New Ro Schools Form Violence Task Force, Hires Expert To Head It

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The New Rochelle schools Board of Education has formed a task force on reducing violence and has chosen an education expert with 25 years of experience to head it. The board created the independent Task Force On Reducing Violence in the Lives of Children and Youth. Dr. Jonathan Brice, whose experience includes working in the U.S. Department of Education, has signed a contract to head the Task Force until its mandate is completed, likely mid- to late-April.

The Task Force is one of several initiatives the district and city have implemented and continue to put in place following the violent incidents involving New Rochelle High School students last month.

Brice’s experience as a teacher, school leader and district administrator in six large public school districts makes him uniquely qualified to lead this effort, a spokesman for the district said. He currently serves as the associate superintendent for student and family support and engagement for Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland.

He also brings a national perspective, having served as deputy assistant secretary in the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education for U.S. Department of Education. In this role, he provided leadership in programming in several areas, including bullying prevention. He also helped the department launch its Family and Community Engagement Framework and strategy, and served as a team member for the president’s My Brother’s Keeper Initiative.

Brice’s fee is $12,000 and will be paid from grants, not taxpayer funds, according to a district spokesman.

“Dr. Brice’s background makes him uniquely suited to take on this important role,” said Board of Education President Rachel Relkin. “With his appointment, the task force is well-positioned to fulfill its mission to reduce violence among youth in New Rochelle and make our community a better place for every student.”

With Dr. Brice’s appointment, the Task Force will be established in the coming days and is expected to consist of 25 to 30 members. The Task Force will bring together the city, social services, non-profit and faith-based organizations, law enforcement, community members and the schools, including students. While some positions must be reserved for specific designees from various agencies, several seats will be filled from among applicants in the community, district officials said.

The Task Force will examine how conditions, policies and practices of the school district and the city impact student safety on and off campus. According to school officials, it will make specific recommendations for how to reduce bullying and violence in the lives of children and youth, ensure a safe, nurturing learning environment and strengthen the safety of New Rochelle schools and the surrounding community.

For members of the community interested in joining the Task Force, the district has established an online form through which they can apply.

“We’re looking for volunteers who are willing to make the commitment and are passionate about reducing youth violence in New Rochelle,” Relkin said.

In addition to participation from City and School officials, Dr. Brice will select Task Force members with an effort to include diverse perspectives — including law enforcement, parents, school representatives and students, city representatives, and non-profit organizations. Final selections will be announced on Feb. 22, and the first Task Force meeting will occur by the end of February.

Photo caption: Dr. Jonathan Brice. Photo credit: Submitted by the City School District of New Rochelle.