Harrison Central School District wins full K–12 IB authorization; board approves routine business

The Harrison Central School District board on Dec. 10 heard that four elementary schools were simultaneously authorized as International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme sites and that the district has achieved full K–12 IB authorization, a milestone district leaders said reflects years of work across staff, principals and families.

"There is no child in this school district that isn't an IB student," said Speaker 2, the superintendent identified in the transcript, describing the districtwide adoption of IB pedagogy and performance-based assessment. District presenters said recent visits from IB evaluators included classroom observations, teacher conferences and a student panel that showcased shifts in instruction and student agency.

Dr. Mulhall (Speaker 5), who led the presentation to the board, said the authorization visit included two IB visitors in each school who met with teachers, students and administrators and left the district with favorable impressions: teachers were preparing instruction with student agency in mind, and students used multiple modalities to show their learning. "We were notified that simultaneously, four elementary schools all became official PYP program," Dr. Mulhall said.

Principals described classroom examples they said illustrated the change: first graders co-constructing community agreements, and older elementary students completing research projects and creating three-dimensional artifacts to demonstrate learning. Speaker 3, a principal who spoke to the board, said the visitors observed that "students are comfortable being uncomfortable," a shorthand the principal used to describe increased student independence and inquiry.

A second-grade student, Louisa, read a short narrative about giving a tour to IB visitors, saying the experience left her feeling proud. "I felt so proud of myself," Louisa said.

Board members and district leaders placed the authorization in the context of a long-term strategy: the superintendent noted the initiative took roughly 25 years of work, and credited co-teaching, curricular choices (including advanced math offerings such as multivariable calculus in IB courses) and districtwide buy-in for the outcome. The board also recognized staff milestones, including the upcoming retirement of HR leader Brian Ladewig.

In addition to the IB presentation, the board approved routine business on consent: the personnel report (resignations for retirement, new assignments, temporary appointments, leaves and other personnel actions), administrative items including three student field trips (Harrison High girls basketball to Albany, debate team trips to Atlanta, GA and Fearless Hills, PA), several donations (from Parsons Memorial PTA, Anthony Caruso and the Harrison Festival Japanese Committee), and the finance and facilities items (November treasurer's report, 2025–26 appropriation transfers, approval of the 2025–26 health services rate, disposal of equipment, engineering services for a schematic parking lot expansion at Harrison High School, and a services agreement with SW BOCES).

Votes at a glance

- Motion to open the Dec. 10 regular business meeting: moved by Speaker 2, seconded; voice vote carried (approved). - Motion to recess into executive session to discuss student and contractual matters: moved and seconded; carried (approved). - Motion to reopen the regular meeting: moved by Speaker 2, seconded by Speaker 3; carried (approved). - Motion to accept the November minutes: moved and seconded; carried (approved). - Motion to approve the personnel report on consent: moved and seconded; carried (approved). - Motion to approve the administrative report on consent (field trips, donations, CSE items): moved and seconded; carried (approved). - Motion to approve the finance and facilities report on consent (treasurer's report; transfers; contracts): moved and seconded; carried (approved). - Motion to adjourn: moved and seconded; carried (approved).

The board announced the next regular meeting is scheduled for Dec. 17 at 1 p.m. at Lewis M. Klein Middle School and noted a brief special meeting will be called to accept bids. The meeting adjourned without further substantive public comment.