest, and "I realized that library science might be my next venture," she says. "But it probably wouldn’t have happened without BOCES." To shore up the shortage of qualified school librarians, BOCES was sponsoring a cohort of library media specialists through Long Island University with a 25% discount. It was a timely opportunity for Drysdale: two years later she was the Somers High School library media specialist and the district’s K–12 library curriculum leader.
The function of a high school library today is a far cry from the quiet reading space equipped with rows of book stacks of just 15 years ago. Drysdale says that her job involves much more than to ensuring a robust book collection. It’s more about "minding the gap," as she puts it. "Every school is different, and every school has gaps – between the classroom and home, between subjects," she explains. The library is so many things: It’s a place to get work done, to help students manage their workload, assist with printing, provide project supplies, and research support. Above all, she strives to help students develop their love of reading, gain confidence in accessing information, while always trying to move them toward independence.
All of these efforts are bettered with dialogue and the sharing of best practices with other librarians. That’s another place where BOCES comes in.
Drysdale is a regular attendee at the BOCES Library Media and Resource Professionals meetings, where she finds the connections and networking opportunities invaluable. "I think I learned as much in those meetings as in my college coursework," she says. Two of those connections were Mahopac High School librarian Dara Berkwits, and Putnam Valley High School librarian Marifran DeMaine, who both became valuable mentors.
In-person monthly meetings turned virtual during COVID-19, and morphed into more casual weekly check-ins. "These have been wonderful," says Drysdale. "Librarians are usually so isolated, because they are typically the only one in their building, and the weekly connections are fabulous. In addition to sharing ideas and best practices, we feel we’re part of the professional community. The ability to talk to other librarians validates what we do. And, of course, when we hit a challenge we know we are not alone."
MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Shared services such as School Communications, Regional Safety Services and Cooperative Bidding, among others, enable districts to cost effectively participate in exceptional programs and services.
JAMES M. RYAN, Ed.D.
DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT | CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER jryan@pnwboces.org (914) 248-2302
LYNN ALLEN, Ed.D.
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT
lallen@pnwboces.org (914) 248-2310 TODD CURRIE
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT FOR BUSINESS
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT
lriolo@pnwboces.org (914) 248-2304
MANAGEMENT SERVICES
JAMES M. RYAN, Ed.D., DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT, JRYAN@PNWBOCES.ORG (914) 248-2302 LYNN ALLEN, Ed.D., ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT, LALLEN@PNWBOCES.ORG (914) 248-2310 LOUIS T. RIOLO, ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT, LRIOLO@PNWBOCES.ORG (914) 248-2304
COORDINATION OF REGIONAL SERVICES Upon request, the District Superintendent and/or his designees will consult with chief school administrators and local boards on issues such as planning, board-administrator relations, mergers, adjustment of school boundaries and/or any other relevant issues.
COORDINATION/INTERCESSION WITH STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT (SED) The District Superintendent will assist local districts in clarifying matters of law and regulations and in facilitating better communication between New York State Education Department and component districts.
RECRUITMENT SERVICE The District Superintendent and his designees may assist local school districts in recruitment and selection of chief school administrators. THE CHIEF SCHOOL
ADMINISTRATORS ASSOCIATION The Chief School Administrators Association meets monthly and BOCES provides support services such as coordination, agenda development, researching, arranging professional development activities, retreats and any other tasks designed to assist superintendents in their leadership work. SCHOOL BUSINESS
ADMINISTRATORS ASSOCIATION Monthly meetings are scheduled with an agenda of topics crucial to the application of school business management. BOCES provides the necessary coordination and communication to assist business officials in their roles. Regional meetings are also held during the year with districts in southern Westchester and Rockland counties.