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Top Ten of 2011: P.C. Schools Endure Road Bumps

PORT CHESTER, N.Y. - As we turn the page of 2011, the Daily Port Chester is looking back, in no particular order, at the top ten stories of the past year. Be on the lookout   as we recap and update the top stories in Port Chester in 2011.

United States Sues Port Chester School District

2011 was a year of change for the Port Chester-Rye Union Free School District. As if the addition of a new Superintendent, the institution of the 2% tax cap, and the departure of Edison School principal Dr. Ellen Santiago wasn't enough, the district also endured a lawsuit and below average test scores as well.

The lawsuit, which was filed in July, is for gender and pregnancy discrimination against former employee Patricia Bevilacqua.

Bevilacqua had been serving as the chairperson for the Committee on Special Education when she took maternity leave in 2005. Upon returning to the district in 2006 she found that her position had been given to a male employee who had been serving as the interim chairperson in her absence.

Port Chester School District's Assistant Superintendent Maura McAward would not comment on the ongoing lawsuit and investigation.

Port Chester Schools Test Below Average

Students in the Port Chester School District tested below the county average in 2011. Across the state, 64 percent of students tested at proficiency or higher for ELA and 70.1 percent for math. Port Chester averaged 57.5 percent for ELA and 60.3 for Math. Blind Brook schools averaged 82.6 percent for ELA and 89.1 for Math.

With a new superintendent in tow, the district hopes to improve on those scores. However, due to the new 2% tax cap, the district may not get the chance. For more information on how the tax cap could potentially stifle students growth view this article.

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