Kelly Whitney-Rivera, Director of Guidance and Chief Information Officer for the Valley Stream Central High School District, has been selected to be part of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures. The 40-member Commission, comprising stakeholders and education experts
from across the state, is tasked with developing graduation requirement recommendations to the Board of Regents that better serve New York’s diverse student population.
“Right now, the biggest issue with our current graduation measures is that they are not equitable,” Ms. Whitney-Rivera said. “There are too many students who struggle to meet the requirements for a variety of reasons. The purpose of this Commission is to ask whether what we are requiring from these students is reasonable.”
Ms. Whitney-Rivera was nominated for the position through her role in the New York State School Counselor’s Association (NYSSCA). The criteria for nomination include a displayed commitment to education, equity and excellence.
“It is a true honor for one of our District-wide directors to be selected to help shape our state’s graduation requirements,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Wayne Loper. “This nomination is a testament to Ms. Whitney-Rivera’s commitment to ensuring all students are given the necessary help and resources to succeed after graduation.”
Ms. Whitney-Rivera was selected to serve on the program requirements and learning experiences subcommittee of the Commission. It will meet every other month, with a draft report scheduled to be presented to the Board of Regents by Spring, 2024.
“One of our missions in education is to make sure that all students have access to a free and appropriate public education leading to a Regents Diploma. The committee’s hope is to help students overcome the barriers that stand in the way of achieving this goal.” Ms. Whtiney-Rivera said. “My hope is that I will be able to contribute to that mission, learn from other distinguished professionals from across New York along the way, and bring that knowledge home to better meet the needs of the Valley Stream Central High School District community.”
For more information about the Valley Stream Central High School District, please visit the District’s website at https://www.vschsd.org/, and like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ValleyStreamCentralHighSchoolDistrict
Director of Guidance and Chief Information Officer Kelly Whitney-Rivera.