Beacon - Almost directly across from Dr. Fern Aefsky’s desk hangs what appears to be a very simple poster. Engraved in blue lettering and surrounded by yellow stars, it reads, "Our kids are worth whatever it takes." This short phrase is anything but simple to the new Beacon City School District Superintendent, who not only glances at the potent seven words, but lives by them each and every day.
Aefsky, who is amongst the recent growing ranks of women school superintendents (about 25% exist in New York State), had been pursuing the Beacon position since its opening, two years ago. Residing within its school system, she felt a special connection to and belief in its school system.
"I have always loved small cities," said Aefsky, who worked as an Assistant Superintendent in the Poughkeepsie City School District for three years. "Beacon has a lot of diversity and opportunities to really get children to where they want to go."
Aefsky herself wants to be as involved as much as possible in that journey. Pointing to good listening skills, along with a keen ability to "agree to disagree," the 30 year education veteran, has been working diligently to make parent and community involvement a priority. A Parent Involvement Committee through The Parent University Program is in the works. "Communication is the real key," stressed Aefsky.
She also wants to build upon some of the already strong school and community partnerships, an integral part of students’ success. Aefsky is hoping some of those unions can lead to a type of job co-op program, where students can earn high school credits while working.
"We really want to work on increasing the post-high school choices for students," said Aefsky, who also pointed to the heightened security measures (identification badges being upgraded), along with positive school culture and environment (consistency of rule enforcement) being established at the high school. "These opportunities can include college, but they might also include the military or work, regardless, we need to prepare students to handle the challenges of a global community."
Aefsky has show her ability to overcome. An elementary teacher for six years as well as professor of education, she has held an array of positions for over two decades on the administrative level. Most recently, she was School Superintendent for the Hudson School District for the past two years, where she astutely proved her ability to collaborate with several different groups, while raising academic standards, implementing new programs and truly making a difference. It’s that energy and positiveness that she is hoping to bring to Beacon.
"I want to help kids understand that it’s okay to get to where you want to go, regardless of how you get there," explained Aefsky. "There needs to be expectations and accountability for all people involved in the learning process, but there is not one way for every kid to get to that place he or she wants to go." The new City of Beacon School Superintendent added, "It’s my job to lead by helping find the resources and to be flexible enough to help make these goals happen.
In the meantime, as much as Aefsky enjoys researching, planning and implementing educational strategies and liaisons, her true passion remains with the children.
"I love children, all children, and feel each one has something special to offer," smiled Aefsky, who plans on being a regular, visible presence in each of the school buildings. "The best part of this job is getting to meet all of the people I am working with, especially the children."
